https://unsplash.com/@neonbrand (Flight with rows of people and flight attendant near front of plane)
I just got off a plane after a work trip and the flight attendant’s message rang more true to me now than ever. I started thinking about how this philosophy could apply to other choices in our lives—other ways we consistently put ourselves last for the sake of others, our loved ones, our families, our coworkers, our bosses, our ________.
Here are 7 ways you can prioritize yourself so that you can take care of others—not instead of you taking care of others. The key here is that prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean others lose; it means they get the best version of you—the rested version of you, the healthy version of you. And if you think your loved ones deserve the best you—you owe it to them (and to yourself—duh!) to listen up.
7. Take your vacation days off. Yes, you are very valuable at work but no, the place won’t fall apart without you. If it does, you have a problem—too much rests with you.
6. Eat lunch. I’m serious. Skipping it doesn’t make you a hero (or skinny)—it just makes you cranky (and slows your metabolism).
5. Go to the doctor when you need to. Skipping your own preventive healthcare appointments, or putting off getting that funny new mole checked out, is not going to be good for anyone. If you’re so preoccupied with getting others’ healthcare needs addressed, take the opportunity to show them a model of someone taking care of herself.
4. Enjoy the perks of a work trip. If you have to be away from your routine and life you might as well take the time to get refreshed. Use your time between meetings wisely by taking a dip in the hotel pool or trying a restaurant you’ve read about.
3. If you’re feeling the sniffles, take a sick day. You may avoid a full blown cold if you give your body the rest it needs early on. You don’t have to wait until you feel like absolute garbage to realize it’s time to take care of yourself.
2. Go work out even if it means someone has to cover for you at home. If exercise helps your health and mental health, it’s not really such a negotiation. In the long run a healthier you means a better life for your whole household.
1. If you’re seeing signs of your own burnout (stress, sleep difficulties, irritability, lack of interest in work, etc.) slow down. Stop saying yes to stuff you don’t need to be involved with. The busiest person doesn’t get a prize. What would it be like if you did a little less?
How are you putting yourself first? Empower the rest of us by sharing your choices in the comments below.