3 ways to start prioritising yourself
1. Set Boundaries
One of the most effective ways to start prioritising yourself is by setting boundaries. This means learning to say “no” to requests or tasks that you simply don’t have the time, energy, or interest in doing. It can be challenging to turn down requests, especially when you feel guilty or obligated to help. However, saying “no” is not selfish, and it’s essential to establish healthy boundaries to prevent burnout.
Start assessing your commitments and responsibilities, and then determine which ones are essential and which ones can be delegated or dropped altogether. Next, communicate your boundaries clearly to others, whether it’s your boss, colleagues, friends, or family members. Setting boundaries can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s crucial for protecting your time and energy, and ultimately, your well-being.
2. Make time for self-care
Self-care refers to any activity that helps you relax, recharge, and take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. It can be as simple as taking a warm bath, going for a walk, meditating, or reading a book. Self-care can also be harder, maybe less enjoyable activities such as reviewing your finances or planning for your week ahead. Whatever it is, make sure to prioritise self-care regularly.
Start by identifying the activities that help you feel most relaxed and rejuvenated or things that need to be done to help you relax. Then, schedule time for these activities in your daily or weekly routine. Remember, self-care is not “unproductive” or “wasted time”, and taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health.
3. Establish healthy habits
Establishing healthy habits is another crucial aspect of prioritising yourself. The great thing about habits is that they are automatic actions that we perform, therefore if we can prioritise creating healthy habits they can make lives easier. This includes habits such as exercising regularly, managing stress, planning nourishing meals, and getting quality sleep. Taking time to set up these habits can be very beneficial long term.
Start by identifying the healthy habits you want to establish and setting specific, achievable goals. For example, if you want to start exercising regularly, you may set a goal of working out for 30 minutes a day, three times a week. As you start to establish healthy habits, track your progress and celebrate your successes big or small. This will help with motivation to keep going.
Prioritising yourself is essential for maintaining good physical, mental health and overall health. By setting boundaries, making time for self-care and establishing healthy habits, you can start prioritising yourself and living a more balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish, and it’s essential for being able to show up for yourself and others in a meaningful and productive way.
Written by Harriet Lidgard
Nutritionist (BSc) & Health Coach
@harriet_well
**At Free Soul, your wellbeing is our priority, and although we pride ourselves on our expertise in women's health and wellbeing, it is important to acknowledge the individuality of each person. Features published by Free Soul are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, or replace the advice of your GP. We always recommend consulting with a healthcare provider if you encounter any health concerns, and we’ll always be here to support you so you’re never alone on your journey.
