You are not an afterthought. How to start prioritizing yourself
I kinda dig the chair. A lot.
Let’s talk about something that often takes a back seat in our busy lives—self-care. Here’s the thing: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential. When you make self-care a priority, you recharge your mind, body, and spirit so you can show up as your best self in every part of your life.
Ready to put yourself first and live with more intention?
Why taking charge of self-care matters
Think of yourself as your best investment. When you invest time in self-care, it helps you manage stress, boosts your mental health, and enhances your overall well-being. Ignore it too long, though, and you’ll start seeing burnout, low self-esteem, and a general feeling of “blah.”
Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself (though that’s nice too!); it’s about nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It means doing things that bring you joy, setting boundaries to protect your energy, and working on your personal growth. Imagine starting each day feeling refreshed and ready to go—that’s what real self-care can do for you.
How you can start taking charge of your self-care and improvement today
Step 1: Develop a self-care routine
Explanation: Having a self-care routine makes sure you’re regularly taking time to recharge and reset.
How-to: Pick activities that genuinely make you feel good. It could be a morning meditation, an evening bubble bath, a workout, or a quiet coffee break. Block off time for these in your schedule and treat them like non-negotiables.
Step 2: Set personal development goals
Explanation: Consistently working on yourself brings out your best self.
How-to: Think about areas you want to improve or skills you’d like to gain. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and track your progress. Remember to celebrate even the small wins—they add up!
Step 3: Seek feedback and be open to growth
Explanation: Constructive feedback helps you understand your strengths and areas for growth.
How-to: Ask trusted friends, family, or coworkers for honest feedback. Use their insights to help guide your growth, and keep an open mind. Change is part of the journey, and every adjustment helps you level up.
She looks like she's having a fantastic day (yep... sarcasm).
Common challenges that let you know you need to take charge
Challenge 1: Feeling guilty about prioritizing yourself
Solution: Remind yourself that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Taking care of yourself means you can better care for others and handle your responsibilities with more energy and focus.
Challenge 2: Finding time for self-care
Solution: Work self-care into your day, even in small ways. A quick 5-minute meditation or a short walk can make a big difference. Schedule these moments with the same importance as any other task, and they’ll soon become a natural part of your day.
Benefits of taking control
Short-term benefits:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Better mood and higher energy
Improved focus and productivity
Long-term benefits:
Greater overall life satisfaction and well-being
Increased resilience and strength to handle challenges
Ongoing personal growth and higher self-esteem
Prioritizing self-care is one of the best things you can do for yourself. By building a self-care routine, setting personal goals, and staying open to growth, you’re setting yourself up to thrive.
Remember, you deserve it. Taking care of yourself benefits everyone in your life.
What’s one thing you can do today that’s just for you? Drop it in the comments.
New around here? Welcome.
At Intendify, we break life down into 12 key areas and offer guided paths to help you reflect, plan, and take action—so you can start living more intentionally, one step at a time.
It’s like having a life coach in your pocket, minus the awkward eye contact.
The Self life area helps you care for yourself, rediscover what you want, and stay true to who you are.