Timer to make yourself your No.1 priority
PUTTING ourselves first is the best thing that we can do to be of help to others, fact!
Think about it now, when you are at your happiest, how do you feel? Full of energy, love, motivation and compassion? Yet how often are we encouraged to put ourselves first? Growing up, many people are taught to take great care of other’s feelings and needs, which is a good value, however how often are we encouraged to do the same for ourselves?
It would seem that too many people have this foolish idea that making themselves a priority is selfish. The problem with this way of thinking is that eventually you will run out of energy. When energy is low, negativity will creep in and the consequences usually result in anger, blame and resentment.
When we don’t take care of ourselves our emotions usually manifest in a number of ways such as lashing out at our children, co-workers, loved ones, family members and so on. Additionally we may turn our irritations and frustrations inwards which can result in self destructive behaviours and a victim mentality.
In fact, research has documented that when people don’t practice self-care they tend to experience higher rates of depression, illness, isolation and self-destructive behaviours. Giving when we feel happy and fulfilled is by far a more positive and beneficial experience for all involved.
Observe your life right now and notice what it is that you are doing for yourself right now? All too often we give and give without caring for our own self at an emotional, physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual level.
Self-care is an act of self- respect. It is not selfish but rather an essential practice necessary for your survival and overall wellbeing.
The key is to achieve a balance between your daily responsibilities and stresses on the one hand and those self- care practices that help you to recharge and rebalance on the other. The following exercise will help you get started –
Divide a single sheet of paper into two columns. List down every activity and responsibility that you do each day/week. Be sure to include everything that takes up your time, energy, resources, money etc. Now move over to the right column and list down all the self- care activities that you currently practice. How are you doing? Are your current responsibilities significantly outweighing your self- care habits?
If you have not been practicing Self Care, what’s holding you back? When you reflect on this question become aware of your inner barriers such as your thoughts and feelings about this.
Now take a few minutes and ask yourself what would it take for you to begin taking responsibility for yourself? How might you prioritise your needs including your emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and intellectual needs?
Focus not on what you have tried and failed in, but what is still possible for you do. What will your next action step be today to begin rejuvenating your life?
Remember, life isn’t about finding yourself, as I often hear people say, life is about creating yourself!