8 Self-Care Sunday Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Self-care is one of those buzzwords that everyone seems to be talking about these days, especially when it comes to Sundays. But there are a lot of misconceptions out there about what self-care really is and how it should look.

Trust me, I’ve been there too—feeling like I have to do all the “right” things to make my self-care routine feel legit. But self-care doesn’t have to be perfect, expensive, or complicated to be effective.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the expectations around self-care Sundays, Saturdays, weekends etc you’re not alone.

I’ve put together some of the most common myths about self-care that you need to stop believing, plus some easy ways to simplify your self care routine so it actually feels good for you. Ready to get real about it? Let’s dive in!

Myth #1: Self-Care Sundays Should Be Expensive

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and seen those lavish self-care Sundays that look like they cost a fortune, I get it. It can be easy to think that self-care is all about buying the fancy skincare products or booking a spa treatment. But here’s the truth: self-care doesn’t need to be expensive at all.

You don’t have to break the bank to practice self-care. In fact, some of the best self-care activities are completely free! You could start by lighting a candle, curling up with a good book, or going for a peaceful walk outside.

If you’re looking for more free or budget-friendly ideas, check out 12 Self-Care Sunday Activities That Will Soothe Your Soul for simple things that won’t cost a dime but will leave you feeling completely refreshed.

Myth #2: You Have to Spend Hours on Your Routine

Another myth that a lot of us fall for is the idea that self-care needs to be a huge time commitment. Let’s be honest, sometimes you barely have an hour to yourself on most days—let alone hours to indulge in a full-blown self-care ritual.

The truth? You can absolutely practice self-care in 20-30 minutes, or even less if that’s all you have. It’s not about how much time you spend, it’s about the quality of what you’re doing.

Whether it’s journaling, stretching, or a quick meditation, these small, intentional moments can make all the difference.

If you need ideas for a quick yet meaningful Sunday routine, check out How to Make Every Sunday a Self-Care Sunday Without Overthinking It for tips on simplifying your routine.

Myth #3: Self-Care is Only About Physical Relaxation

When we think of self-care, it’s easy to assume it’s all about pampering our bodies—luxurious baths, skincare routines, and massages. But let’s be real: self-care is so much more than physical relaxation.

True self-care is also about nourishing your mind and emotions. Mental health is just as important, and taking time to relax your mind is just as crucial. Journaling, mindfulness, or even just reflecting on your week can be incredibly healing.

If you’re looking for a way to reset your mental state, check out 20 Self-Care Sunday Journal Prompts for a Mindful Reset for journaling ideas that help you reflect and recharge.

Myth #4: You Need to Follow a Specific Routine

One of the biggest myths I’ve come across is the belief that there’s only one “right” way to do self-care. Let me be clear: there’s no perfect formula for how to spend your self-care hour or day. What works for one person might not work for you—and that’s totally okay.

If you feel like you’re trying to follow a specific routine just because it’s trendy or because others are doing it, take a step back. Self-care is all about doing what feels good for you.

You don’t need to stick to a rigid schedule. For more ideas on how to create a routine that’s uniquely yours, check out 15 Self-Care Sunday Ideas to Recharge Your Energy for inspiration.

Myth #5: You Should Feel Completely Refreshed After Every Self-Care Sunday

Here’s another myth that might be holding you back: thinking that every self-care session has to leave you feeling 100% energized, calm, and renewed. Sometimes you might still feel a little off or tired, and that’s okay! Self care is about gradual progress, not instant transformation.

Even if you don’t feel completely refreshed after your Sunday routine, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t effective. In fact, some of the best self-care practices—like meditation or journaling—are things that help you build resilience over time.

So, don’t pressure yourself to feel perfect after every session. For a balanced, effective Sunday routine that doesn’t leave you stressed out, check out What to Do on Self-Care Sunday for simple, stress-free activities.

Myth #6: You Need to Be Alone to Practice Self-Care

Here’s one that might surprise you: self-care doesn’t have to be a solo experience. We often think of self-care as something that requires alone time, but that’s not always true. If you enjoy spending time with loved ones, you can absolutely incorporate them into your Sunday routine.

Maybe that means cooking a healthy meal together or going for a walk with your partner or friend. Sharing self-care moments can be just as fulfilling as solo activities.

If you’re interested in some self-care practices you can share with others, check out 9 Self-Care Sunday Evening Tips to End Your Day Right, where I share evening rituals that can be done with those close to you.

Myth #7: You Have to Do Everything at Once

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your self-care Sunday needs to be a marathon of activities: yoga, journaling, skincare, exercise, cooking, the list goes on! But just know that you don’t need to do everything all at once.

In fact, trying to pack everything into one day can leave you feeling more stressed than when you started.

The key is to find what resonates most with you and build your routine around that. You can start small and gradually add more activities as you get comfortable.

Need some ideas to get started? Take a look at 8 Easy Self-Care Sunday Beauty Routines to Try Now for some effortless beauty routines that don’t take up your whole day.

Myth #8: Self-Care is Selfish

Finally, let’s talk about the most damaging myth: that self-care is selfish. I’ve heard so many people say they feel guilty about taking time for themselves, but here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, taking time for yourself actually makes you better equipped to show up for others.

When you practice self-care, you’re replenishing your energy and nurturing your mental health, which helps you be more present and loving in your relationships.

So, don’t feel guilty for prioritizing your well-being. If you want to learn how to embrace self-care without the guilt, check out Self-Care Sunday for Beginners Who Don’t Know Where to Start to help you build a routine that’s all about balance.

There you have it—8 myths about self-care Sundays that are totally worth debunking. The truth is, self-care is personal, flexible, and doesn’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. Whether it’s a solo ritual, a quick and simple routine, or something shared with loved ones, self-care is about doing what feels right for you.

So, forget about perfection, expensive products, and rigid schedules. Instead, focus on finding what nurtures your mind, body, and soul. And remember, self-care is a journey, not a destination. Keep it simple, keep it real, and most importantly—keep it all about YOU.

If you want more tips and ideas to help you create your best self-care Sundays, check out the other posts in this series. Whether you’re looking for easy activities or journal prompts, there’s something here for every kind of Sunday routine.