Prioritize Yourself Without Feeling Selfish!

Prioritize self-care, embrace alone time.

 

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We often put the needs of others before our own, neglecting our own well-being in the process. It is essential to prioritize self-care and embrace alone time to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.

 

Megan uses the metaphor of an airplane oxygen mask to illustrate the concept of prioritizing oneself. Just like on an airplane, where we are instructed to put on our own oxygen mask before helping others, we need to take care of ourselves first. This is not selfish; it is self-care. By ensuring our own well-being, we can better serve and support others.

 

She acknowledges that prioritizing oneself can be a struggle, as society often views self-care as selfish. However, she shares her personal experiences to emphasize the importance of taking time for oneself. They mention their need for alone time, particularly as an introvert. She explains how she takes a few days every quarter to be by herself, engage in creative activities, and recharge. Initially, she felt guilty and selfish for taking this time, but she realized that it made her a better therapist and a nicer person overall. She has learned to embrace her introversion and prioritize her need for solitude.

 

The societal norm of extroversion makes the misconception that being alone is abnormal. The women encourage listeners not to apologize for their need for alone time and not to feel the need to explain themselves to others. They emphasize that it is okay to be different and to prioritize self-care, even if others do not understand or honor it.

 

Prioritizing self-care and embracing alone time is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. It is not selfish; it is necessary for our well-being. By taking care of ourselves, we can better take care of others. Each person has their own rhythm and needs when it comes to rest, downtime, boundaries, and closeness. It is essential to find what works best for us individually and celebrate it. So, let’s make self-care a priority, embrace alone time, and live a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment.

 

Rest is necessary for self-care.

 

The women struggle with the tension between rest and productivity. They mention feeling guilty for needing more sleep than others and fearing missing out on opportunities by not constantly being busy. They have come to realize the importance of rest and have learned to prioritize it without feeling guilty.

 

They acknowledge that their work may not be physically tiring, but it is emotionally draining. They recognize the need to find ways to emotionally rest and recharge. This is an important aspect of self-care that often gets overlooked. Rest is not just about physical rest; it is about taking care of our mental and emotional well-being as well.

 

They also emphasize the importance of creating a space for rest. They mention their favorite piece of furniture, their bed, as a place of quiet and solitude. This emphasizes the need for boundaries and alone time, even in a busy household or work environment. Finding a space where one can shut the door and escape from the noise and demands of everyday life is crucial for self-care.

 

In looking ahead to the future, they express a desire to feel less busy. They recognize that saying no and setting boundaries is necessary to achieve this. They also express concern about how others may perceive their choices. This is the societal pressure to constantly be busy and productive. It is important to remember that self-care is not selfish. Taking care of ourselves allows us to better take care of others. It is about prioritizing our well-being and finding a balance that works for us individually.

 

Honesty and self-care build relationships.

Honesty and self-care are two fundamental aspects of building and maintaining healthy relationships. The women discuss the importance of being honest with oneself and others about their needs and boundaries. By prioritizing self-care and practicing honesty, individuals can foster stronger connections with others and create a more harmonious environment.

 

One of the key points highlighted is the importance of being honest with oneself. This involves recognizing and acknowledging one’s own needs and limitations. They mention how they prioritize their own well-being by taking time to rest, read, or meditate in their cozy bed. They emphasize that this is not a sign of depression or avoidance, but rather a way to rejuvenate and recharge. By being honest with themselves about their need for alone time, they are able to take better care of their mental and emotional health.

 

The importance of being honest with others about their needs and boundaries is crucial. They communicate openly with their family, expressing their desire for quiet time and setting an example for their children to do the same. By being transparent about their own needs, they create an environment where others feel comfortable expressing their own needs as well. This fosters a sense of understanding and respect within the family dynamic.

 

Honesty allows for open dialogue.

Honesty is the foundation of open dialogue and healthy relationships. The women discuss how being honest with others allows them to be honest in return. When someone is not honest about their needs or feelings, it can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. For example, when someone ghosts another person instead of being honest about their availability or preferences, it creates uncertainty and discomfort.

 

They emphasize the importance of being comfortable and vulnerable enough to express one’s true feelings and needs. They mention that some people may struggle to say no or express their preferences because they fear judgment or rejection. By being honest and open, individuals can create an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves authentically.

 

Prioritize self-care and practice.

 

Prioritizing self-care and practicing honesty are essential components of maintaining healthy relationships and overall well-being. 

 

Prioritizing self-care and practicing honesty can be challenging, especially for those who are new to these concepts. They emphasize that with practice, individuals can become more comfortable and confident in prioritizing their own needs and communicating them to others.

 

Listen to this Episode of Shifting Our Sh!t (SOS) Podcast HERE!