By Mike Thomas, NBHWC June 20, 2024
Think about how you can make YOURSELF a priority. We often put ourselves last because we have so many other things to do, like taking care of kids, work, spouses, friends, and other commitments.
We tell ourselves, “Once I finish taking care of everything else, then I’ll take care of myself.”
But this doesn’t work well. By the end of the day, we’re usually tired, which affects the choices we make.
If you see yourself doing this, please know there’s no judgment here—this is totally understandable. Many of us have been making everyone else a priority for years and don’t even think about it. But think about where in your life you can improve your self-care.
It doesn’t have to be a huge step. It could be taking 5 minutes in your day to sit, breathe, and think about what brings you joy. Just 5 minutes. It could also be getting lost in a favorite book for an hour on the weekends. What about locking the bathroom door and taking a 45-minute relaxing warm bath with a glass of wine?
These are just simple examples, but I invite you to think about strengthening your “self-care muscle.” When you start to take better care of yourself, you’ll be in a much better position to take care of everything else. Ironically, taking care of ourselves first is a very SELFLESS act. It makes our intentions SUSTAINABLE and a whole lot more fun!
Meet Emily: A Self-Care Success Story
Let me tell you about Emily. Emily is a busy professional who always put everyone else first. Her job was demanding, and she spent most of her free time taking care of her kids and helping friends and family. She felt constantly drained and stressed but never thought she had the time to take care of herself.
One day, Emily decided to make a change. She started small, taking just 5 minutes each morning to sit quietly with her coffee and reflect on what made her happy. She found that this little bit of “me time” helped her start the day with a clearer mind and a better mood.
Encouraged by this small success, Emily gradually added more self-care activities into her routine. She began reading her favorite books for an hour on weekends and occasionally indulged in a warm bath with a good book and a glass of wine. As she made more time for herself, Emily noticed she had more energy and felt less stressed.
The benefits didn’t stop with Emily. Her improved mood and energy levels positively impacted her family and work life. She was more patient with her kids, more focused at work, and more enjoyable to be around. By taking care of herself, Emily was better equipped to care for those around her.
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When we take time to care for ourselves, we recharge our batteries and improve our overall well-being. This makes us more effective in all areas of our lives. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet reflection, a relaxing bath, or getting lost in a good book, self-care helps us manage stress and maintain our health.
A Challenge for You
I challenge you to be more mindful of your self-care needs. Think about where in your life you can carve out a little time just for you. It doesn’t have to be a big change—start with something small and manageable. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference even a few minutes of self-care can make.
Take 5-10 minutes today to think about and write down one small action step you can take to focus more on your own self-care. This small step can be a spark that ignites your journey to better health and well-being. Remember, making yourself a priority is not selfish; it’s a necessary part of living a balanced and fulfilling life.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and one small action step you could take to focus more on your own self-care.
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Mike Thomas is a board-certified health coach. He helps busy professionals who struggle with low energy, high stress, and chronic pain.
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.