With so many demands on our time and attention, it’s extremely easy to go for days or weeks without considering ourselves and what we need. For years, people were taught that focusing on themselves was selfish; they consistently harmed their loved ones if they didn’t care for them. Today, however, we understand that for a person to be at their best, they must take time to prioritize themselves.
Just like how a lifeguard is trained to ensure that they won’t drown before rescuing someone else, people have to care for themselves first in order to ensure that they are in good mental health before they can care for other people around them. If you struggle with prioritizing yourself, try these tricks.
Talk
Start this process by expressing your feelings and emotions. Talking about how you feel and sharing that something is wrong does not make you weak, different, or incapable of something; it is an essential part of creating a safe and supportive environment to live and work. Reach out to loved ones, find a community, try therapy, or seek professional medical help.
Realize Self-care is Necessary
Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is not self-indulgent; it is self-preserving. Taking care of yourself is essential to achieving your full potential, finding peace of mind, living a joyful life, and making a positive difference in yourself and the world around you.
Self-care should never be something you feel you must step away from work to do and then feel guilty for “wasting” time later on. It should be how you invest in yourself to become your most valuable asset. Make it a part of your life. That means incorporating it into your work and home routines.
Take Time for Yourself
The best way to remember to do something is to block out time for it on a calendar. Specifically, schedule regular check-ins with yourself to reflect on where your mind is focused, what you need to adjust, and how to help yourself become better and happier. In many cases, something as simple as taking regular breaks, even for just five minutes, can be extremely beneficial for your overall well-being.
Care For Your Physical Health
There are many things you can do to stay optimistic. Start with basic things such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. These things have been scientifically shown to help you feel good both physically and mentally.
This doesn’t mean you need to figure out how to make time for a new exercise and diet plan. In fact, most people find these plans to be just another stressor in their lives. Instead, consider which small health goal would make you feel the best overall. For example, if you’re constantly tired, concentrate on what you can do to get an extra hour of sleep one or two nights a week. Small goals will help you feel a sense of achievement while progressing towards larger goals.
Set Healthy Boundaries
No one can say “yes” to everything and everyone and still find time for themselves. The truth is that the right work-family-me balance is hard to achieve. Start getting to one by learning to say “no,” delegating some of your responsibilities, and setting clear expectations with your family and friends.
Explore Mindful Living
Being mindful and living in the present moment can help you thrive and become more appreciative and empowered. Mindfulness activities, such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, help you become more self-aware and avoid getting carried away by distractions. Living mindfully teaches you to appreciate the present moment and engage more fully with your life and those around you.
Incorporate Self-Care into Your Daily Routine
In times of uncertainty and stress, it is important to take the opportunity to create positive habits and rituals that bring you a sense of peace and calm. Reading, journaling, being in nature, going on walks, and letting your mind wander can all be great ways to relax and gain insight. Try having a cup of tea, cooking, or doing simple breathing exercises. Taking the time to focus on your own well-being can help bring optimism and positivity into your life.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Remember that everyone has their own pace of progress and their own life story. Focus on yourself and ask if you are a better person today than you were yesterday.
Are you getting closer to your dreams? Are you living your life’s mission? Do you feel aligned with your values? Are you happy? These questions help you focus your time, energy, and money on understanding yourself, living to your full potential, and becoming better.
Be Grateful
Gratitude makes you feel grateful for the life you have. It makes you feel more grounded, turns what you have into enough, helps you build nurturing relationships, acknowledges the value and meaning of every experience, and enables you to create a positive mindset and attitude. Gratitude helps you love yourself, accept yourself, and build a sense of calm and quiet joy within.
Have Fun
Having fun is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Be playful, laugh, dance, engage in creative activities, and enjoy simple pleasures. Do something bold and enjoy the process. This will help you break tensions and positively affect your well-being.
If you need help dealing with your emotions or feel overwhelmed by all the demands placed on you, contact us today. Our staff has years of experience helping others with all of life’s demands, and we look forward to talking with you.