Prioritize Yourself
Have you ever found yourself striving to have it all, do it all and be everything to all? One must know that everything comes at a cost. One must also know that prioritizing yourself doesn't mean being selfish. There is a very thin line between being selfish and self love. Being selfish depicts that the world revolves around you while the self love makes sure that you are the part of this world.
The struggle to achieve and maintain work life balance is an ongoing one for most people, especially with the lines between work and home increasingly blurred. But self-care is about more than juggling time and responsibilities. It’s also about being nicer, kinder and more compassionate to yourself.
Following are seven strategies to step up your self-care game:
1. Watch your language
Language can have a profound effect on your thoughts, mood and perspective. It’s not just what comes out of your mouth in conversations with others; the messages you tell yourself play an essential role in how you feel. Do you tend to beat yourself up for your perceived failures or shortcomings, or do you treat yourself with compassion? Even when you feel disheartened, try to focus on effort and progress more than results. Resist the urge to negatively label yourself as “incompetent,” “weak” or worse. Instead, encourage yourself in the same way that you would a child or good friend. If you tell yourself “You’ve got this!” often enough, you will get it!
2. Keep Calm
There never seems to be enough time to do everything you want or need to do. Yet rushing through your daily activities often robs you of the experience. Do you gulp down your morning coffee while battling traffic on your way to work, or take quick swigs between clients? If so, you probably don’t even notice the taste or appreciate its warmth the way you would if you sat down and leisurely enjoyed it - even for 10 minutes. Slowing down offers physical benefits as well; people who eat slower tend to gain less weight (or lose weight faster), maintain lower blood pressure and experience less stress and anxiety.
3. Be aware of social media
Sure, it’s fun to catch up with old friends and stay in touch with new ones, but research conducted at the University of Michigan shows that social media can undermine your happiness. The study found that social media platforms use had a negative impact not only on users’ moods, but on their overall reported satisfaction with their lives. By contrast, face-to-face social interactions did not have the same effect; in fact, personal interactions helped people feel better over time.
4. Make yourself a priority
Too often, we schedule things that promote our well-being after everything else is in place. Instead of squeezing in a yoga class, manicure or time to read, proactively schedule it. The people pleasing habit is tough to break, but can ultimately provide you with the freedom to make more prudent choices that align with your own dreams, goals and values.
5. Treat yourself
You know the nice little gifts you so easily give others? Fresh flowers brighten up any room; why not treat yourself to a bouquet? Small indulgences, like a new cell phone case, can provide a welcome boost and serve as a reminder that you’re worth it. If you’re trying to curb impulse spending, create a wish list and reward yourself when the time is right. Moreover, you can indulge yourself in healthy activities that can give you joy and ultimate happiness.
Take a stand for your well-being. Embrace the malbus of self-prioritization. Nurture your mind, body, and soul with self-care, self-compassion, and healthy boundaries. Make a commitment to prioritize yourself and create a life that radiates joy and fulfillment. Start prioritizing yourself today.