This post was written by M. Don Knight, Jr., LPC. Don is is the Behavioral Health Director at the Beloit Area Community Health Center.
Self-care should be a top priority
It is so easy to fall into a habit of negativity especially if you are overwhelmed with stress from work and family. But taking care of yourself should be a top priority.
When I ask moms to rank the most important things in their lives it usually sounds something like “My kids, my husband, God, etc.” but not themselves or if they name themselves they are some where on the bottom of the list. When I say that you should be number one on the list, I get a look like I have three heads to think that they should put themselves before their kids.
But simply, if you are not functioning at 100%, you cannot be 100% for anyone else. Self-care is SO important. An example is when you fly on an airplane. You always put your oxygen mask on first, before help others!
Being the best version of yourself takes courage, consistency, and commitment. Self-care can mean doing little things like taking 5 minutes out of your day for a quick mindfulness exercise to a full day of pampering at a spa or a weekend getaway.
Tips on how to become your best
A few things to help you become the best you are:
- Define what the best version of yourself would be.
- Be willing to shed your old identity.
- Tame your fears. Be able to allow yourself to take chances on trying new things.
- Set reasonable goals. Setting unrealistic goals that you could never meet only creates discouragement and further negative thinking.
- Amplify your strengths. You know what you are good at. Do more of what you are good at and you enjoy.
- Manage yourself effectively. Do not over commit or try to get everything done at once. Moving a mountain is easier if you do it one rock at a time!!
Source: Tony Robins’ website
Conclusion
Being the best you is a process. Slow and steady wins the race, so don’t get discouraged. Do what you like, be selfish and take time for yourself, and remember all the things you need to do will still be there after you take that self-care break.
