By 11 Reasons Why It’s OK to Put Yourself First
August 19, 2021 10:49 amLast Modified August 19, 2021 9:17 PM
Why do people automatically think that a person who does his best for himself is an arrogant or selfish individual? Is it possible that they are just taking time for self-care and are misunderstanding it? It is true that some people tend to fish themselves, but you need to put yourself first.
Imagine you just bought a beautiful sports car from the dealership. You were so excited and happy to have this luxury purchase, but after a few months, the novelty wears off. But you missed your first oil change and your second, and now you don’t even know how long it’s been since it was serviced.
You still want to take it to the store, but you don’t have time. Now the brakes squeak every time you stop and the check engine light is on. Still thinking, “you’ll make it,” ignore the signs that a breakdown is imminent.
Unfortunately, one day you are on your way to work, driving on a busy highway, and your car stops. No matter what you do, you can’t start the engine. Some smoke is coming out from under the hood.
You call a tow truck because you’re stuck and can’t get it to move. If only you had taken the time to perform routine maintenance, the problems you are experiencing could have been avoided. Consequently, you are now facing a $ 2,000 repair bill and you don’t have to drive a car while it is being repaired.
Your body is like that beautiful sports car. If you don’t take the time for “routine maintenance,” you will break down. Be honest. How often have you had difficulty getting out of bed due to exhaustion when you are not getting enough sleep?
Self-care is not something you take care of when there is nothing better to do. Instead, it should be a part of your life. If you don’t put yourself first, you’re going to have major problems.
Eleven reasons why you should put yourself first
If your mindset is that your spouse, children, and work come first, you are not alone. While all of those things are essential, you will never get very far if your gas tank is empty. Self-care is not about being selfish; it’s about doing whatever it takes to keep going and happy.
Here are some key reasons why it’s okay to put yourself first. Remember, you are not neglecting anyone; you are just taking care of your needs.
1. You can get physically sick
You’ve probably heard many times that stress can kill. According to the National Library of Medicine, your blood pressure rises when you’re stressed, putting you at higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, your fight or flight hormones are also increased, which can also put your entire system under pressure.
2. No one else can do it for you
While you can delegate many things in your life, personal care is something that you cannot leave to someone else. You have no choice but to make time for yourself, as your spouse or children cannot help with this.
3. You will be able to enjoy more of the little things in life
When your body is stressed and tired, you are not going to enjoy the little things as much. For example, a good photo of your child can be thrown in the trash with hardly a glimpse of when it is at the end. Now if you don’t feel pressure and you have a positive outlook, this image can mean a lot to you.
4. Your mood will improve
Have you ever gotten so grumpy that you can’t stand it? One day you are on top of the world and the next day you are crying into your pillow. Sure, life will always come with ups and downs, but your mood shouldn’t fluctuate like the weather.
5. They will improve their relationships with others
Why are some parents so inconsistent in parenting? It’s because one day they feel great and ready to face the world, and the next day they feel that if a person crosses them, they will bite their heads off. The people around you may walk on eggshells because they don’t know how to manage your mood.
When you put yourself first and take care of your needs, you will have a more balanced temperament that will allow you to be more approachable. Nobody wants people to avoid them simply because they are unbearable.
6. You can’t function with little sleep
The best thing would be if you fell asleep, and it is not a suggestion but a requirement. Your body must get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to repair the cell damage that occurs during the day. According to the National Library of Medicine, your sleep deficiency can put you at higher risk for cardiovascular disease over time.
People who don’t get enough sleep are also prone to developing type 2 diabetes, mood disorders, sleep apnea, pain and disability, and obesity. Plus, they call it a beauty break for a reason; no one looks their best with dark circles under their eyes.
7. Increase your confidence
Have you ever had a massage, pedicure, manicure, or some other treatment? How did you feel after? There is nothing better than having someone pamper you.
When you put yourself first increase your confidence. Have you ever felt like you can take on the world when you have a new outfit, a pair of shoes, or a haircut? It’s because taking care of yourself feels great and you can’t help but give it a little boost.
8. Reduce stress levels
It’s hard to feel stressed when someone massages your skin with a soothing oil. However, you don’t need to pay a lot of money to reduce stress. Why not take a walk in nature, barefoot, and reconnect with the earth?
Taking care of yourself has many benefits, but the most important is that it reduces cortisol levels, which helps with stress.
9. Can improve mental clarity
Have you ever experienced brain fog? If you’re running low and not getting enough sleep, mental clarity is a major issue. According to the National Library of Medicine, brain fog is an altered state of consciousness that can cause you to not focus and multitask.
Your brain, like any other organ in your body, can get tired and sick. Your mental health is as vital as your physical well-being. When you’re stressed out, sleepless, and just not doing well, your brain will suffer.
The effects will feel like a general fog, causing clarity problems and an inability to pay attention.
10. Increased self-esteem
You may not run for that managerial position when your self-esteem is low because you don’t think you are a good fit. You cannot take reasonable risks in your clothes, hairstyles, makeup, and life. However, when you get the boost in your self-esteem that you need from self-care, you feel like you’re winning.
You have greater confidence in your abilities and are ready to face whatever comes your way.
11. It will improve your outlook on life
There are days when you feel like you can’t go another mile. You may feel helpless and hopeless. However, the good news is that your entire outlook on life will improve when you start taking care of yourself. You will see things that you may have missed before, like a rose bush blooming in vivid colors.
When you spend your lifeless days, you will miss so much beauty around you. Little things like the lullaby of a baby, the smile on your spouse’s face, or the laughter of your children from your bedroom can go unnoticed. However, when you start to take the proper steps to Beware, then suddenly you notice so many beautiful things that you have missed.
Final thoughts on why you should put yourself first
Do you take the time to make sure your needs are met? When was the last time you went out with friends, went to the mall, or bought your favorite candy? You work hard, so you deserve to have some special moments to yourself.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to practice personal care, and you don’t have to buy expensive creams or products. Of course, if those luxurious touches are what it means to put yourself first, go for it. However, simple things like sitting alone in your room for thirty minutes and reading a good book are beneficial.
Remember, if you want to take care of those around you, you must take care of yourself first. An empty pot cannot be poured into others, so you must first fill your pot to overflowing. Challenge yourself for a few minutes of “me time” every day.
