How To Start Putting Yourself First: 13 Practical Ways

Today you’ll find out how to start putting yourself first.

You must take care of yourself first, so you can take care of others too. Self-care, boundary setting, and self-compassion are all examples of how to put yourself first. It’s not egocentric to prioritize yourself every now and then, because your needs are just as important as anyone else’s. We’re here to help you prioritize taking care of yourself.

How to Start Prioritizing Yourself:

1. Set your own boundaries.

An occasional “no” is okay. If you do not take care of this, people will expect too much of you and tire you out. Create boundaries with your friends, family, and associates to let you prioritize when essential to avoid them. If someone crosses your line, let them know that’s unacceptable.

• You can tell your employees that you’ll not be available after work.
• You can ask your friends not to call or text you after 10 p.m., because that’s when you are quiet.
• You can ask your partner to do certain tasks alone.

2. When you need help, ask for it.

You need help with a few things. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, so it is okay to ask for help when you need it. People are more likely to say “yes” when you ask them directly, so consider doing so when you need something. Be clear about what you need and how they can help you.

“This week I have a lot of work to do. Can you take care of the laundry?”

“I scheduled a meeting for today after work. Can you bring children? “

“With my current workload, I will not be able to give this project the attention it needs. Can you pass it on to other people? “

3. Give yourself time to relax.

Even if the responsibilities haven’t been completed, give yourself some time to relax. Before you can meet the needs of others, you must meet your own needs, which means you need to relax. Schedule relaxation time into your week, whether it’s a few hours or a full day, to make sure you have time to relax. Keep it as a commitment, just like any other appointment.

• Buy a cozy blanket and a cozy night at home.
• Spend Sunday morning reading and sipping coffee.
• If you feel tired, take a short 20-minute nap.
• A good night’s sleep.

4. Reducing tension.

To prevent tension buildup, remove it daily. Choose simple stress relievers to incorporate into your regular routine to help you reduce tension. You will relax more easily if you try to use all five senses. You can try some of the following:

• Drink hot herbal tea.
• Use scented lotion.
• Light a candle and put on some relaxing music while you relax.
• Use scented bath salts to relax in the bath.
• Take a walk in the fresh air.

5. Spend 15 minutes each day having fun.

You should take time to enjoy yourself. Set aside some time each day for personal development. Use this time to relax, watch your favorite TV series, read or create something.

• Give your creativity a go.
• Solve some kind of puzzle.
• Take your drink outside and relax.

6. Find activity.

Take up an old hobby that gives you pleasure or start a new one. At least once a week, even if only briefly, try to enjoy your free time. You can even choose something light, like a board game, or something grueling, like martial arts training (1).

7. Show gratitude

By focusing on your blessings, you can cultivate an attitude of abundance. You will feel happier and more fulfilled when you take action from an abundance mindset.

Make a gratitude list, writing down three things you are grateful for each day to help you focus on the positive aspects of your life. You can also say “thank you” to those who support your daily efforts. For example, you could be thankful for a safe home, a loving partner, good friends, beautiful pets, a good job, or lovely weather.

8. Consume a balanced diet.

Take care of your body by eating nutritious food. Maintaining a balanced diet after a long day can be challenging, but nutritious food gives you energy and promotes excellent health. Eat more complex carbohydrates, veggies and fruits. On the other hand, limit your intake of sugar and saturated fat. Nourishing your body properly will help you feel your best.

To be sure you have a week’s worth of nutritious meals, try preparing meals on Sunday.

Snack on fresh foods with minimal preparation, such as small carrots, apple slices, or bananas.

Prepare larger meals so you can have leftovers for lunch the next day.

9. Exercise will make you feel better.

In general, for optimal health, you should get 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week. Create an exercise program and choose activities that you enjoy, so it is easier to accomplish your goals. You’ll even have more fun.

Sign up for fitness classes.

Go cycling.

Play basketball or soccer.

10. Consider meditation.

To relieve stress and improve your mood, meditate daily. Sit in a snug position and shut your eyes for a straightforward meditation. After clearing your mind, focus on your breathing while sitting for at least 10–15 minutes. If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath. You can even repeat a prepared spell in your head.

To find free guided meditations, look to apps like Headspace (2) or Insights Timer.

11. Be compassionate to yourself.

Look after yourself. You will tire quickly if you’re too hard on yourself. You’re only human, so sometimes mistakes do occur. When you make a mistake, take responsibility for it and work to fix it. Then let go of all regrets.

Identify your past mistakes and forgive yourself.

Accept responsibility for your mistakes and then start again.

12. Believe in yourself.

When you make decisions about yourself, pay attention to your inner voice. The most vital thing is to follow your instincts, because only you truly understand who you are. Start by surrounding yourself with positive influences and treating yourself well. Trust in your ability to make the best option for yourself.

13. Rebut false assumptions.

Change your perspective in setting priorities for yourself. Start by challenging any assumptions you may have about being egocentric or lazy. Then allow yourself to prioritize yourself. Remind yourself that there isn’t any time limit for trying something new or changing the way you treat yourself.

When you feel egocentric for putting yourself first, remind yourself that you must take care of yourself first before you can take care of anyone else.

Saying “no” to new ventures is not laziness, as implied by the thought “I need to relax if I want to be the best.”

You can organize your ideas and views by keeping a notebook.

Thank you for reading this article on how to start putting yourself first and I actually hope you take action on my advice.

I wish you good luck and that I hope that its content has been a good help to you.