John MUNGAI
- May 26, 2022
- 4 min read

Why you need to take care of yourself first

You hear it all the time - prioritize yourself first, take care of your health first. But what does this mean? Everyone is relying on you to help them - family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. You want to assist them because you feel obligated. You cannot be selfish and self-centered. People contribute by assisting the community. What will happen if ever I need their help? Who would aid a narcissist? There is satisfaction from assisting individuals, you get appreciation for being a good person. But you cannot take a back seat and feel empty. You must prioritize your needs. Finding the balance may be difficult and end up in self-destruction. But fret not, there are measures to fulfill your needs while caring for others. What are some ways to start caring for yourself in a healthy way? Well, read on to find out!

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When you extend the meaning of self-care to taking care of your mental health as well as physical health, you can create a positive cycle and live an improved quality of life. One must recognize their importance to identify and satisfy their needs before others. This does not mean neglecting others. On the contrary, helping yourself by seeking happiness and contentment empowers you to assist others. You will feel healthier and more confident, and you’ll also be able to take on any stress with ease. We spend time communicating and interacting with people.

They need help, you also need help. But let’s face it, loving yourself should come first before assisting other individuals. This is the best time to begin this journey. What will others think about? It is not your concern about other’s thoughts. Focus on caring for yourself and your health will improve. As well as this, you can also save time and money in the long term. Whether you’re trying to cut down on stress or simply looking for a better way to manage your mental health, making a conscious effort to take care of yourself is an important first step. It’s also worth noting that self-care doesn’t just apply to physical health, but also includes mental health. The brain is the most important part of the body.

Self-love involves making rational decisions that consider the reality and one’s needs. Remember, every action taken reflects your personality and impacts your life. Do not make rushed decisions. Take time to evaluate the alternatives until you are sure of the benefits. Get rid of huge responsibilities, take a break, self-isolate and gather your thoughts. Eliminate sugar and fast foods from your diet and consume nutritious meals. You will discover peace and quiet.

If you’re feeling stressed out, take a slow walk outside. You won’t even have to plan this ahead of time. If the weather is nice and sunny, it can be the perfect time to do this. If it’s raining or snowing, it may be better for you to do something indoors or somewhere else with a little more sunlight. Just do something, walk up and down the stairs, stretch out the mat and do yoga. Simple exercises relieve the tension giving your muscles room to expand and contract.

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Take a hot bath or shower. This is a great option if you’re looking to wind down after a long day, but if you’re feeling stressed, make sure the water is nice and hot before getting in. You don’t have to be concerned about time- since soaking in a warm bath for 20 minutes can make all the difference. Use the soap available, you do not need to invest in expensive shampoos. Trust me, you will feel relaxed.

Researchers state that adults should sleep for an average of eight hours. Ensure you get sufficient sleep to allow the body to recover from the day’s tasks. Sleep deprivation is a disorder that will negatively affect your life. Set enough time for sleeping. Avoid consuming caffeine or trigger foods before bedtime. Meditate to unwind.

Your body is a temple. Several processes are occurring to maintain life. Remember to hydrate. Take eight glasses of water daily. Give your body sufficient fluids to support the tissue functions. Get rid of the toxins and prevent disease development.

Exercise is crucial to self-care. It is not just a weight-loss activity. It boosts your energy and enriches your outlook on life. Go to the gym, skip ropes, lift weights, and run around the neighborhood. There is no time for excuses. By exercising, you build your muscles and promote your immunity to fight diseases.

Watch what you eat. Sure, you can take chocolate, eat burgers, and enjoy alcohol. But prepare for the consequences. Avoid smoking and consumption of excess alcohol. I am not saying you do not party with your friends. Socialize with them. Just reject the temptation of taking unhealthy substances. This behavior will help prevent stress. You can have fun without nicotine.

What is the longest time you have ever spent with family? Start taking trips with your loved ones. Embrace them and enjoy their company. Take time to listen to their aspirations. Do social activities together. Family is important in improving your health. Spending time interacting with them enables you to manage stress. When you connect with your kin, you get to learn about yourself. In the end, you get to improve your caretaking skills.

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There comes a time when everything else must take a back seat as you take care of yourself. It is not introversion or selfishness. Time alone enables you to promote your emotional, mental, and social health. You get first-hand experience of personal care. It is time for your mind, body, and spirit to connect and relax. You get to reduce external attachments and focus on meaningful activities that promote relaxation, self-awareness, and the desire to self-improve. Positivity enhances a healthy perception of the world. Do not be scared to prioritize yourself. Enjoy the moments in finding joy and satisfaction. Remember, the goal is to enhance one’s well-being to meet their needs.