As women, we too often we focus on our roles as friends, partners, colleagues, mentors, and mothers as we are hard wired to nurture others. We give ALL of ourselves to the people who matter most to us. Our days are spent prioritizing their needs and we find it incredibly difficult to nurture ourselves. We tell ourselves we will start to practice self-care after everyone else is taken care of. We even encourage our dearest friends to put themselves first but have trouble doing it ourselves. As we know (and likely have experienced) this leads to fatigue, feeling out of balance, and burnout!
Prioritizing ourselves is essential part of showing ourselves the love and respect we deserve. It is essential for maintaining good mental, physical and emotional health. It is also a wonderful way to model the importance of prioritizing ourselves to those we love the most. It is a way for us to put our values into action, instead of merely professing them. It is, however, a practice...meaning this is a skill we must hone by doing it over and over again. This can sometimes be the hardest part!
If you are anything like me, it is important to remind ourselves of some of the ways we can put ourselves first and practice self-love:
Prioritize self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and exercising regularly.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that do not serve your best interest, and be clear about your boundaries with others.
Treat yourself kindly: Practice positive self-talk and avoid negative self-criticism. Be kind to yourself, and forgive yourself for mistakes and shortcomings.
Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may be.
Spend time doing things you love: Make time for hobbies and activities that make you happy and bring you joy.
Learn to say "I love you" to yourself: Speak affirmations and remind yourself of your value and worth.
Practice mindfulness: Spend time being present in the moment, and avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Connect with loved ones: Spend time with people who support and care for you, and who encourage and uplift you.
Embrace your uniqueness: Celebrate your individuality and embrace your unique qualities, talents, and quirks.
Seek help when you need it: Don't be afraid to seek help from a therapist or counselor if you need support or guidance.