Being busy has become a social norm and, in many cases, is even glorified. But a jam-packed schedule can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and an overall feeling of being unwell. Making yourself a priority isn’t selfish, it’s an absolute necessity. Performing self-care and self-love activities helps you recharge and get back to yourself. You can live your best life when you do things that you enjoy and fill you up, rather than things that suck your energy. Read all about how to make yourself a priority, plus 7 self-love ideas!
How to Make Yourself a Priority
1. Reevaluate Your Priorities
Take a look at your life and schedule–is it filled with things you actually enjoy doing? Or are you busy doing things for others? (Yes, work falls into the latter category). Aligning your priorities with your behaviour maximizes your personal well-being. When your priorities align with how you spend your time, you feel joyful and fulfilled.
Write down different ways you spend your time during the week (working, reading, cooking, time with friends, social obligations, hobbies, exercise, social media, etc.). Order them from least to most time spent and evaluate what needs to change. Start doing less of what isn’t a priority to you and more of what is.
2. Schedule in Me-Time
The best way to get me-time in is to actually schedule it. Put it into your calendar as you would a meeting or social plan. Having quality time to yourself where you can relax, take care of yourself, and do things you love on a regular basis is an absolute must. It’s important to recharge so you can come back refreshed.
3. Set Boundaries with Others
Free time in your schedule doesn’t always mean you are available to others. Just because you have a break doesn’t mean you have to agree to a plan if someone asks you. Take that time for yourself to relax, recharge, or do something that brings you joy.
It’s also important to set realistic boundaries with your employer so you’re not working overtime. Setting boundaries with others is an important aspect of self-care as it can lower stress, prevent burnout, and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle balance.
7 Self-Love Ideas
1. Journaling
Journaling is one of the best ways to understand yourself and get in touch with your feelings. It can help regulate your emotions and encourages self-awareness. If you find yourself overthinking about an event or situation, journaling can stop the cycle of obsessive thinking and dwelling; it also helps reduce anxiety. Set up a cozy atmosphere for your journaling sessions. Light a candle, get out a nice notebook and pen, and put some soft music on in the background. Journaling your thoughts, feelings and reflections is a great self-care practice that will help you grow as a person.
2. Have an Everything Shower
When your days are go-go-go, it can be hard to find time for yourself, and an everything shower is the ultimate indulgence. If you haven’t come across this TikTok trend before, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. A lengthy shower where you wash your hair and body as usual, while also using deep conditioning hair masks, exfoliating, dry brushing, shaving, and using scalp scrubs. Double cleanse your hair to make sure all product and build-up is removed and apply a sheet mask post-shower as well as body lotion and a leave-in hair conditioner for ultimate hydration.
3. Do Joyful Movement
Exercise is one of the best ways to boost your endorphins and improve your mood. But one of the most important aspects of a good workout is finding movement you love to do. If you dread going to every workout and hate exercising while you’re doing it, it’s time to try something new. Any activity where you’re raising your heart rate and breaking a sweat is physical activity, so try out different workouts to see what you love most.
4. Take Yourself on a Date
What are some things you love to do around your city? Plan a solo date and spend the day doing all your favourite things. This could be anything from reading in a park to visiting a museum, taking a pottery class, going to the farmer’s market, or having a meal at your favourite restaurant. A solo date can help you reconnect with yourself and boost your self-love.
5. Foster Your Creativity
I heard this idea recently and loved it so much. You can do this alone or with your partner or friends. One night a month (or more frequently if you can), put your phone away and do some sort of creative/tactile activity. This could be anything from painting to a puzzle to lego building, knitting, calligraphy, or anything else that doesn’t require screens. It’s a great way to tap into your creativity, disconnect, and use a different part of your brain.
6. Take Social Media Breaks
Social media is designed to be addicting and many of us spend a lot of our days honed in to what other people are doing. But remember, social media is also a highlight reel. Watching everyone else thrive can make us feel jealous, inadequate, and create FOMO. The more time you spend away from your phone and social media, the more time you have for your loved ones, yourself, and your favourite activities. There are a number of different ways to take social media breaks. You can put your phone away every night at 8 pm; take social media-free weekends; or delete social media apps from your phone for a certain timeframe. Whatever way you choose, breaks are essential.
7. Treat Yourself
Sometimes the best form of self-love comes in the form of a treat. This could be a latte and pastry from your neighbourhood cafe, ordering takeout from your favourite restaurant, buying a pricey skincare product you’ve been wanting, or doing a little retail therapy. It doesn’t have to be a big treat, but even little indulgences can make you feel loved.
We hope this post helped give you tips and ideas for how to show yourself more self-love!
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