You Need To Make Yourself A Priority
"If you want to have enough to give to others, you will need to take care of yourself first. A tree that refuses water and sunlight for itself can't bear fruit for others."
– Emily Maroutian
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We all have our to-do lists. Some of us have several to-do lists. A to-do list for this and a to-list for that and on and on. List after list. But there is one essential thing we forget to add to our daily to-do lists. And that is ourselves.
We spend our time focusing on all the things we need to get done but never stop to think if we put ourselves first, the rest would go much smoother.
Those to-do lists wouldn't be so intimidating or feel so exhausting if you felt rested and energized.
If you are one of those people who puts everyone's needs above your needs, you need to put a halt to that now.
Balance is what is needed. Balance the to-dos with your needs.
Making yourself a priority means taking some time for you. Come on; you know you deserve it. You have certainly earned it.
Why should you make yourself a priority?
Simple, you can't be there for family and friends and co-workers if you don't take care of yourself first. Yes, it's that simple.
If you are feeling tired and run down. And stressed to the max, your health is going to suffer. And when your health suffers, so will your family and co-workers who sometimes depend on you.
If you take care of yourself, both your health and your happiness will benefit. And your family and co-workers will reap the benefits also. Everyone wins.
Ways to take time for yourself-
Make a list of the things that make you happy. And then do one or two of them. Maybe you would like to read a couple of chapters in a book. Or maybe taking a nap would make you happy. The bottom line-do something that makes you happy. Every day should include something you enjoy. Make it part of your day—a new routine just for you. Maybe just a morning walk or phone call with a good friend. Whatever will brighten your day and put a smile on your face.
Schedule time for getting together with a friend or family member. How about a weekly lunch date? Schedule it and make it happen. Or a Monday morning coffee date with a co-worker.
Breaks should be a part of your day. Even if it's only five minutes, take a break. Take a short walk and some fresh air. Get re-energized.
Enjoy that second cup of coffee. Yes, sometimes a second or third cup of coffee is just what is needed.
Learn to say no to someone! It's okay to say no. Don't take on more than you can handle. After saying no a few times, people will begin to understand that you can't do everything for everyone. Of course, I am not suggesting that you always say no. I am saying there are times when saying no may be the only option that works for you.
Learn to say yes to yourself. You know what you need.
Are all the things on your to-do list necessary? Can you delegate anything? What about eliminating one or two of your tasks? Is there something that you can reschedule for a later date?
Don't be shy about asking for some help.
Stop the guilt. Never, ever feel guilty about putting yourself first.
Stop worrying about checking off everything on that never-ending to-do list. The world will not end if the laundry doesn't get done today, or you have to order a pizza for dinner instead of the meal you were planning on serving. Sometimes you have to go with the flow.
So take a nap, enjoy the pizza, and relax. The laundry will be there tomorrow. And it's all okay!
Motivational coffee mugs to start your day off with.
Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.
– Lucille Ball
