When we’re in control of running a family and taking care of their wellbeing, it’s true to say that most of our daily efforts are inspired by caring for other people. There’s nothing wrong with this of course, in fact it’s inspiring to see just how many family heads, including mothers, fathers and grandparents, do all they can to see those around them thrive. We can all learn something from their example.
However, it’s also true that from time to time, we need to take care of number one. This might sound selfish on the surface, but the truth is that none of us can expect to thrive and be there for others if we can’t be there for ourselves. You wouldn’t drive your family in a vehicle that hasn’t been serviced for years – so why should going without your needs be any less of a mis-step?
Learning to focus on you can help you admit your needs, become refreshed, attend to your daily maintenance and stress levels, and come back stronger, more caring, and happier. With that in mind, let’s consider how to do exactly that:
Care For Your Health
It’s important to focus on your health when you need to, and be sure not to neglect it. This can be as simple as making sure you get enough sleep, especially if run ragged from your daily responsibilities. That might mean asking a family member to help if you need a catchup nap. It’s also important to make sure you gain your semi-regularly checkups, like heading to the dentist for worthwhile maintenance and inspection. This can potentially help you gain the care you need, such a dental implants, or provide relief from pain. Don’t ignore your right to be cared for – some people think it’s a point of pride to put their needs last, but it shouldn’t be at all.
Work On Dissolving Your Stress
It’s essential to make sure you work at dissolving your stress throughout the course of the week. If you don’t, it can build, and ultimately lead you to letting off steam in an unhealthy manner. This might involve taking baths, meditating, or even speaking to a supportive and impartial professional if you need to. Going for walks, addressing issues rather than bottling them up, and being authentic can all have a positive effect in this way.
Don’t Be Afraid To Enjoy What You’ve Earned
It’s a good idea to sit back and enjoy that you work so hard to help and build during the week. For instance, allowing your family to cook for you, or spending some of your hard earned money on a massage or treat that you’ve been looking forward to for some time, and investing in yourself in the small ways, such as purchasing a new comfortable memory-foam pillow for nicer sleep, can make a major difference in how we regard ourselves, and how we remind ourselves that being selfless is not always a good or virtuous thing to do – provided we have the right justification for personal indulgence.
With this advice, we hope you can be a little less black-or-white about caring for others, because ultimately, caring for yourself enables you to achieve that more easily.
This is a contributed post.