When you think about your daily routine, what are the top ten tasks on your list? Do any of those tasks include anything that was primarily for you? As a single mother, I know there are times I put myself on the backburner. It is natural to think if we do for others’ needs ahead of our own, then we will be celebrated by those who love us for our selfless deeds. However, “selfless” means “less of self”. When we lose ourselves in the card shuffle in this game called life, we end up experiencing health issues that evolve from lack of sleep, fatigue and total burn out.  Consequently, we can become moody when we don’t get the expected “pat on the back” and lash out on the very people we thought we were accommodating.

We spend so much time building and nurturing our relationships with others that we completely neglect the relationship with ourselves. You are value and so is your time. Recognizing your valuable is key to understanding a healthy balance for your mental, emotional and physical well-being. We all have heard this before. If you don’t take time for yourself, you won’t have anything else to give to others. However, there are times we still slip into that old pattern of self-neglect.

Here are a few tips that will help you shift the priorities and balance the well-being scale:

1. Set a time budget and stick to it. Block your time and budget some time for YOU. I am so guilty of this one. I often find myself working and eating my lunch. I rarely just stop and focus on taking a lunch break. We have budgets for spending money and even a calorie budget when we are watching that waistline. However, most people don’t set a time management budget. Talk to family, friends and co-workers about your availability and set some realistic boundaries.
2. Learn to say “No” and stick to it. This one can be tough, especially if you are a people pleaser. Clearly communicate your limits and boundaries for how much time you can commit to others and their activities. Remember, don’t feel guilty and say yes because you think others are expecting it. If you don’t set boundaries, no one will know where the STOP or YIELD signs are in life. Setting healthy boundaries and limitations on your time is totally up to you.
3. Take time out to eat healthy and exercise. If you take care of yourself daily by eating right and getting in your time for exercise, others will respect you and may want to follow your lead. The best teacher is the one who demonstrates what he/she is instructing. Whether it is 30 minutes at once or 10 minutes at a time throughout the day, you are showing self-respect and when you take the time to stop and focus on your own health.

Resetting your priorities does not mean you have less concern for others. It does mean you value yourself, your time and your mental stability. Try taking small steps. Make of list of activities you like to do. Shift your thinking and your priorities will lead to be much happier and healthier YOU.

To read more about taking care of yourself without feeling guilty, check out this article: http://blogs.webmd.com/art-of-relationships/2011/08/taking-care-of-you-is-not-selfish.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201501/6-ways-take-better-care-yourself