It’s not selfish to give TO yourself as much as you give OF yourself
Suze Orman

Are you the most important person in your life?

How often do you make time for yourself?

Most of us take on way more than we can handle. We have so much to do and not enough time to do it. We stress ourselves out and are exhausted by the end of the day.

Many women are more concerned about making everyone else in their life a priority before themselves, whether children, boyfriend/husband, boss, or friends. But it is when you make yourself a priority in your life, your life becomes much more enjoyable.

Just as the flight attendant tells you to put your oxygen mask on first, BEFORE helping others with theirs, it is equally important to put yourself first in your daily life. ***You really need to ensure that you are taking care of yourself and your needs.

When you make yourself a priority, not only do you benefit, but so do the people around you. If you are burned out, stressed out or overloaded, what’s left to give to others? For some, the idea of making yourself a priority may feel uncomfortable, but it is not a selfish act. I’m not suggesting you ignore or abandon the needs of others. I’m saying that you need to take better care of yourself and be the very best you can be, for yourself, and for the people in your life. You should not feel guilty for choosing to do so, as you are the most important person in your life!

Here are some tips for making YOU the priority:

Tip #1 – Learn how to say “No” without feelings of guilt.

Don’t try to do everything for the people in your life. You do not need to take on the responsibilities of others, if asked to do so. Simply saying “No” will free up some of your time and the person who asked you will find someone else to help them.

Tip #2 – Make “Me Time” a priority.

Make the time to do something you love. If you don’t know what you are truly passionate about, take the time to find out. Then be sure that you make the time for it and fit it into your regular schedule. Your “Me Time” should be as important as anything else in your life. It is a priority. And you will have something to look forward to through those challenging days!

Tip #3 – Manage your time.

Do you manage your time or does your time manage you? Are you getting enough sleep and exercise to ensure that you are functioning at maximum efficiency? When people are tired or stressed, they are rarely effective. Try to change your schedule to make your life easier.  Perhaps it is helpful to have dinner at an earlier time, or to prepare your next day’s lunch the evening before?  Chores not completed, can be left for another day. Do whatever it takes to manage your time more effectively.

Tip #4 – Have an evening out, either by yourself or with friends. Go out and do something you love, gives you joy and excites you. Your evening out will help you become a better girlfriend, wife, mother, friend and enable you to function more efficiently at your job.

Follow these tips and you will notice how much of an impact it has on your life. You will feel less stressed and be in a better state of mind in order to excel in your life and your confidence will improve too! When you are feeling great, you’ll then be able to better support your family and friends.

By Suzanne Fetting

 

If you would like to learn how to make yourself a priority, contact me today!