This Year, Promise To Take More Time For Yourself

Let’s be honest, it should be a no-brainer, yet when we take even a second for ourselves, we are left either feeling guilty or being labeled “selfish” because we find ourselves desperately needing a break.

So you’re telling me it’s selfish to take an hour nap after I’ve been hustling at work all week? That it’s selfish for me to not want to go out and get wasted because I have other responsibilities to deal with? Or I’m selfish because I don’t just jump up whenever someone demands something from me?

If that means I’m selfish, then I’m the most selfish person in the room right now. You are NOT being selfish if you see that you are about to crash and burn from exhaustion. You are NOT being selfish if your priorities are in line and you choose a night of staying in instead of going out to a bar. And you are certainly NOT being selfish if you don’t always do something for someone else.

Ignore the people who make you feel guilty or call you selfish for taking time for yourself. You are doing what is best for your mental and physical health, and if they can’t understand that, then you may need to surround yourself with new people.

It is okay to take time for yourself. If you need to, repeat that to yourself, especially when you have those moments of guilt. And trust me, you will feel guilty sometimes.

Do what you need to do to recharge your batteries and take on life with a positive, energetic, and healthy mind and body. Because, I don’t know about everyone else, but I cannot properly function without taking some time for myself.

Take a walk, go to a yoga class, sleep in a little later, or even go to bed a little earlier than normal. Whatever makes you happy (shopping, anybody?), do it. We all deserve and should take time for ourselves, because let’s be real here: Life can get crazy busy, and we get so caught up in what’s going on around us that we sometimes forget to properly take care of ourselves.

As we close out 2019, let’s make a promise to take more time for ourselves. It doesn’t have to be every day, but make time for yourself when you need it most, whatever that may be. Stay strong, stay positive, and most importantly, stay healthy (mentally, physically and emotionally).