Putting Yourself First is Good for Your Mental Health

Let’s face it, life can be busy and full of obligations. Sometimes you may feel as though you are putting everyone else’s needs above your own. You find yourself stressing about your job, your family, your friends, your health, your happiness and goodness knows what else. Carry on like this for too long and it will not only affect your physical health but your mental health too.

In today’s climate, there’s never been a better time to take care of both your mental and physical wellbeing. With so much emphasis placed on mental health, it’s important to take a little time to consider whether your current lifestyle is adversely affecting your mental health and, if it is, what you can do about it.

Let’s look at some of the things you may want to consider and see how putting yourself first is good for your mental health.

Your health and wellbeing must come first

Nothing is more important than your physical and mental health. So take steps to improve both. Schedule in exercise, time for relaxation and time to do the things you enjoy doing.

You’re already doing the best you can

Remember to be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and some days will be better than others. Don’t put pressure on yourself to over-achieve every day. Sometimes just getting up and getting dressed may be all that you can manage – and that’s ok.

It’s ok to admit weakness

Admitting that you can’t do something is often seen as a sign of weakness or failure. But it’s a sign of strength. It’s ok to realise and admit that you’re not ready or able to do something.

Always put on your own oxygen mask first

We’ve probably all heard the phrase that you need to put on your own oxygen mask first if there is a problem with your flight. And this is true of life in general. If you are not able to help yourself, you won’t be able to help others. Deciding to put yourself first and take care of yourself is not a weakness but a sign of strength.

Stop agreeing to do things you don’t want to do

Unfortunately, sometimes we have to do things that we don’t want to do. But if you find yourself constantly agreeing to meet up with friends when you’d rather stay in, agreeing to babysit when you’d like an evening to yourself, always agreeing to stay late at work, etc, it’s time to take a step back and decide whether you do want to do these things. Don’t be afraid to say no.