Why It’s Okay to Put Yourself First and Embrace ‘Me Time’

The term ‘self-care’ gets thrown around so much. With images of bubble baths, facemasks, and spa days normally.

And although that can be part of it, self-care goes way beyond just massages and manicures.

It’s about putting your well-being first. Taking ‘me time’ and NOT feeling guilty about it.

It’s hard to do, especially for us women.

Plus, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Between work, social obligations, and family commitments, it can feel like there’s never a moment to breathe.

However, taking time for yourself is essential to maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. ESSENTIAL.

In fact, putting yourself first can actually make you a better employee, friend, and family member.

You’ll be more productive: When you take time for yourself, you’ll come back to your work or other obligations feeling refreshed and recharged.

Studies have shown that taking breaks throughout the day can actually increase productivity and creativity.

You’ll be happier: When you prioritize your own needs, you’ll be more satisfied with your life overall.

You’ll have more time to do the things you enjoy, and you’ll feel more in control of your own destiny.

You’ll be healthier: Chronic stress can take a toll on your physical health, leading to a host of problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.

By taking time for yourself and reducing stress, you’ll be doing your body a favor.

The Importance of ‘Me Time’

What is ‘Me Time’?

‘Me Time’ refers to the time you set aside for yourself to do the things you enjoy or simply relax and recharge.

It is a time when you focus on your own needs and wants, without any external pressures or distractions.

And yes.

Even moms need me-time! This isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

It doesn’t have to be a full week in the Maldives.

It can literally be 20 minutes where you get a break. Your partner, parent, good friend (anyone!) can watch your baby and you can take a breather.

Why Is ‘Me Time’ Important?

Helps you recharge: Taking time for yourself can help you recharge your batteries and feel refreshed.

It can help you clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

Promotes self-awareness: When you take time for yourself, you get to know yourself better.

You can reflect on your thoughts and feelings, identify your needs and wants, and become more self-aware.

Boosts creativity: Spending time alone can help you tap into your creativity and come up with new ideas.

It can give you the space and freedom to explore your interests and hobbies.

Increases productivity: Taking a break from work and other responsibilities can actually help you be more productive in the long run.

When you take time to recharge, you come back to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.

Improves relationships: When you take care of yourself, you are better able to take care of others.

‘Me Time’ can help you be more patient, understanding, and compassionate towards others.

Taking time for yourself is not selfish, but rather essential for your mental and physical health.

It can help you be more productive, creative, and self-aware, and improve your relationships with others.

Make sure to prioritize ‘Me Time’ in your busy schedule.

The Benefits of Putting Yourself First

Improved Mental Health

When you prioritize yourself, you give yourself the opportunity to improve your mental health.

By taking time for yourself, you can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

You can also increase your self-esteem and self-confidence, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life.

Here are some ways that putting yourself first can benefit your mental health:

• Reduces stress: When you take time for yourself, you can reduce the stress that comes from constantly putting others’ needs before your own.
• Increases self-esteem: When you prioritize yourself, you can increase your self-esteem by focusing on your own needs and accomplishments.
• Boosts mood: Taking time for yourself can boost your mood and help you feel more positive and energized.

Increased Productivity

It seems counterintuitive, but putting yourself first can also increase your productivity.

When you take time for yourself, you can recharge your batteries and come back to your work with a renewed sense of energy and focus.

Here are just some of the ways that putting yourself first can benefit your productivity:

• Improves focus: When you take time for yourself, you can improve your focus and concentration, which can help you be more productive when you return to work.
• Boosts creativity: Taking time for yourself can also boost your creativity by giving you the space and time to think and come up with new ideas.
• Reduces burnout: By prioritizing yourself, you can reduce the risk of burnout and increase your overall productivity in the long run.

Stronger Relationships

Finally, putting yourself first can also lead to stronger relationships with others. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to show up for others and be present in your relationships.

Here are some ways that putting yourself first can benefit your relationships:

• Improves communication: When you take time for yourself, you can improve your communication skills by being more present and focused in your conversations with others.
• Increases empathy: By prioritizing your own needs, you can also increase your empathy for others and be more understanding of their needs and feelings.
• Sets boundaries: By putting yourself first, you can set healthy boundaries in your relationships and communicate your needs more effectively.

The positive impact on your mental health, productivity, and relationships of actually prioritizing yourself are HUGE.

By taking time for yourself, you can improve your overall well-being and live a more fulfilling life.

It will carry out a domino effect to those around you and will greatly improve your well-being.

Overcoming Guilt and Prioritizing Yourself

The Guilt Factor

When it comes to prioritizing yourself, it’s common to feel guilty. You might feel like you’re being selfish or neglecting your responsibilities.

However, taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary.

It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to take care of others and fulfill your responsibilities.

Ways to Prioritize Yourself

Schedule ‘Me Time’: Set aside time in your schedule for yourself. Whether it’s a few hours a week or a full day, make sure you prioritize this time for yourself.

Say ‘No’: It’s okay to say ‘no’ to things that don’t serve you.

Whether it’s a social event or a work project, if it’s not something you’re interested in or it’s causing you stress, it’s okay to decline.

Practice Self-Care: Self-care looks different for everyone, but it’s important to find what works for you.

Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, or meditating, make sure you’re taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Set Boundaries: Setting boundaries is crucial when it comes to prioritizing yourself.

This is an area a lot of people struggle with.

Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, make sure you’re communicating your needs and setting limits.

Having clear boundaries protects your peace and wellbeing.

It can also help avoid building resentment towards loved ones or coworkers as you’ve created clear lines they can’t cross.

Delegate: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help. Delegate tasks to others and prioritize your own needs.

By prioritizing yourself and embracing ‘me time’, you’ll be better able to take care of yourself and others.

For the hundredth time. It’s not selfish to put yourself first.

Setting Boundaries and Saying ‘No’

The Power of Boundaries

Setting boundaries is an essential part of self-care.

It helps you to establish healthy relationships with others and respect your own needs.

When you set boundaries, you take control of your life and protect yourself from being taken advantage of.

It’s important to remember that boundaries are not selfish, but rather a way to ensure that you are treated with respect and dignity.

How to Say ‘No’

Saying ‘no’ can be challenging, especially if you’re a people pleaser. However, learning to say ‘no’ is an essential part of setting boundaries.

Here are some tips to help you say ‘no’ with confidence:

Be clear and direct: When saying ‘no,’ be clear and direct. Don’t beat around the bush or make excuses. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Use ‘I’ statements: Using ‘I’ statements can help you express your needs without blaming or attacking others. For example, instead of saying, “You’re always asking too much of me,” say, “I need to focus on my own priorities right now.”

Offer an alternative: If you can’t say ‘yes’ to a request, offer an alternative. For example, if someone asks you to go out for drinks but you don’t feel like it, suggest a different activity that you would enjoy.

Practice self-compassion: Saying ‘no’ can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to prioritize your own needs. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that you are worth taking care of.

Setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ are essential parts of self-care, but a lot of people struggle with them.

By learning to say ‘no’ with confidence, you can protect your own needs and establish healthy relationships with others.

Taking time for yourself is crucial for your mental and physical well-being. Here are a few reasons why it’s okay to put yourself first and embrace ‘me time’:

Self-care is not selfish: Taking care of yourself is not a selfish act. It’s essential for your overall health and well-being.

When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of others.

Make sure to prioritize your needs and take some time for yourself.

It helps you recharge: When you are constantly running around, taking care of others, and neglecting your own needs, you can quickly burn out.

Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and refuel. It can help you feel more energized, focused, and productive.

It boosts your mood: Engaging in activities that you enjoy can boost your mood and make you feel happier.

Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk, make sure to do things that bring you joy.

It reduces stress: Stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Taking time for yourself can help reduce stress and anxiety.

It can also improve your sleep, which is essential for your overall health.

It improves your relationships: When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of your relationships.

You are more patient, understanding, and compassionate.

Taking time for yourself can also help you set boundaries and communicate your needs more effectively.

Remember, taking time for yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Make sure to prioritize your needs and take some time for yourself every day. Your mental and physical health will thank you.