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Why you need to prioritize self-care
It can be easy to get wrapped up in our day-to-day lives and forget to care for ourselves. We’re so busy taking care of our families, our jobs, and all of the other responsibilities we have that we often don’t make time for ourselves. But it’s essential that we do. When we don’t take time to focus on ourselves, it can lead to feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and even depression. By prioritizing self-care, we can ensure that we are taking care of our external responsibilities as well as our internal needs.
Why you should prioritize self-care
When we make practicing self-care a priority, we can see many benefits. We’ll be less likely to experience anxiety and stress, we’ll have more energy and be more productive, and we’ll feel happier and more fulfilled, both in our lives and in our relationships.
Your physical, mental, and emotional energy is like water in a bucket. You need to figure out what fills your bucket back up – and then actually do those things!
The cost of not making and taking time for self-care:
When we ignore our self-care needs, it can lead to many negative consequences. We can start to feel overwhelmed and stressed, and we may even begin to experience depression. Additionally, when we don’t take care of ourselves, it becomes harder to take care of our other responsibilities. For example, we may start to feel guilty or like we’re falling behind in life. We must make time for ourselves to maintain our mental and physical health.
What are the 4 categories of self-care?
There are many different ways to take care of ourselves, and the way that works best for each of us will vary. But, generally speaking, self-care can be broken down into four categories:
Self-nurturance:
This includes activities that we do for ourselves to make us feel good, such as getting a massage, eating healthy foods, or taking a bath.
Self-preservation:
These activities help us take care of our physical health, such as exercising, getting enough sleep, and taking care of our hygiene.
Self-awareness:
This includes activities that help us understand ourselves better, such as journaling, meditating, or practicing mindfulness.
Self-expansion:
These activities help us grow as people and include learning new things, trying new things, and networking.
Each person’s self-care routine will look different, depending on their individual needs. However, it’s important to include activities from all four categories to ensure that you’re taking care of your whole self.
Tips for Prioritizing Self Care:
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or daunting. In fact, there are many small things you can do each day to help you focus on your wellbeing. So here are a few tips:
Make time for yourself each day.
Dedicate at least 10-15 minutes each day to doing something that relaxes you and brings you joy. This could be reading, taking a walk, listening to music, talking with a friend, or taking a long bath.
Prioritize your physical health.
Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
Connect with loved ones.
Spend time with friends and family members who make you feel good. These relationships are essential to our wellbeing.
Take breaks throughout the day.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and reset.
Be mindful.
Pay attention to what’s happening in the present moment and focus on your breath. This can help you to relax and de-stress.
Seek professional help if needed.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, seek professional help. There is no shame in getting help when you need it.
Making self-care a priority isn’t always easy – true self-care is a little more than just face-masks, pedicures, and couch time – but it’s essential for a healthy, happy life. By taking a few small steps each day, you can focus on your wellbeing and improve your overall quality of life.
How to balance responsibilities and self-care without feeling selfish :
It can be challenging to balance our responsibilities with our need for self-care. We don’t want to feel selfish, but we also don’t want to neglect our health and wellbeing.
When it comes to prioritizing self-care, it’s essential to find a healthy balance between responsibilities and activities that fill up your bucket. Here are a few tips for finding that balance:
Identify what recharges you
Make a list of things that recharge you. This could be spending time with friends, going for a walk, reading, or taking a bath. Make sure to include small and large ideas so you can find something to do no matter how busy you are.
Set boundaries
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to set boundaries. Say no to things that don’t fit into your schedule, and don’t let others take advantage of your time.
Regularly remind yourself that self-care is NOT selfish
It’s essential for living a healthy, balanced life. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of the people and things we care about.
15-minute self-care activities:
There are a number of activities you can do in just 15 minutes that will help you focus on your wellbeing. Here are a few ideas:
• Get moving: Take a walk, do some stretching, or go for a light jog.
• Connect with nature: Spend time outside in nature, take a walk around your neighborhood, or sit in silence and connect with your surroundings.
• Deep breathing: Find a quiet place to sit or recline, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing.
• Relaxation exercises: Try yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings, or reflect on your day.
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or daunting. In fact, there are many small things you can do each day to help you focus on your wellbeing. By taking a few minutes each day to recharge and relax, you can improve your productivity, relationships, and mental health.
Quotes about Prioritizing Self Care:
“When we give ourselves permission to prioritize our own wellbeing, everything in life falls into place.”
-Brené Brown
“Self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity.”
-Unknown
“If you don’t care for yourself, you can’t care for anyone else.”
-Maya Angelou
“If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.”
-Unknown
“Nurture yourself with nature, whole foods, and self-love.”
-Mia Farrow
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
-Unknown
“It is not self-care to put everyone else’s needs before your own and then collapse in exhaustion.”
-Nicole Chung
“Prioritizing your own mental, emotional and physical health is not only necessary for your own wellbeing, but also for the people you love.”
-Anonymous
“Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.”
-Unknown
The Bottom Line
The bottom line: Prioritizing our health and wellbeing is essential for living a healthy, balanced life. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of the people and things we care about. So make self-care a priority and find what works for you!
What are some of your favorite self-care activities? Let us know in the comments!
