Self-Care vs. Escapism: Refueling or Running on Empty?
Briefly

Escapism and self-care appear similar yet fundamentally differ in intent and outcome. Escapism involves avoiding problems through distractions, leading to feelings of stress and disconnection. When escapism becomes a habit, emotions and responsibilities pile up, resulting in guilt. Conversely, self-care focuses on addressing personal needs and fostering well-being. It produces feelings of grounding and connection. Recognizing the difference is crucial, as intentional daily choices can move behaviors from mere escapism to meaningful self-care actions that promote overall health and clarity.
The difference between escapism and self-care lies in the intent behind the activity and how one feels afterward.
Too much escapism can cause feelings of stress, disconnection, and guilt as tasks and emotions remain unresolved.
Self-care involves actively checking in with oneself to support well-being, leading to a sense of grounding and connectedness.
Intentional daily choices can shift habits from focus on escaping to prioritizing genuine self-care practices.
Read at Psychology Today
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