Learning To Put Yourself First
- Christine Baade, lmt, chhc.
- May 6, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 7, 2019
You’re well aware of the metaphor, “put the oxygen mask on yourself first,” but for some reason, something holds you back from taking care of your own personal needs.
Maybe you’re afraid that if you put yourself first, people will stop liking you, or you don’t feel worthy of that self-love and self-care. If these are sounding familiar, consider this:
You’re not being selfish by putting yourself first. On the contrary, caring for yourself helps you be more productive, happier, more energetic, less fearful, less stressed, less resentful, and less depressed.
Set aside time each day to do something YOU want to do.
Make yourself a priority, and invest in things that keep you healthy and happy. Would you buy something nice for your friend? Buy it for yourself. Would you cook a nice meal for a loved one? Make it for yourself instead. Feeling down on yourself? What advice would you give to your best friend or daughter? Give it to yourself.
Not sure where to begin?
What’s your current morning routine?
The way you start your day will dictate how the rest of your day goes, so create a routine that inspires you to be productive!
One of the best ways to get in the right headspace to face your day is with a few minutes of reflection or meditation. It doesn’t have to be more than a few minutes, and you can get started as soon as you wake up. Just sit comfortably, think about what you want to accomplish that day, then set an intention - be strong, be kind, be brave - and send some positive energy toward that thought.
Not into sitting quietly? Think these thoughts while moving. Do some gentle stretching, some squats, some jumping jacks, or whatever makes you feel good.
What do you do to wind down for the night?
End your day on the right note by creating a nighttime routine that sets your mind to rest and prepares you for a good night’s sleep. Take these tips into consideration:
Switch from overhead lights to lamps and smaller, softer lights after 10 PM. Teach your brain that it’s time to wind down by getting into the habit of preparing a warm beverage before you go to sleep - tea or hot water with lemon or ginger are great options. Plus, the warmth will help with digestion! Try taking a hot shower or bath. Your body temperature naturally dips at night, so when you submerge yourself in warm water, your temperature rises and the cool- down period immediately afterward relaxes you. Anoint yourself with relaxing scents like lavender or chamomile before bed. Better yet, find or make a linen spray with scents that can help calm your system and prepare for a deep sleep.
Reframe self-care with this FREE Routine Building educational email series delivered directly to your inbox starting now. Simply sign up, HERE!
Finally,
Learn to ask for help when you need it, and don’t let your pride stand in the way.
If people start to get angry with your new actions, know that it’s because there’s been a discrepancy gap between how we’re behaving and how others want us to behave. As long as you're true to yourself, those who love you will support you in your push to care for yourself. The people who are worthy of being in your life will prefer you to be healthy and happy than miserable, so make yourself a priority!
.
I am here to support you in getting to that next step. Contact me today to schedule an initial 20 minute wellness chat or for more immediate results, hit the reset button with a 75minute relaxation massage.
As always, I look forward to supporting you in your best health.
Relax & Live Well
XOXO, Christine
Magnolia Massage & Wellness
a holistic approach to women's health
www.magnoliamassageandwellness.com
224-633-1320
Comments