In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to focus entirely on your responsibilities —including caring for others —leaving you on the back burner. If you’re constantly prioritising other people, it’s time to take a step back and remember that you deserve some TLC, too.
Why is it so hard?
There are many reasons why it’s challenging to put yourself first. Our culture for one. If you were surrounded by people telling you taking breaks means laziness or true love means always saying yes, you’ll likely feel pressured to ignore your own needs. Self-discipline, lack of motivation or not knowing how to seek help can also be barriers. You might also perceive the act as selfish, which runs contrary to the essence of prioritising oneself.
But here’s why you should.
Maybe you’re a parent who must put your children’s needs before your own or the eldest child expected to carry the responsibilities at home. No matter where you are in life right now, here are reasons why you should put yourself first this year.
1. You Risk Burnout
When you constantly put other people’s needs above your own, you can drain yourself of energy. You do things like helping a co-worker or doing a favour for your sibling because you feel like you should, leaving you hopeless and exhausted. Show kindness to yourself first so you can show up fully for your loved ones.
2. Your Stress Can Impact Those Around You
When was the last time you checked in with yourself and made time for your passion? Occupying yourself with responsibilities can lead to a lifestyle where stress becomes normal. If not addressed, it can affect your health and your relationships with others.
3. You May Lose Yourself in the Process
Do you feel like you mustbe productive all the time? Ask yourself —are you doing it out of necessityor because your inner critic dictates you should achieve goals to be deemed perfect, worthy,and acceptable? It’s time to overcome those internal narratives that may impede your growth.
How to Start Putting Yourself First
While change won’t happen overnight, you can start small through these simple acts.
Pay Attention to Your Lifestyle
Your health is an essential foundation for living a fulfilling life, and it partially stems from a healthy diet and exercise. Start gradually with 15-minute morning walks. As for your meals, slowly add seafood to your recipes.
Set Boundaries
Think about the people in your life and how you feel around them. If some tend to make you think negatively or ask for everything but don’t help you when you need it, evaluate if those connections are worth working on. Speak up when you’re uncomfortable, in a way that gets the message across but doesn’t hurt the other person’s feelings.
Do Daily Self-Checks
Staying attuned to your thoughts and feelings can help foster self-love and mindfulness. Start by doing a quick body scan, checking how you stand and feel. Ask yourself how you feel. If you do this in the morning, you can also ask yourself what you’re looking forward to —if practising before sleep, reflect on the good things thathappened.
Commit to Self-Improvement
Start your journey towards self-care with a growth mindset. By listing the activities you want to achieve, knowledge to learn and books to read, you commit to improving how you perceive self-care this year.
Make Yourself a Priority
Putting your well-being first will take practice. However, the more you do it, the easier it will be to perform daily. Remember —2024 will be your year!
Author bio: Cora Gold is a wellness writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She writes about self-care, mindfulness and beauty. Connect with Cora on Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn.
