Debunking Working From Home Self-Care Myths

Working from home comes with its own unique set of challenges. For many of us, the blurred boundaries between work and personal life can make practising self-care feel like one more task on an already overwhelming to-do list. On top of that, social media feeds are flooded with advice on how to “nail” self-care while working remotely - advice that often feels focused more on aesthetics than actual well-being.

If you're a remote worker or a female entrepreneur who's health-conscious and looking to truly prioritise your well-being, you might be falling for some common self-care myths. These are the kind of misconceptions that leave us feeling more drained than energised, despite our best intentions.

We're here to debunk these myths and help you refocus on what really works. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to care for yourself effectively while working from home - and what self-care myths you should leave behind.

Myth 1: Self-Care Means Long Bubble Baths and Face Masks

The Truth:

While a luxurious bath or a face mask can be relaxing, self-care isn’t about picture-perfect rituals. True self-care involves actions that support your physical, mental and emotional well-being. It can look like setting boundaries around your work hours, saying no to things that drain your energy, or simply taking time to eat nourishing meals rather than skipping lunch at your desk.

Reframe Your Thinking:

Think of self-care as less about indulgence and more about sustenance. For instance, allocate 10–15 minutes in your day to something restorative, like taking a quick walk outside or practising deep breathing exercises. These small, consistent acts of care can have a far more lasting impact on your well-being than waiting for a special spa night.

Actionable Tip:

Set a daily self-care non-negotiable, no matter how small. Whether it’s starting the day with journaling or ending it with 5 minutes of gratitude, prioritise actions that recharge you.

Myth 2: Productivity Equals Self-Worth

The Truth:

When your home is also your office, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling that you need to “earn” your downtime. But self-care shouldn’t be a reward for getting everything on your to-do list done - it’s an essential part of staying balanced and productive in the first place.

Overworking yourself may lead to burnout, which ultimately reduces your ability to perform well in both your personal and professional life. True productivity comes from working smarter, not harder, and acknowledging your worth beyond output.

Actionable Tip:

Use the “Pomodoro Technique” to break your work into manageable chunks (e.g., 25-minute focus sessions followed by 5-minute breaks). During breaks, resist the temptation to check emails or scroll on social media. Instead, stand up, stretch, or hydrate - your mind and body will thank you.

Myth 3: Self-Care Can Wait Until the Weekend

The Truth:

Believing you’ll finally have time to care for yourself once Saturday rolls around is wishful thinking. By the time the weekend hits, you’re more likely to feel drained and stressed, making it harder to focus on your well-being.

Self-care isn’t an item to tick off your list once everything else is done; it’s something that needs to be woven into your everyday life. Waiting until the weekend reduces consistency, which is key to real results.

Actionable Tip:

Introduce “micro-self-care moments” throughout the workday. Brew your favourite tea, light a scented candle while working, or pause for 30 seconds to look out the window and practise mindful breathing. These mini-reset moments can make all the difference.

Myth 4: More Screen Time = More Connection

The Truth:

Zoom calls, Slack channels and endless emails can make it feel like you’re “connected” to others but digital communication doesn’t always equate to genuine connection. And while social media may seem like a good way to unwind, too much scrolling can leave you feeling isolated or drained.

What remote work often lacks is face-to-face, soul-nourishing interaction. If your self-care routine revolves solely around screens, you might be neglecting your deeper need for human connection.

Actionable Tip:

Schedule one in-person social interaction each week. Whether it’s a coffee date with a friend, a group fitness class, or volunteering, physically engaging with others can help balance the remote work lifestyle. If in-person isn’t possible, opt for meaningful 1-1 phone calls with loved ones.

Myth 5: Task-Hopping Boosts Your Productivity

The Truth:

Some people believe that switching between tasks quickly - also known as multitasking - allows them to get more done in less time. However, studies have shown that task-hopping drains cognitive energy and reduces productivity. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied by the end of the day, making it harder to wind down or focus on meaningful self-care.

Actionable Tip:

Follow a single-tasking approach by grouping similar tasks and dedicating specific blocks of time to them. For instance, handle all emails from 10–11 am, then move on to creative work. This focused approach not only improves efficiency but also leaves you with clearer mental headspace to fully enjoy downtime.

Myth 6: A Dedicated Workspace Solves Everything

The Truth:

While having a dedicated workspace is important, it's not the be-all and end-all of working from home productively. Factors like ergonomics, lighting, and clutter management play a huge role in how your environment affects your mental and physical health.

A poorly designed workspace can lead to issues like back pain or lack of focus, no matter how much you try to stay “in the zone." Self-care involves optimising your space, not just setting it aside.

Actionable Tip:

Take some time this week to check three things:

1. Ergonomics – Is your workspace set up to reduce strain on your neck, shoulders, and back?

2. Lighting – Does natural or soft lighting make your workspace feel calming and energising?

3. Clutter – Remove items you don’t need daily to create a clean, inspiring atmosphere.

Making even small adjustments to these areas can significantly enhance your working day.

Prioritising Real Self-Care While Working From Home

Debunking these myths is just the beginning. It's now time to implement meaningful, personalised self-care practices into your routine. Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be dramatic or Instagram-worthy to be effective.

Focus on consistent, small actions that make a real difference in your physical, mental and emotional well-being. And most importantly, avoid falling for the myth that self-care is selfish - because the best version of you is what everyone around you truly benefits from.

Take the Next Step Towards Wellness

If you’re ready to take your mindfulness and self-care to the next level, consider joining an online wellness community or working with a professional coach. These resources can provide guidance tailored to your needs and keep you accountable on your well-being journey.

Start small, start simple, but most importantly - start!