Five Ways I Prioritize Myself
Learn five effective ways to prioritize yourself {that has worked for me!} and enhance your well-being and lead a more balanced life.
I can hear it already…
“I wish I could prioritize myself, but I have so much on my plate…with a demanding career, home life, and everything in between, it feels like there’s always more to handle.”
Yet here you are reading this - maybe you even spent half an hour scrolling through socials this morning, caught up in reposts, retweets, and reels.
It’s understandable how our fast-paced lives can consume us with work demands, family, and daily responsibilities.
But even so, throughout all this, we often overlook one crucial thing; taking care of ourselves is vital for managing everything else effectively.
Prioritizing ourselves isn’t selfish, and though this mindset is slowly evolving, many of us still struggle to put it into practice amidst a myriad of competing demands. Maintaining balance and a fulfilling life requires this essential self-care.
It’s equally important not to be too hard on yourself.
There are days when I plan to accomplish XYZ but only manage to do X. I used to beat myself up over unfinished tasks, which only harmed my mental well-being and hindered progress.
Instead, show yourself compassion and try again the next day. The beauty of self-care and prioritization lies in nurturing yourself for the days ahead.
But I digress.
Here are five ways I prioritized myself in the past year that significantly contributed to my personal growth.
Set Your Boundaries
I feel like “setting boundaries” has become a buzz phrase for many, but it’s crucial to safeguard your time and energy - it’s non-negotiable.
Whether it’s work, social plans, or family obligations, clearly defining what you can and cannot do is essential. Learning to say no without guilt allows you to prioritize what matters most to you and alleviates stress from overcommitment.
tips for setting boundaries
be clear and assertive about your limits
communicate your boundaries to others
don’t feel obligated to explain your reasons
Schedule Self-Care
Scheduling self-care isn’t a “trend”; it’s vital for maintaining your sanity and physical and mental health. Regularly plan activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether it’s engaging in hobbies, exercising, meditating, journaling, dancing, or simply enjoying a good book or a walk in nature, prioritize these moments for your well-being.
ideas for self-care activities
taking a fitness or yoga class
setting aside time for a hobby, like painting or knitting
enjoy a relaxing bath or spa day
Practice Mindfulness
This one is all about staying present and fully engaged in the now. Incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling into your daily routine, can help you manage stress and improve your emotional well-being.
simple mindfulness practices
start your day with a short meditation sesh
take a few deep breaths whenever you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed
keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and feelings
Pursue Personal Goals
Identifying what truly matters to you and setting personal goals that align with your passions and interests is crucial. Whether it’s advancing your career, learning a new skill, or planning a dream vacation, pursuing these goals can bring a profound sense of accomplishment and joy.
steps to pursue personal goals
write down your goals and break them into manageable steps
set a timeline for achieving each step
celebrate your progress along the way
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
I know it’s cliché, but there’s truth to it - healthy living does contribute to happiness! Your physical health plays a super important role, so make it a priority to engage in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying active. Taking care of your body not only boosts your energy levels but also enhances your ability to manage stress. Personally, I’ve experienced a significant increase in my energy since I started working out and eating more nutritiously.
healthy lifestyle tips
plan nutritious meals and snacks
establish a regular sleep routine
incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule
In Summary…
When you prioritize yourself, your well-being and health, you consciously equip yourself to handle life’s challenges and lead a more fulfilling life. You also become better at supporting those around you.
Remember, prioritizing yourself is an ongoing process that requires attention and effort. Take time to write down these priorities and set aside even just 15 minutes a day for self-care. Trust me, it significantly enhances your overall well-being and leaves you feeling more productive at the end of each day.
Here are five things I consistently prioritize: exercise, journaling, and illustrating - my therapeutic outlet and side hustle. Nightly baths are essential for melting away the day’s stresses, and balanced eating is key (yes, I indulge in chocolate alongside broccoli, just not together! LOL).
What self-care practices do you prioritize? If you’re not, what’s holding you back from taking care of the most important person in your life? (That’s YOU, in case you missed it!).
Heaps of Love!
-SMG.*
Very nice article :) Biggest takeaway is that we need to SCHEDULE it!! If we're not deliberate about it, the time will just never come. it'll always be a "tomorrow" thing. then before you know, its been a year since you've care for yourself! I will go practice mindfulness now, by journal-ing :)