If you are like me, you are doing a lot for those around you – spouse, children, family, friends, coworkers…the list goes on and on. So much so that our own priorities, time and happiness take a backseat.
While there’s nothing wrong with being compassionate and loving and caring for those around you, self care is important too.
If you’re one of those who feels guilty at the idea of putting yourself before others every now and then, you have to let that go! Today, I want to share with you how you can become a priority for yourself without those feelings of guilt or selfishness.
How to Make Yourself a Priority without the Guilt
Do More for your Heart & Soul
You make time for your family and friends, and you’re probably so overwhelmed that you hardly have time for yourself. Make it a point to set some time aside every now and then, just for yourself- to recharge your heart and soul.
Start taking the initiative to take out the time for yourself, and not feel bad about it in the process - whether it is an hour of reading a good book, going for a solo road trip or even just watching a good movie - do it and enjoy every moment!
Take Care of your Body
Most of us tend to take health for granted, and if your body is keeping up with your busy schedule without any complaints, do take some time to reward and pamper it. Your body is the temple of your soul, and if an hour extra of sleep, or a monthly massage makes you feel better physically, don’t hesitate to do it.
Also, don’t feel bad that when you feel that you should exercise. Everyone needs a break, and you can have a good workout that benefits your body in 30 minutes. That’s not much out of your day to care about yourself, right? Surely, everyone else will be fine in the half hour you are away.
Stop Aiming for Perfection
Whether you’re a perfectionist or not, the idea of being flawed isn’t digested well by most people. What we need to learn is that we’re humans, and we have to accept that it is okay for us to:
- Say no when it’s something that isn’t interesting or beneficial to us.
- Not always know how to complete a certain task
- Not be the idol of perfection for all of our friends to envy
Struggling to be a perfect person can be more stressful than you can imagine, and being that unrealistic about yourself is only going to cause a great deal of burnout.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Take a step back and realize how much stress you have been putting on yourself. Accept the fact that you DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL! With kids, a home, a spouse, a job, and everything else on your plate, you deserve a break.
Setting healthy boundaries for yourself allows you time for yourself. Time to unwind, relax, and recharge. Enlist the help of your spouse for the household chores. Ask a mom of your children’s friends to do carpool once a week so you can sneak in a mani/pedi. Get your children involved with chores and keeping the home clean.
One thing mustn’t do is let yourself become jealous of the women you see on TV or the internet. Many people only portray the “perfect” in their lives online, such as on Facebook or Instagram. The competition or jealousy you’ll put time into just isn’t worth it, and you will only be hurting yourself.
While it may seem like that mom’s kitchen is always spotless, it’s likely every other room in their home is a disaster. You never know, but don’t take everything you see online as the complete truth!
Love Yourself, Just as you Are
One of the best things you can do to make yourself a priority and not feel selfish about it is to love yourself a little more. You may be going beyond your limits to please those around you, but you’re a special person too, and you deserve to be treated that way too. Remember that the way you treat yourself will give others around you an idea of how they should treat you- you’re setting an example for them, so make it a good one.
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