Prioritize You! Why Self-Care Isn't Selfish

Most of us do a fairly good job of taking care of our families. Our spouses, kids, pets, extended family – we try to do what we can to make sure they're ok and happy. But in all that there may be a very important piece of the puzzle that we're neglecting. Are you taking good care of yourself?

Often the answer is "no." "I don't have time to do anything for myself. By the time I get home from work, spend time with my spouse, play with the kids and chauffeur them to events, I'm beat."

Why Self-Care Matters

Taking care of yourself first isn't selfish. It's similar to being on a plane when the flight attendant tells parents to put their own oxygen mask on before helping their children. Same principle. When you're healthy and recharged, you have more to give to everyone else.

5 Ways to Prioritize Yourself

• Put exercise on your To Do List. Yes, exercise is a 4-letter word for lots of people. Here's my response – do it anyway. You'll feel, look, and function better if you make the time to work out regularly.
• Orchestrate a change of scenery. Get away for a day (or 2, or 3). A vacation – even a mini one – can reduce stress and recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
• Go outside. Research shows that going outdoors and connecting with green plants, trees, and shrubs makes us feel better. This is a quick fix – start doing it!
• Catch up on your ZZZs. Sleep is when your body and brain restore and repair. Don't sacrifice it.
• Do something fun. Way too often adults feel that having fun is wasting time. Nothing could be further from the truth! Fun makes us happy, and when we're happy we cope better.

The main thing is to make sure that you don't get lost in the shuffle and that your needs are met. Remember that you matter too – take care of yourself!