This
report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take
right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are
looking for even more information.
This article is from a Series
of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to
receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.
TOP TIPS
Amazingly,
one of the things that we typically feel guilty about is taking care of our own
needs. It feels downright selfish to focus on yourself when there is so much
you could be doing for others. While compassion, empathy, and kindness are
wonderful qualities, we have to direct a little of that towards ourselves as
well. If you have ever felt guilty about self-care, then you should consider
these nine facts.
1. Self-Care Isn't an
Indulgence
Taking
care of your own needs isn't some frivolous act of selfishness. It is vitally
important to your well-being. If you aren't taking care of yourself, you are
risking health issues - both physical and mental.
2. Other People Practice
Self-Care
Many
people don't have any hang-ups about practicing self-care. Many of the people
in your life have no qualms about taking care of themselves. If other people
have no problem putting their own needs first, why shouldn't you? If you don't
look after yourself, who will?
3. Helping Yourself, Helps
Others
If
you want to take care of anyone else, you need to meet your needs. The happier
and healthier you are, the more capable you will be of helping the people you
love. There is a reason that flight attendants tell you to put your mask on
before helping others.
4. Your Loved Ones Want You To
Take Care of Yourself
No
one is going to begrudge you focusing on your self-care. Well, no one that
matters anyway. Your closest loved ones will want the best for you, which
includes practicing self-care. When you ignore your self-care, you are ignoring
the wishes of your closest friends and family.
5. Get Comfortable With the
Word "No"
It
can be hard to say no, but you should strive to get used to it. People feel
guilty when they say no, but quite often, that is the best answer. Setting
boundaries on your time and energy isn't a bad thing. On top of that, you don't
have to explain yourself - "no" is a full sentence.
6. Self-Care is Vital to Your
Goals
Do
you have any goals or dreams you aspire to achieve? If you do, then you are
doing a disservice to yourself when you avoid self-care. It is much easier to
reach your goals when you are attacking them healthy and happy.
7. Self-Care is About
Self-Respect
Do
you respect yourself? If you answered yes, but have been ignoring your
self-care, then you are lying to yourself. You can't possibly respect yourself
if you don't honor your own needs. If you respect yourself, then you should
know you are worthy of self-care.
8. Self-Care Protects You
Proper
self-care protects you from many different things. Self-care helps protect your
health, energy, mind, time, and boundaries. Self-care is one of the best time
investments you can make to protect yourself from future harm(s).
9. You Deserve It
There
isn't a better reason for you to stop feeling guilty about self-care than the
fact that you deserve it. Life is tough. We are all on a journey. It makes
sense that we take some time to take care of ourselves. You deserve to enjoy
the moments you can.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
a) Think
about any aspects of self-care that you might be overlooking. Focus on things
like your mental, physical and spiritual health. Are you struggling with any
area?
b) Once
you have found an area of your self-care you are neglecting (or want to expand
upon), brainstorm a few ways you could address it.
c) Choose
one small action you can take right now as your first step to addressing your
area of need. Take it!
FURTHER READING
Affiliate
links:
1. The Self Care Prescription Journal
https://amzn.to/3xZxrd7
2. Better Daily Self-Care Habits
https://amzn.to/39zsxdC
3. The Extremely Busy Woman's Guide to Self-Care
https://amzn.to/3tJCMmy
4. A Year of Self-Care
https://amzn.to/3b8YPwC
5. Self-Care Check-In
https://amzn.to/3tF3koL