Let's get something straight — what you want and need matters. Just let that sink in.
Your thoughts, your feelings, your physical and mental health, your goals, your dreams... they matter. The problem is, many of you reading this are thinking to yourselves, "Well I have a child to put first, or a spouse to consider, or too much to do and not enough time... blah, blah, blah."
Obviously, as a parent, you've got to be constantly aware of your children's needs. As a reliable partner, you have to be considerate of your partner's emotions. What I want you to remember is that you can still care about your loved ones while taking care of yourself.
"You can't pour from an empty cup."
I've heard this over and over again, and it's so true. If you are burnt out, exhausted, unhappy, unhealthy... you're not going to even be able to provide for your loved ones in the ways that you want to. Putting yourself first is so crucial, and if you don't have children, there's no reason that you should be more concerned about doing more for someone else than for yourself.
Put on a face mask, slather some coconut oil on your hair, and use that bath bomb you've been holding onto since Christmas. Sleep in a bit, or go to bed a little earlier than usual. Say "no" when you're overwhelmed, talk to a counselor as needed, go blow some of your hard earned money.
Self-care, ideally, is practiced daily. Am I saying you have to splurge and give yourself a spa day every single day? Nope, but I mean, if that's what you wanna do then DO IT. But there are such simple things you can do for yourself every single day.
Brush and floss your teeth
Stretch for 5 mins in the morning and at night
Tell someone you love them
Practice self-reflection
Declutter your surroundings
Doodle, paint, just be creative
Take your medications
Count your blessings
The conscious, consistent practice of self-care can transcend you and improve physical and emotional health, help you be a better caregiver, and helps manage and minimize stress. If you're feeling low, self-conscious, or lost — start with self-care. You will be amazed at how much you can change yourself by choosing to love yourself more.