Making yourself a priority is essential. You are, at the end of the day, your most important obligation.' It's often difficult to take time for ourselves because we're too preoccupied with other people's well-being.
We value our emotions just as much as we value others' feelings. We must validate our emotions and treat ourselves with kindness.
‘You are deserving of the same grace you have lavished on others' – We're so engrossed in our everyday routines that we forget to take care of ourselves. We prioritize other people's feelings over our own and feel guilty when we can't be there for them.
When we speak up for ourselves, we often feel humiliated or overdramatic. It's not difficult to recognize our feelings, do what we enjoy, and take time for ourselves!
How can you put yourself first?
1. Acknowledge your feelings.
Make the decision to prioritize yourself and put yourself first. It isn't self-serving; it is necessary. Putting yourself, your emotions, and your thoughts first may harm someone in the short term, but in the long run, you will be happier.
2. Get in the habit of saying no.
Stand up for yourself and say no if you don't feel like doing anything for someone. Self-care is crucial, and saying no is necessary when you want to prioritize yourself. You'll feel horrible, but you'll also know how much you require it.
Learn how to set limits, when to say no, and when to agree with others.
3. Be gentle with yourself.
Don't be too harsh on yourself if you make a mistake. ‘To make a mistake is to be human.' Recognize your efforts and perseverance. Appreciate yourself rather than comparing yourself to others. That's a great favor you could do for yourself, believe me.
4. Get to know yourself and what you enjoy.
This is the ideal approach to use your free time to pursue something you've always wanted to accomplish. Choose your favorite pastimes and devote as much time as possible to them. Find out about yourself and reinvent yourself!
5. Do something nice for yourself.
Make a kind gesture for yourself because you deserve it!
Treating yourself to your favorite flavor of ice cream or a bar of chocolate can be an easy delight!
Go on a road trip or take a day off to pamper yourself. It's invigorating.
6. Give your thoughts space.
Take some time to think about your ideas. Reconsider your choices and consider your options. In your daily life, consider your emotions, attitude, and behaviors. Take note of the things that make you happy, sad, angry, or anxious. Understand your triggers and how to deal with them.
7. Recognize that you are sufficient.
Appreciate how far you've come; your personal development and success are not to be overlooked. Recognize your accomplishments and be incredibly pleased of yourself. You don't have to change who you are to match someone else's definition of perfection, and you don't have to prove anything to anyone. You are enough because you are compassionate, you are enough because you love unconditionally, and you are enough because you bring joy to others. Every aspect of you that currently existing is what qualifies you as sufficient.
Hi. As I read through your article, this qouted line caught me in hand, "It's often difficult to take time for ourselves because we're too preoccupied with other people's well-being.'
I've experienced this such. Like, I always push myself to limit just for me to fit in. I always tried my best to please others. I wanted to be seen and recognized. Which I realized that trying to please others will lead us in losing ourselves. I mean, we do not need any approval from others. We can love us the way we wanted to be. After all, we can have ourselves to lean on.
By the way, thank you for your article. It helps a lot. ☺️