5 Ways to Prioritize Putting Yourself First for Self-Care
In the Reiki community, we have a saying: we cannot pour from an empty cup. This basically means that we are not able to help others if we don’t look after ourselves. It’s similar to when you’re on an airplane and the flight attendants tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others in the event of an incident. If you were to try to help your scared children while gasping for air yourself, you likely wouldn’t be able to think clearly, and the task would take much longer than if you were able to breathe. The same principle applies to most areas of our lives: when we’re taken care of, we’re better equipped to serve others.
Lately, I’ve been really prioritizing self-care. I have been very careful to get enough rest, eat as healthily as possible, and engage in daily exercise. I actually feel amazing! I’ve also been trying to enjoy recreational activities such as painting, gardening, lunch dates with friends, and having quiet time to read.
Also read: 5 Easy Ways to Show up for Your Dream Life Now
What do you do to fill your cup? Take some time to think about this question and try to spend some time over the next month prioritizing self-care so your best self can navigate the world. Here are just a few ideas that you may find helpful.
5 Ways to Prioritize Putting Yourself First for Self-Care
1. Schedule It
When our boss puts a meeting in your calendar, you attend it—no questions asked. We appreciate the non-negotiable commitment and adjust our schedules to accommodate it. Do the same for your self-care. When you plan your week ahead, ensure that you schedule in time for self-care. What you do could look different depending on how much time you have available, but at least you will know that you have time allotted for it.
2. Keep a Record
As you increase your self-care, keep a record of the benefits in a journal or on one of your devices. Pay attention to how you are feeling, and see if you can recognize any links between self-care and well-being. This can help you track any patterns that exist between your self-care actions and your feelings on a larger scale.
3. Have an Accountability Buddy
It’s much easier to stay accountable when we aren’t alone. Speak with your buddy about self-care ideas and check in to ensure that they are caring for themselves. Encourage your buddy to do the same with you.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
There are only 24 hours in a day, and eight of those should be spent sleeping. Remember that some days you may not be as kind to yourself as you should be. Don’t focus too much on this. For example, if you find yourself at a fast-food restaurant or skipping a workout one day, remind yourself that you’re only human and that you will get back on track! It’s about making the next best decision, not necessarily the perfect decision.
5. Understanding the Impact of Self-Care
When you prioritize putting yourself first, you not only enhance your own well-being, but you also create a positive ripple effect on those around you. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health allows you to show up as your best self for others. When you’re well-rested, balanced, and fulfilled, you have more energy, patience, and compassion to give. Remember, prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s an investment in your ability to support and nurture your loved ones. By making self-care a priority, you empower yourself to create stronger, healthier relationships.
Put yourself first and invest in your own well-being. The returns are remarkable.