3 Reasons Why You Should Make Self-care Your Priority

Self-care is so important it’s been given its own day (July 24, or International Self-Care Day)!

Yet many women in particular see self-care as a luxury - ‘that would be lovely, if only I had the time’ - or as something selfish - ‘how can I take time for me when I’ve got the kids/partner/pets/parents to look after?’.

This is often culturally conditioned (that as women, our primary role is as caregiver/mother). And even for those trying to break the mould by, for example, pursuing career over caring, there still never seems to be enough time for self-care; not when there’s work to be done, the home to be cleaned (many women still bear the burden of looking after the household, even when both partners work), and food to be made. Many of us wear this ‘busyness’ as a badge of honour, as if being constantly stressed and not taking care of ourselves makes us worthier, or that we’re ‘winning’.

At its root then, is the idea that we don’t deserve self-care.

So here’s the truth: you are worthy of love and compassion, and you deserve to treat yourself the way you treat those you love and care about.

In case you need more persuading, here are 3 reasons why you should make self-care your priority.

#1 It will help you serve others better

We can’t show up as our best selves for others if we don’t look after ourselves first.

There’s a reason the safety demonstration on airplanes says ‘put on your own life mask before helping others’. Because you can’t look after others if you’re running on empty. You need to fill up your own cup first, so that you can be there fully for those you love, so that you’re able to show up for them as your best self, with energy and vitality, and knowing that you're showing for them because you want to, not because you feel they won't love you if you don't. They want that for you too.

#2 It will improve your relationships

I had a client recently who was experiencing a lot of anger as she moved into menopause. While this can be caused by a combination of factors, she realised that she had been putting others’ needs before her own but that she was resenting them for it. Not only was this not good for her energy – she was reaching burnout – but it also was not good for her relationships, as they were actually not asking her to do things for them, but she still felt she had to (but then was angry at herself and them).

In contrast, by prioritising self-care you’re showing others how you wish to be treated, as well as setting a great example (especially if you have children) of what healthy boundaries look like.

#3 It's a crucial part of the self-love journey

If love is the ultimate truth - what we're all here for - and we want more of it in our lives (I don't know anyone who doesn't!), then we have to start by loving ourselves completely and unconditionally. Most of our wounds come from this place of not feeling [X] enough and therefore feeling unloveable or unloved. No one else can really give you this insurance, it has to come from YOU. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

While the journey to complete self-love and acceptance is not easy (I'm still working on it myself), one way we can start is by prioritising self-care time.

For most of us, this means actually scheduling it into our diaries or calendars (otherwise the chances are it won't happen) and blocking off that time as if it's an important meeting (it is!).

Whatever it is you are working on – self-esteem issues, energy issues, burnout, stress and overwhelm, or navigating the big changes in life – self-care is one of the key pillars you need to add to your daily routine.

If you’re looking for inspiration on what this might look like, head over to Instagram, where I give some examples of self-care habits to adopt.

If you’re looking for more guided support on navigating big changes in your life, or any of the issues mentioned, book in for a free consultation with me to see how coaching can help you through this challenging time.

Do you struggle to prioritise self-care? What are some of the limiting beliefs holding you back? Let me know in the comments below!