Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It

ADVERTISEMENT

Self-care is important to our mental, emotional, and physical health. But somewhere down the road, it has become a mere buzzword.

Content creators are teaching us about morning meditation, daily journaling, the ideal bedtime, practicing gratitude, walking, sugar detoxes, caffeine detoxes, digital detoxes—seriously, how many forms of detoxes?—and businesses are selling bath bombs, essential oils, mindfulness apps, fitness trackers, aromatherapy diffusers, weighted blankets, stress-relief candles, ambient sound machines, massage guns…

Don't get me wrong; none of these things are bad per se. It's just that consumerism has taken over what was supposed to be a personal and meaningful habit, and now we're being led to believe that we have to buy into the latest fad if we want to stay well.

So Reddit user Kendraxquinn asked people to list widespread self-care trends that they think are actually toxic. And they responded. Below, you will find some of the most popular entries and a chat we had with psychologist Lindsay Staples in between them!

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Toxic positivity.

"Your own thinking is the cause for all your hardships. Just think positive and all your problems will go away. If they don't, you're not thinking positive enough."

Congratulations, now people going through true hardships that have no or no easy solutions feel a giant amount of guilt on top of it.

onesmilematters , The Lazy Artist Gallery / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

132points

Tor-Arne Hjellen 3 months ago

This!

27points

View More Replies...

View more comments

"The term 'self-care' started out as a gentle reminder to treat yourself as human, and has become a superficial prescription for a narrow list of activities that don't do much to actually solve our problems," Lindsay Staples, PhD, who provides individual therapy for adults exclusively by telehealth to maximize accessibility and convenience, told Bored Panda.

"My job as a psychologist is hard sometimes. I absolutely need to take care of myself, but if one more person suggests I just take a bubble bath, I'm going to throw something."

#2

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Letting your children do a beauty regime. 9 year olds do not need to exfoliate, use night cream and day serum, and beg their mommie to spend $50 on special face potions and silk pillowcases

Slap some sunscreen and a big hat on them, and keep them the f**k off social media.

bugwrench , Kampus Production / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

129points

Alewa 3 months ago

Tbh nobody NEEDS that.

31points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#3

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Any kind of “cleanse”. That’s what your liver and kidneys do.

gothiclg , Alisha Mishra / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

101points

Gavin Johnson 3 months ago

Superfoods are just foods, rehydration works with water, cleansing foods / drinks don’t, they are dealt with in exactly the same way as other foodstuffs by your body, your body is very good at sorting itself out so long as you swerve the processed foods.

21points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Staples thinks of the whole thing a little differently. "Rather than a list of superficial self-care activities, I have a list of personal limits," she shared.

"For example, I do not schedule more than three clients in a row without a break. I make time for my dogs every day. I don't let a full week go by without spending at least some time with a friend."

"Sometimes the demands of my job cause me to compromise on these limits temporarily. But if I'm not following these personal rules of thumb for an extended period, then I am living unsustainably," Staples added.

#4

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Mistaking things within the normal range of human emotion as mental illness.

You're *supposed* to feel anxious sometimes. Anger, disappointment, sadness? They're all valid emotions you will sometimes feel.

lessmiserables , Liza Summer / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

100points

Nea 3 months ago

And the opposite too.

18points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#5

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It HAES, "Healthy at every size," has been distorted to mean you're healthy no matter what and that's just not true. Nobody should be fat shamed, but being overweight isn't a healthy choice.

Homerpaintbucket Report

Final score:

92points

Chriss21 3 months ago

I agree, but it's not always a choice. I have been skinny my whole life, I eat junk food and I don't work out. My friend, has been on diet since we were 14 (we're 40 now), eats healthy and works out daily and she's still overweight.

27points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

"Taking care of myself means being aware of what I need and being careful not to make too many compromises. So if you're trying to bring more self-care into your life, observe what feeds you and what drains you, and name some flexible rules for yourself."

"Always dragging on Monday mornings? Don't schedule meetings then unless you really need to. Haven't been making time for leisure and enjoyment? Start protecting Saturday afternoons and say no to extra demands unless you can name a really good reason to say yes."

#6

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Radical selfishness to the point that you don't think you should ever have to compromise, sacrifice, be inconvenienced by, or have an imperfect interaction with someone.

St-Nobody , Keira Burton/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

86points

Koalafied to komment 3 months ago

This one! Making yourself a priority does not mean that you can do whatever you want, hurt others or behave like a general ässhole.

33points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#7

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Carbs are not bad for you. Gluten is not bad for you. Calories are not evil. Dairy is not bad for you. Grains are not bad for you. Sugar is not bad for you.

These things BECOME bad for you if a) you're allergic to them or otherwise intolerant, b) it's the only thing you eat, c) it's ultraprocessed and not balanced out with unprocessed foods.

With all this diet culture c**p people have no idea what an actual healthy, balanced diet looks like any more. Eat a mix of foods, mostly unprocessed, and don't punish yourself for indulging in the occasional piece of cake. Hating yourself into better habits does not work.

RiskyMama , Wendy Wei/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

82points

Nea 3 months ago

It is sad how most people attach negative emotions to food and eating these days. Immediately feeling guilt because you indulged in a meal for a couple of days. Constantly thinking about how ‘much’ less you should be eating. Food nourishes body and soul, it deserves positive emotions.

18points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

While it may feel like we are inundated with information about what we should eat and how much we should move, there often remains a disconnect between what we know and what we do.

To set ourselves up for success on our personal self-improvement journey, Staples believes there are a few strategies we can try.

"One is to stop and observe the things you do to feel better in the short term that have unwanted consequences in the long term," she said. "Those are usually the things keeping you stuck."

#8

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It "You have to love yourself before someone else will love you." I can say from experience that sometimes you need someone else to love you first. There was a time when my girlfriend saw value in me before I saw it in myself.

ChaseDonovan , Jasmin Wedding Photography / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

80points

Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 3 months ago

I completely agree with this one

22points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#9

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It That constant pressure to always look on the bright side and be positive no matter what. A friend of mine "Jessie" went through a really tough time and every time she tried to open up about how she was feeling, people just told her to "stay positive" or "look on the bright side." instead of helping. Sometimes, it's okay to feel down and talk about it because forcing positivity can actually make things worse.

Peachy_Sofie , Sofia Alejandra / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

79points

Roger9er 3 months ago

It's ok not to be ok.

33points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

Another strategy, according to Staples, is to take time and try to articulate your own personal values. To do that, the psychologist suggests asking yourself questions such as what goals or principles are most important to you. Is it family? Success? Compassion for others? Your own health?

Then, create mini-goals around them. "Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Don't say 'I'm going to stop getting takeout all the time.' Say 'I'm going to start going to the grocery store every Thursday and making a meal at home, and after a month I'll see how I feel.'"

#10

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It That whole 'hustle culture' thing. It's like society is telling us to burn out for the sake of productivity.

AmberHarder , Yan Krukau/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

79points

Wintermute 3 months ago

The fun part is when the "economy" adjusts to the side hustle culture and now all the extra money you make in your spare time goes towards paying basic living expenses instead of getting you ahead at all.

3points

View more comments

#11

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Toxic Christianity.. I know far too many country club Christians who use their religious status as a way to never be wrong, to have no integrity because they were “called”, and to go fill up their cup (self care) every Sunday in an expensive outfit to then go treat people like garbage every other minute of the week.

passthedrink , Tima Miroshnichenko / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

75points

Nea 3 months ago

Toxic religiosity.

37points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

While the beginning might be difficult, keep in mind that it takes 7 to 15 weeks to form a strong habit, and research shows that the key to doing so is gradual and consistent behavior change—with incentives often providing a helpful kickstart. A gradual step progression yields higher achievement levels and lower drop-offs than an abrupt and/or overly ambitious approach.

#12

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It The "how not to give a f**k" nonsense. I agree, don't give a f**k what people think if you enjoy a certain type of music. But do give a f**k about how your actions affect other people. Unfortunately, it seems that many people just take it to mean "don't care that you might hurt other people."

In order to self-care and self-love, it is important to consider what consequences your actions have on the world around you.

AGrayishCat , Polina Zimmerman / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

70points

Nea 3 months ago

Its interesting how this one is repeating in different words so many times in this thread. These thoughts becoming common were just a matter of time. Good this over-self-prioritisation is being called out.

22points

View more comments

#13

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Mommy wine/booze culture!!! Multiple drinks every night should not be the way you destress and look after yourself!!

kellenbee1 , Ben Mack / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

69points

Lame Llama 3 months ago

This seems to have staged a comeback since the pandemic. This is just rebranding functioning alcoholics.

25points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#14

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Waking up at 5/6am to be ultra productive as early as possible. Prioritise your sleep, guys

Edit: being a morning person is different and obviously if this sleep schedule works for you then great. But what's toxic is that it's pushed that waking up as early as possible is the best thing for everyone to be doing which is not true.

QuickVideo8185 , Miriam Alonso/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

59points

Roger9er 3 months ago

I get up at 6 when I have to leave home at 7, but that is solely because I need that time to get started and wake up properly. Shower, get dressed, make breakfast and lunch, eat and drink coffee while watching news, brush teeth, getting my stuff ready. All at a slow and chill pace.

16points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#15

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It A popular self-care trend that’s actually toxic is constantly practicing ‘cutting off’ anyone who doesn’t agree with you. Sometimes, it’s important to have tough conversations, even if they’re uncomfortable. Isolating yourself from any criticism doesn’t help with personal growth.😌.

killersmilee , Jopwell / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

58points

Koalafied to komment 3 months ago

Well, it depends on. Should I cut off a person that disagrees with me on something that doesn't touch our relationship at all? Naw. Should I cut off a person who constantly treats me like shît? Hell yeah.

28points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#16

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Self-prioritization to the extent that it morphs into main character syndrome or some other sort of extreme selfishness.

Other people matter too and I think we often need reminders of that.

protomanEXE1995 , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

56points

BoredPossum 3 months ago

Hmm, maybe this concept comes from a place where they think that socialism is evil and the same as communism.

7points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#17

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Selfdiagnosing ADHD, OCD all those kinds of things. Lets leave that to the professionals. Feeling a bit of chaos in your head sometimes does not automatically make you have adhd.

medic00 , Tara Winstead / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

52points

cerinamroth 3 months ago

Yes! And it makes it harder for people with life-affecting conditions to get the help they need. My personal bugbear is PTSD. No, falling out with your friend does not give you PTSD.

20points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#18

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Neglecting sleep to get ahead in school or your career. Not getting enough sleep will catch up to you.

DangerzonePlane8 , Kha Ruxury / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

51points

justagirl 3 months ago

there are some days when i'm like, "you know what? i'm taking it easy today."

7points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#19

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Therapy speak as a whole. People parrot it with no real understanding and next thing it's being misused and abused everywhere. Words like "triggered" and "boundaries" do my head in. They both mean something very important and significant, but they don't mean what the internet uses them as.

Mendel247 , Alex Green / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

50points

cerinamroth 3 months ago

The big daddy of them all is surely "trauma". Along with "depressed" for just feeling a little bit sad about something.

19points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#20

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It The Law of Attraction.

No one wants cancer, depression or a s****y spouse.

Stop telling people they can solve these things with positive thinking.

Do the therapy, take the meds, he's not going to change!

dropthemasq , Matheus Natan / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

49points

BoredPossum 3 months ago

Or she.

13points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#21

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It I swear to God. The blatant selfishness I’ve seen under the guise of “protecting your boundaries”.

Yes, boundaries are important, but sometimes you should show up even when you’re not in the perfect mood. Sometimes you should do the favor without keeping score. And sometimes you should have the uncomfortable conversation even though you’d rather stick your head in the sand to protect your peace.

I completely forgot where I read/saw/heard this but it was something along the lines of “These people are going to end up with perfect boundaries and no friends” and that rang so true for me.

ikbenlauren , Vie Studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

48points

Lame Llama 3 months ago

I have dropped 2 friends in the last 2 years because they are so protective of their own boundaries that they were never there for their friends/me, but expect everyone to drop everything when they want to vent.

13points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#22

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Obsessively tracking every detail of your health can lead to more stress than benefits.

DreamCrazeOreo95 , Mikhail Nilov / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

47points

Nea 3 months ago

It is also a disorder, worth checking.

10points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#23

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Only doing things that feel good or spark joy. Sometimes for your own long term health and future you must do things that aren’t super duper fun.

Avocado-Toast-93 , Guilherme Almeida / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

46points

Lame Llama 3 months ago

If only, then I could stop speaking to all my siblings. lol

6points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#24

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Those “aLpHa” boot camps are bad news.

The whole concept is nonsense, and a trap to exploit insecure men and take their money.

I think the female equivalent is those trips where they pay to go into the woods and scream and break things.

Just get a real therapist. It might even be covered by your health insurance.

-ItsCasual- , Kamaji Ogino / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

44points

Helena 3 months ago

Wait. There are camps where we get to scream and break things? Cause that just sounds plain fun.

42points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#25

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Every fad diet ever.

BudgetBotMakinTots , Polina Tankilevitch / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

37points

PeepPeep the duck 3 months ago (edited)

I hate that when I explain my usual eating habits to people who want to know how I keep my shape at my age etc they go ‘oh you’re on the keto diet’ and I’m like no I’m not on a diet I eat what I want, I just predominantly (cos my body prefers it) eat a high fat diet (bacon and steak fats etc) eggs everyday and salad to round it off. I still eat anything I feel but I keep in mind how much energy I’d be using that day and how big a stomach is and not overeat. I naturally don’t like snacks/ chocolate etc. if I’m sitting around getting stoned all day I’m not going to eat too much but if I’m swimming all day I’ll eat a whole pizza after (in between my normal meals) and maybe a pastry with custard or donuts etc

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#26

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Conflating “beauty culture” with self care. Patriarchy and capitalism convincing you to obsess over wrinkles showing, etc and making you engage in a million step beauty routine is not healthy or actually Caring for yourself, it’s actually unhealthy for your mind and body .. and wallet.

stormfox222 , Polina Kovaleva / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

34points

Boo 3 months ago

Every grey hair, every wrinkle, every stretch mark I treat as a badge of honour. When I was in my 20's I swore I wasn't going to age gracefully, I was going to fight it. Now that I'm in my 50's, I could slap myself as I could have saved so much time and money!

11points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#27

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Avoiding difficult conversations in the name of positive vibes.

sad_boi_jazz , fauxels/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

31points

Roger9er 3 months ago

You can't dodge life, man

11points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#28

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Thinking so highly of yourself that constructive criticism appears to be hateful.

HeartonSleeve1989 , Alex Green/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

30points

Helena 3 months ago

That isn't usually born of thinking too highly of yourself. That's usually the opposite.

16points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#29

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Insisting that self-care needs to be solitary and cost money. For most people, the self-care they really need is quality time with friends, family, and community, not buying some c**p to put on your face while you're alone in the tub.

Don't get me wrong, I'm an introvert and alone time keeps me sane, but I don't know if I've ever seen people celebrate "self-care" as being social.

flyingdics , Karolina Kaboompics / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

30points

Say No to Downvoting 3 months ago

I always feel like I am in the minority of this “ugh - people” narrative. Being with people fills my cup, energizes me and makes me a better mother and person. However, I have kids with special needs and a husband who works long hours. So I’m the only adult in my life for most of them time. I would love to be more social - but everyone else I know is so desperate to be away from people at the end of the day, I don’t really get the opportunity.

6points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#30

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Too much retail therapy/little treat culture. Obviously sometimes buying yourself something nice or getting a little treat because you did something great or had a bad day is fine and good. You can’t just constantly deprive yourself. But there’s a fine line between “I had a bad day, gotta get a Starbucks/cave in and buy that thing I’ve been looking for” and coffee out every day and a constant stream of Amazon boxes full of trinkets you don’t truly desire coming to the house. I’ve seen people put themselves into bad financial situations or turn into borderline hoarders because “I deserve a little treat” but it’s literally every day.

TerribleAttitude , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

18points

ucp 3 months ago (edited)

I know of someone who used to keep buying clothes, and wore very few of them. To the extent that, when she split up with her partner, her ex listed a load of her abandoned, unworn clothes on eBay, and she re-bought some of them!

5points

View more comments

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

ADVERTISEMENT

#31

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Not sure if it's popular anymore, but those 10-step skincare routines.

Unless you actually know what products work for your skin AND actually find using like 10 products relaxing, you should use less. Otherwise, its a waste of money, waste of time, and could create more problems than fix them. Less is More, and it's better to focus on the efficiency of one product at tackling one of your skin's needs.

tropic_salvo , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

18points

Koalafied to komment 3 months ago

It helps a lot to really engage with what active ingredients are in your skincare products and if they are what your skin needs. It's a long way, it's standing in the store and reading through endless lists of chemicals on some cream you want to buy, but for me it totally changed my skin. My acne is gone and it takes only a 4step-routine, but with products I really understand.

2points

View more comments

#32

Ozempic and the like for people who do not have type 2 diabetes and/or morbid obesity. Those d**g have some very nasty side effects, and they don't always go away when the person stops taking them.

wilderlowerwolves Report

Final score:

18points

Diolla 3 months ago

In a few years the media will be full of sob stories about this.

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#33

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Acupuncture and chiropractory.

It's fine if it helps you relax, but that pseudoscience is just that.

shrug_addict , Antoni Shkraba/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

18points

Lame Llama 3 months ago

Acupuncture has solved a lot of my muscle issues, which western medicine was unable to even after years of exploring for solutions. Acupuncture took 4 sessions.

23points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#34

Giving kids iPads and iPhones at young ages. My cousins did this with all 3 of their kids. They are all literally in their teens now and I swear I’ve never had a conversation worth remembering with any of them.

They are my family but they are 3 little super socially awkward pasty white weirdos. Sat there and played chess on the iPad on Christmas Day ALL day. The youngest one has an interest in rocks and fossils so at least that’s something lol.

andreecook Report

Final score:

17points

Julius Zuke 3 months ago

Today's connected youngsters have no idea what critical thinking is and are very susceptible to falsehoods.

7points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#35

Productivity as self worth and the constant pursuit of efficiency. It starts to feel like an obligation rather than self care. There’s so much pressure to optimize- and it IS toxic.

idratherkayak Report

Final score:

16points

FreeDragon 3 months ago

The main problem here is that work optimization is primarily seen as how it benefits the employer and rarely how it benefits employees.

6points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#36

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It I think some people cut others out of their lives instead of learning how to navigate complex emotions and situations. Sometimes it's the most healthy thing you can do, and sometimes it just seems like people are hiding, or maybe engaging in some other destructive behavior.

Electric-Sheepskin , Vera Arsic / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

15points

Lame Llama 3 months ago

Sometimes it's necessary to cut people out of our lives if all they have done is to take, and take, and not there for you when you need them.

11points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#37

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Forcing yourself to do intense exercise instead of listening to your body and resting when needed.

noodlesquare , Anete Lusina / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

15points

Annik Perrot 3 months ago

If I listen to every part of my body that's complaining, I'll never do any exercise...

8points

View more comments

#38

Juicing. I wouldn’t say it’s “toxic”, but you’re literally just removing the fiber and making it more of a fast sugar.

FluffMonsters Report

Final score:

14points

BookFanatic 3 months ago

I thought we were talking about a different kind of juicing (steroids) for a sec...

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#39

Cancelling people to get internet points. There are valid reasons to do this in some situations, but I'm seeing more and more of a worrying trend where people simply don't want to have difficult conversations, or, even worse, they love to put themselves as the hero in a story that never existed except in their own minds. Permanent damage is being done and when this trend fades out it will be extremely difficult to rebuild those bridges that have been burned.

Capable-Chip8556 Report

Final score:

14points

Jon Stuart 3 months ago

I have cancelled two people in my life. One was a selfish b**ta*d who not only did I think was a great friend I would have helped no matter what but when I went to him for help he was f**k off. The other was a thief who stole from me. Everyone else I try to get on with and learn from but extreme a*****s just cancel.

2points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#40

The overuse of botox, fillers, lip injections, using loads of face care products and makeup with toxic ingredients. Ladies, let your skin breathe!! Stop contouring your face every damn day, you don't need it. Save it for going out, not just sitting at home doing tiktoks and taking selfies.

Also being nasty or mean to others in lieu of setting reasonable appropriate boundaries and communicating like an adult.

Wonderful_Flamingo90 Report

Final score:

13points

BoredPossum 3 months ago

To medically alter the way you look in pursuit of the ultimate beauty... Doctors are needed when people are sick, not to help you live out your fantasies.

3points

View more comments

#41

“You do you.” “Be yourself.” YOLO. Well what if “being yourself” is killing/hurting somebody. It reinforces sociopathic behavior. We have lost the moral code that makes society cohesive. And I’m not talking about laws, religion, etc. specifically, just basic decency. Like not being an a*****e.

InfluenceWeak Report

Final score:

13points

Michael Largey 3 months ago (edited)

"You might as well be yourself. Everyone else is taken." - Oscar Wilde (allegedly). But be the best possible version of yourself. And keep improving that version.

0points

View more comments

#42

The whole “my feeling are as real as facts” self help nonsense.

It is maddening to be in a relationship with someone that will insist on you apologizing for how they feel about what you said or did without regard to what actually happened.

Perfecshionism Report

Final score:

13points

BoredPossum 3 months ago

This is the worst. Facts are facts, opinions are opinions.

5points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#43

Essential oils.

Science03 Report

Final score:

13points

cerinamroth 3 months ago

Lavender oil helps me sleep. What's the problem?

6points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#44

When my dad had terminal cancer, we had so many family members pushing the dumbest “cures”. From essential oils to sitting in an oxygen chamber. We actually had a few WTF laughs.

wicket-wally Report

Final score:

13points

BoredPossum 3 months ago

See, that won't happen in a scientist family.

5points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#45

Obsessively tracking every calorie can turn self-care into stress.

AstralxFrost_ Report

Final score:

12points

The Scout 3 months ago

The urge to eat perfectly right is an aknowledged disease. "Orthorexia" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthorexia_nervosa) is no fun.

4points

View more comments

#46

Any self-care multi-level marketing is toxic.

A lot of self-care influencing is also toxic because of the subtle narrative that even if you buy all the products they're pushing, it will never be enough. You will never be the "It" girl because she doesn't exist. That leaves people in a cycle of debt and poor self-image.

Also, the zero-waste trend specifically about using charcoal powder in DIY mascara... literally toxic, because it wasn't meant for your eyes.

lilithspython Report

Final score:

12points

Margot Plummer 3 months ago

Add a comment...

0points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#47

Almost all of them.

Life is not meant to be a constant emotional evolution, and you don’t always have something you’re meant to be improving on to get “over there”.

Sometimes it’s okay to just be, how you are, without needing to grow or change.

Toxic positivity, ‘wellness’ and self improvement is to blame for many people feeling s****y about themselves.

DancinWithWolves Report

Final score:

10points

#48

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It Consuming a lot of "self-care" or "motivational" content, be it from books, guides, online videos, etc. It seems to be very easy for it to become cheap entertainment that feels like it'll at some point automatically unlock something in you even without making any effort to make necessary changes.

Bynming , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

10points

Joseph Dixon 3 months ago

That stuff usually preys upon the desperate. Next thing you know, you're paying thousands for a retreat to fix yourself. Some of those conferences are like cults.

5points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#49

Loving yourself no matter what can be bad for you, sometimes you’re just wrong and need to change. Parts of you are s**t.

Adumbidiotface Report

Final score:

9points

Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 3 months ago

Loving yourself no matter what is a good thing if its true self love. What i mean by that is instead of thinking you're perfect and you don't need to improve anything at all even if you're hurting others, use that self love to want to better yourself i guess

9points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#50

I'm a pharmacist.

Every health intervention you see by a non health practitioner is a scam

Every

Single

One.

pharmerfour Report

Final score:

9points

Papa 3 months ago

Yep. As I've mentioned here before, my mother is dealing with some cognitive decline (actually, she's not really dealing with it, but . . .). At one doctor's appointment she told him she had seen an ad for a supplement that was supposed to help with memory, and should she buy some. He replied "If it worked I would have already prescribed it."

7points

View more comments

#51

Healing crystals.

urtechhatesyou Report

Final score:

9points

Aerial (Any pronouns/Canadian/Jewish) 3 months ago

I have a friend who's into crystals and tarot, and it actually does help them, as sort of a placebo effect. I think it's a bit silly, and I don't think they believe in it 100% either, but it works to help them, and it's not hurting anybody. People who think rock vibrations can cure cancer, on the other hand, should be firmly judged.

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#52

Frequent chemical peels.

Final score:

8points

#53

I'd argue that the use of self care as a way to excuse oneself from responsibility was trendy. At the end of the day, going through unpleasant things and doing the dirty work head on will yield you with better results than choosing self care the moment you feel uncomfortable or anxious.

Icy_Marionberry9175 Report

Final score:

8points

Colleen Glim 3 months ago

Sometimes you need to suck it up and do the difficult thing. That’s life

0points

#54

Those teas or gummy vitamins or supplements that claim to get rid of your bloating are just laxatives. They get rid of your bloating by making you s**t out all the water in your body.

TheWeenieBandit Report

Final score:

7points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#55

Bedrotting, or stagnation and phone scrolling as "mental health days"

Yeah it feels good but that doesn't mean it's good FOR you, and it's way too easy to make it a recurring habit

Yes, mental health days are important, but you should at least move your body and make some food or listen to music or even just stare at the sky. Just being on your phone is not mental health.

-someone who has been guilty of this a lot and is trying to break the habit.

Aurelene-Rose Report

Final score:

7points

Joseph Dixon 3 months ago

Sounds like a form of depression!

2points

View more comments

#56

30 Self-Care Trends That Are Doing A Lot Of Damage, But Many People Don’t Realize It “Intermittent fasting” has been linked to a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular disease by the American Heart Association.

Turbulent-Good227 , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

6points

Gavin Johnson 3 months ago

When I run out of money I fast, it’s kind of an enforced fast but it’s a fast nonetheless. Survival on low calories is possible but honestly it’s not a way of life that I’d recommend.

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#57

"Manifesting"

Wishful thinking and guilt-tripping for most people. *Absolute hell* for those of us with OCD.

purritowraptor Report

Final score:

5points

Ineke Pronk 2 months ago

If manifesting worked I would have gotten a better job. If you need a lot of people trying to manifest the same thing to get it to happen, the Ukraine war would already be over.

1point

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#58

The idea that “no is a complete sentence,” you don’t owe anyone a single thing, don’t do anything you don’t want to do, social obligation is imaginary, diatribe. Oh ok, tell me you have no friends and strained relationships with your family without telling me you have no friends and strained relationships with family.

To a certain extent obviously we all have to set some boundaries and prioritize our own wellbeing over that of others. But if everyone lived their lives this way then no one would have any friends or social networks whatsoever.

Affectionate_Motor67 Report

Final score:

5points

Aerial (Any pronouns/Canadian/Jewish) 3 months ago

'No is a complete sentence' means that you shouldn't be forced to explain/have a good reason for why you don't want to do something like skydiving or go on a date with someone. It's about not pressuring people after they've already given you an answer to your offer.

15points

View more comments

#59

I’ve seen several videos, where people just restock their guest bathrooms. It’s totally unnecessary and a lot of waste. I mean, who does a whole skincare routine in someone else’s bathroom with random products they’ve bought?

shadowqueen46 Report

Final score:

3points

Lame Llama 3 months ago

That's all for show. People who believe that c**p are just gullible.

5points

View more comments

#60

The rise of productivity systems.

It’s horrible to market more systems to perfectionists that they have to upkeep, only to get discouraged because they can’t perfectly use the system given, and then saying “well you just aren’t actually doing dopamine cleansing perfectly”.

TheSoloGamer Report

Final score:

3points

Diolla 3 months ago

.... What is this? Never heard of it. OK, I'll Google.

2points

ADVERTISEMENT

#61

Tanning.

sugarrplum12 Report

Final score:

3points

Jon Stuart 3 months ago

OMG let's not even go there with racist tanners.

0points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#62

Social media detoxes can be toxic if they’re used to escape real problems.

VelvetGleamersxx_ Report

Final score:

1point

meeeeeeeeeeee 3 months ago

Real problems exist in real life not on social media. Turn it off, people

7points

View more comments

#63

Copious amounts of a single ingredient to “reduce inflammation” or whatever else.

No, consuming a c**p ton of turmeric, garlic, or whatever food won’t fix you. But it might make you more susceptible to the bad side effects of that food or even a food allergy.

CatLadyAM Report

Final score:

1point

meeeeeeeeeeee 3 months ago

Turmeric and garlic are good for you and there is plenty of evidence to support this. How about let people have spices and stop being miserable.

5points

View more comments

#64

Supplementing with Cassia cinnamon can be toxic to the liver. Ceylon is the better choice due to its lower coumarin content.

Altruistic_Fun3091 Report

Final score:

-2points

Lame Llama 3 months ago

Never even heard of it before.

4points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

Rokas Laurinavičius

Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

Kotryna Br

Kotryna is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Graphic Design. Before Bored Panda, she worked as a freelance graphic designer and illiustrator. When not editing, she enjoys working with clay, drawing, playing board games and drinking good tea.

Kotryna is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Graphic Design. Before Bored Panda, she worked as a freelance graphic designer and illiustrator. When not editing, she enjoys working with clay, drawing, playing board games and drinking good tea.

What do you think ?

Ellinor 3 months ago

I've seen a cute TikTok of a woman giving her recipe for a breakfast toast (bread, banana, chocolate drizzle and peanut butter), and all people were talking about in the comments were the calories that toast had. It made me a bit sad and scared, it must be awful not to be able just to enjoy good food...

11points

Aerial (Any pronouns/Canadian/Jewish) 3 months ago

Oohh, that sounds like a really good combo. I'd try it if I was ever awake enough in the morning to make something with more than 2 steps!

3points

Load More Replies...

Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 3 months ago

A lot of these people are just seeing in extremes and don't get the point of the seld care in my opinion

6points

Pheebs 3 months ago

That’s the point. They’re pointing out things that are reasonable for self-care, but are frequently taken to extremes. Or done without actually considering if it’s the self-care you need.

2points

Load More Replies...

Ellinor 3 months ago

I've seen a cute TikTok of a woman giving her recipe for a breakfast toast (bread, banana, chocolate drizzle and peanut butter), and all people were talking about in the comments were the calories that toast had. It made me a bit sad and scared, it must be awful not to be able just to enjoy good food...

11points

Aerial (Any pronouns/Canadian/Jewish) 3 months ago

Oohh, that sounds like a really good combo. I'd try it if I was ever awake enough in the morning to make something with more than 2 steps!

3points

Load More Replies...

Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 3 months ago

A lot of these people are just seeing in extremes and don't get the point of the seld care in my opinion

6points

Pheebs 3 months ago

That’s the point. They’re pointing out things that are reasonable for self-care, but are frequently taken to extremes. Or done without actually considering if it’s the self-care you need.

2points

Load More Replies...

You May Like

40 Side-By-Side Pics Of “Depression Rooms” Being Tackled

Gabija Saveiskyte

"You Have To Be Kidding Me": Makeup Artist With Alopecia Goes Viral With Stunning Transformations

Renan Duarte

“I Don’t Look Like A Child”: Shauna Rae Defends Herself Against Trolls Who Judge Her Dwarfism

Donata Leskauskaite

Back to Homepage

More about Health

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Word Search

WordroW

Jigsaw

Crossword

Sudoku

Picdoku

Killer Sudoku

Kriss Kross

Word Flower

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda