Here's why you need to prioritise yourself

For years, I thought prioritising myself was selfish. I’d always put other people’s needs ahead of mine—whether it was work, family, or friends. But over time, I realised that neglecting myself wasn’t helping anyone. When you don’t prioritise your own well-being, you eventually burn out, and that’s no good for you or the people around you.

If you’re feeling stretched too thin or constantly putting yourself last, this is your reminder that you matter too. Here’s why prioritising yourself is essential and how to start doing it without guilt.

 

Why prioritising yourself isn’t selfish

Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you prioritise your mental, emotional, and physical health, you show up as the best version of yourself. Think of it like putting on your oxygen mask first on an aeroplane: you can’t help others if you’re running on empty.

When I started carving out time for myself, I noticed a huge difference. I was more patient, more focused, and surprisingly, more present for the people in my life. Prioritising yourself isn’t about ignoring others; it’s about making sure you’re in a good place to support them effectively.

 

Signs you might need to prioritise yourself more

If you’re not sure whether you’re giving yourself enough care, here are some common signs:

-You feel constantly drained or overwhelmed.

-You’re saying “yes” to everything, even when it stresses you out.

-You can’t remember the last time you did something just for fun.

-You feel resentful or irritable towards others, even if they’re not doing anything wrong.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take a step back and reassess.

 

How to start prioritising yourself

Disclaimer: You cannot buy self-care with a face mask or a new lip gloss if you don’t practice actions that actually make you a priority in your life. If you are looking for a quick fix, you will not find it here

1) Set boundaries
This one was a game-changer for me. Learning to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities is key. It doesn’t mean you’re letting people down—it means you’re respecting your own time and energy.

2) Schedule “me-time”
Treat time for yourself like an appointment that can’t be missed. Whether it’s 15 minutes of quiet time, a hobby you love, or even just a walk, make it non-negotiable.

3) Do what energises you
Think about what makes you feel alive. For me, it’s reading or painting. For you, it could be exercise, baking, or just sitting with a cup of tea. Whatever it is, carve out time to do more of it.

4) Listen to your body
Your body sends you signals when it needs rest, nourishment, or movement. Pay attention to these cues instead of pushing through. Sleep, hydration, and proper meals aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities.

5) Let go of guilt
This might be the hardest part. But remind yourself: prioritising your needs doesn’t mean you’re neglecting others. It’s about creating balance so you can give from a place of abundance, not exhaustion.

 

Benefits of prioritising yourself

When you make yourself a priority, the effects ripple through every part of your life:

-Improved mental health: You’ll feel less stressed and more emotionally balanced.

-More energy: Taking care of yourself boosts your physical and mental energy levels.

-Better relationships: When you’re not running on empty, you can connect with others more meaningfully.

-Increased productivity: Rest and self-care improve focus and efficiency in everything you do.

 

Common myths about prioritising yourself

1) “It’s selfish.”
This couldn’t be further from the truth. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself allows you to give more to others in the long run.

2) “I don’t have time.”
You don’t need hours to prioritise yourself. Start with small changes—like 10 minutes of journaling or a short walk. Even little acts of self-care add up.

3) “Other people need me more.”
You can’t truly support others if you’re neglecting yourself. By prioritising your well-being, you’ll have more to offer to those who need you.

 

Final thoughts

Prioritising yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your overall well-being. It’s not about being selfish—it’s about recognising that your needs matter too.

Start small. Set boundaries, carve out moments for yourself, and let go of the guilt. When you prioritise yourself, you create space for more energy, joy, and balance in your life—and that benefits everyone around you too.

So, what will you do today to prioritise yourself?

With love, HOLISMUS