5 Ways To Put Yourself First

Life is hectic. At work there are never-ending deadlines. At home there are never-ending chores. You want to make time for your family and your friends, but what about making time for yourself? Why is that the person that should take priority in our lives is too often forgotten. If you feel like everything has become just too much, here are some ways to put yourself first.

Schedule Time

We can make a commitment to spend at least one hour a day doing something only for ourselves, but unless that time is scheduled, it doesn’t often happen. By the time you get home from work, make dinner, put the kids to bed, fold laundry, and prep for the next day, it might just be bedtime. Schedule your personal time in each and every day. If you really don’t know where you’ll find time to put yourself first, start with just 15 minutes. Take a proper lunch break and go for a calming walk. Take a bubble bath at night. Let everyone know that right after the kids go to bed it’s your reading time. Plan ahead so that there are no excuses.

Join A Club

If you join a club and commit to a planned activity, you are way more likely to attend. Even as an adult, try a sport or activity that you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe you want to play baseball on a fun weekend team. Maybe you’ve always wanted to knit and can join a local group at the sewing store. Checkout your local library as there are always interesting adult classes that you can join.

Declutter

If you find that you’re spending too much time at home endless organizing or cleaning, then think about removing these objects. Instead of spending time dusting the large number of figurines on the fireplace mantel, think about if you actually need them in the space. Too many clothes that you’re constantly moving around? Go through them and select what you actually want to wear. Once you start the process of decluttering, you will actually feel lighter, yourself.

Ask For Help

You don’t have to do it all. Make sure your partner is as equally invested in running your home as you are. Choose age-appropriate tasks for your children to do. Many of the tidying-up tasks that you’ve taken on can easily be delegated to others. Ask a family member to regularly watch your kids, even if it’s only for an hour. Or, if you don’t have family members nearby, trade off babysitting with a friend or neighbour.

Make Appointments

Get out your planner, open your phone, and schedule a spa day. Plan when you want a massage, a facial, or laser hair treatments. Book the time and then worry about getting there. Too often we look for space in our life to make time for ourselves. But sometimes you just have to make it yourself.