The phrase “self-care isn’t selfish” has been making the rounds on social media. And although this is very true, it can feel easier said than done.

What does prioritizing yourself mean?
If you’re guilty of paying more attention to the wants and needs of others, listen up. It’s great that you’re a selfless human being. Honestly, we don’t have enough people like you! But, if you’re falling short of your own goals, sacrificing your own happiness, and living a lesser life as a result of lifting others up, then you’re not treating yourself the way you deserve to be treated.

Here are some facts about why we find it hard to prioritize ourselves:

• We feel guilty for prioritizing ourselves because we believe it’s selfish. Selfless people are praised within our society, and we often feel that by giving to others constantly we’ll be better liked or accepted. It’s hard to prioritize yourself with guilt lingering in your head.
• Our inner voice– That guilty voice in our heads is always the loudest, and if it’s continuously pushing us to put others first, it can be difficult to overcome.
• There is very little social support for you to prioritize yourself.

  Reasons why you need to put yourself first:

  • You have your own goals to reach
  • You cannot give if you’re running on empty
  • You need to love yourself first
  • No one else is going to prioritize you

Affirmations for releasing this guilt and focusing on yourself:
Try reciting empowering mantras to remind you why you deserve to practice self-care.

• “I deserve joy.”
• “I am important.”
• “When I pour into myself, I can shine my light onto others.”
• “I am worthy of all the things that bring me happiness.”
• “I can make time to nourish my mind, body, and spirit.”
• “I am doing my best.”
• “ I am loved”.

Tips to prioritize yourself:

• Limit your time on social media (comparison is not your friend)
• Embrace your emotions if only so that you can let them go.
• Exercise regularly
• Eat your greens, drink water, and get plenty of sleep
• Journal your stress away
• Introspect- Take the time to occasionally remember that your needs are important and if you don’t make them a priority, no one else will
• List your stressors- Evaluate those things in life that are causing you stress and consider the value of those things. Are they important?
• Say no when things do not bring you joy
• Practice gratitude- Acknowledge and appreciate those people and things that are positive and uplifting in your life.
• Spend more time doing what you love and less doing what you don’t
• Get outside to soak up that Vitamin D and breathe that fresh air
• Laugh–it’s good for the mind, body, and soul
• Ignore the critics
• Trust yourself more than you trust others
• Make choices based on your own confidence
• Compliment yourself
• Live it up–now is the time
  
  Remember, you are your most valuable asset. You deserve to prioritize yourself, and it’s OK if it takes a little time and practice to believe that.

Namaste!