How to Make Self-Care a Priority

Self-care is often looked at as an optional thing you do only when you have time or just 
occasionally as a way to pamper yourself, but it really should be just as big of a priority 
as anything else in your life. Here are some ways you can make it more of a priority.


Understand What Self-Care Is

Self-care is all about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It's 
about recognizing your needs and taking steps to meet them. This could be anything 
from taking a walk, reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or even taking a nap. The 
first step to making self-care a priority is understanding what it means for you.


Schedule Self-Care Time

Just like any other important activity in your life, schedule time for self-care. It could be 
30 minutes each day or a couple of hours each week. Make an appointment with 
yourself and stick to it. If it's in your schedule, you're more likely to do it.


Create a Self-Care Routine

Routines can make it easier to stick to your self-care practices. This could be a morning 
routine where you meditate, exercise, or write in a journal, or a nighttime routine where 
you read a book or have a warm bath. Find what works for you and make it a part of 
your daily routine.


Listen to Your Body

Your body often tells you what it needs. If you're feeling tired, take a break. If you're 
feeling stressed, do something that relaxes you. Listening to your body and responding 
to its needs is a key part of self-care.


Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for self-care. It involves being fully present in the 
moment, which can help you better understand your needs. Take a few minutes each 
day to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and pay attention to your thoughts and feelings.


Say No When Needed

Part of self-care is setting boundaries and saying no when you need to. This could be 
turning down an extra project at work, or saying no to a social event when you're feeling 
drained. Saying no can be hard, but it's necessary to protect your well-being.


Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, be kind to yourself. Self-care is not about being perfect. It's about taking care of 
yourself in the best way you can. If you miss a day of exercise or eat a unhealthy meal, 
don't beat yourself up. Instead, acknowledge it and move on.
