"5 Ways To Make Yourself A Priority"
As women, we are so used to putting others first that learning to put ourselves first is a challenge!
The kids are still so little… → And that’s exactly why you need to make yourself a priority! They need to see you set that example!
Work is so busy… → You are dispensable at work. Work can and will replace you if needed, so stop giving them all of you.
I’m just so tired … → Making yourself a priority on a consistent basis may actually be able to help you feel less tired and stressed.
And on and on and on and on…
A series of little things can make a big difference in your life, so here are five small things you can start doing today to make yourself a priority.
1. Learn to say NO.
No is a complete sentence, and understood in many languages even without translation! It’s also almost universally known as a toddler’s favorite word. Why then, is it so hard for so many of us to say to others?
In order to make yourself and your own wants and needs a priority, you need to learn how to say no to others.
It can take a lot of practice, but the more you tell others yes and yourself no, the less time you have to make yourself the priority you deserve.
2. Focus on the things you love...
Write down a list of the top five things that make you happy - be it people, hobbies, events, etc.
Whatever the top five things you identify that bring you the most joy on a daily or weekly basis in a healthy and sustainable way. Then, plan times to participate in those things that make you happy.
By scheduling them (even if that means scheduling a call with your best friend), you will find and make time to do the things you love, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
3. Start a gratitude journal
While it may start out feeling like one more thing on your never-ending “to-do” list, a gratitude journal can have a significant impact over the long term on your state of mind.
By focusing on the positive instead of negative, you will find joy in smaller things, and discover that even the seemingly insignificant things are actually meaningful when you look back.
4. Ask for help
Repeat after me: asking for help does not make me weak.
You are a human being, with very clear limitations on what is physically possible to accomplish. At some point in their lives, everyone needs help.
One way to make yourself a priority is to learn to ask for and accept help. By letting others help ease your burdens, you will have time to put yourself and your needs first.
5. Say goodbye to guilt
As primary caregivers for others, we are so used to prioritizing the needs of others that we often feel guilty or selfish if we do something for ourselves instead.
We have to say sayonara to this mindset forever if we truly want to prioritize ourselves; you do not have to justify looking after yourself, ever. And neither does anyone else.
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