‘Make yourself a priority. At the end of the day, you are your longest commitment.’ Often it’s hard to take time out for ourselves, as we’re too busy looking after other people’s well-being.
Our emotions are equally important to us just as we sympathize with others. We need to validate our feelings and be kind to ourselves.
‘You are worthy of the same grace you have so generously extended to others’ – We’re indulged in our daily routine so deeply that we tend to overlook our well-being. We place other people’s emotions before ours and feel guilt when we’re unavailable for them.
We tend to feel ashamed or overdramatic when we stand for ourselves. It’s not hard to realize our emotions, do what we love to do, and take time out for just ourselves!
How can you prioritize yourself?
1. Validate your emotions
Choose to put yourself first and make yourself a priority. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary. Putting yourself, your emotions and your thoughts first may hurt someone in the short term but you will be happy in the long term.
2. Learn to say no.
If you don’t feel like doing something for someone, stand for yourself and say no. Self-care is important, and the act of saying no is essential when you want to put yourself first. You’ll feel bad but you’ll realize as well, how much you need it.
Learn to draw a boundary, when to say no and when to agree with someone.
3. Be kind to yourself
Don’t be too hard on yourself for your mistakes. ‘To err is to human’. Acknowledge your efforts and hard work. Don’t compare yourself with others and appreciate yourself. Trust me, that’s a huge favor you could do for yourself.
4. Discover yourself and what you love
This is the best way to spend your leisure time to go after what you’ve wanted to do for a long time. Pick up your favorite activities and give them as much time as you can. Discover and reinvent yourself!
5. Give yourself a treat
Do something nice for yourself, because you deserve it!
A treat can be as simple as treating yourself with your favorite flavor of ice cream or a bar of chocolate!
Take a day off and pamper yourself or go on a road trip. It’s very refreshing.
6. Give time to your thought.
Take some time out and reflect on your thoughts. Rethink your decisions and go through your thoughts. Reflect on your emotions, attitude, and actions in daily life. Notice what makes you happy, sad, angry, or anxious. Know your triggers and how to tackle them.
