It's engraved in our brains when we are young that it's not OK to be selfish. Share your toys, be humble, don't ever talk about yourself too much–it's all familiar.
For a lot of us, this message has become so powerful that as we've gotten older, we've forgotten what it means to give value to ourselves. We've become so scared to self-indulge in fear of how we will appear in front of others that our own emotional health has taken a backseat.
You're not a terrible person to admit that you need a break, and you certainly don't owe a well-developed explanation for treating yourself. You're human, you can't do it all.
To make sure you don't fall into the ditch of not doing enough for yourself, here are 10 things you can do any day, every day, or even once a week to improve the way you view yourself and the way others view you.
1. Set aside an hour a day to just chill.
Whether it's debriefing after class or work, take the time after a long day, or even in the middle of your day, to relax. Put on your comfy clothes, crawl into your bed and transport to your happy place.
2. When going to the grocery store, buy a snack that you love, even if it's totally unhealthy.
Fancy cheese? Expensive chocolate? Get it. You deserve it. Even if you don't think you do, you only live once and counting calories can wait.
3. Disconnect from all electronics for an evening.
4. While getting ready for the day, play your kind of music and jam out.
A simple act, but definitely a great way to start your day. Put on that Fergalicious and be the star of the music video you always wanted.
5. Sleep in on the weekend.
The homework can wait. If you're as busy as you say you are, then chances are you aren't getting enough sleep anyway.
6. If you catch yourself at a store and find something you look great in, BUY IT.
The power of clothes is almost ludicrous. If you look good, you feel good. Buy the expensive handbag, the designer shoes, the fabulous dress–you name it, you deserve it.
7. Take a day off work.
OK, so maybe don't try to do this every week, but taking a personal day once every few months is appropriate for those who feel they do it all.
8. Take the time to give yourself a mini-spa day.
Take the bubble bath, shave your legs, paint those toes–whatever you need. Taking an outrageous amount of time to pamper yourself is well-worth your time.
9. Get yourself some flowers.
Again, simple, but surprisingly worth it. If you're not into flowers, find some new decor for your home that makes you proud to live there.
10. Try something new.
This one is especially fun. If you've always wanted to try a new exotic food, or go to an exercise class you've always been curious about, go out of your own way to start crossing off things that list.
Remember that you are worth your own time! You may be pulled in different directions and feel that you are always needing to serve others, but for your own sake, seek out the time to appreciate yourself. After all, you are awesome.
