Treat. Yo. Self.
Three words (technically two) that are revolutionary, yet often forgotten.
Life is crazy; I get it. Between school, work, extra activities, a social life and trying to be an adult, we often put ourselves on the back shelf. It's so easy to put yourself second when other people and things keep screaming loudly, "I'M FIRST!"
However, when you're getting sh*t done, I'm here to tell you what to do after:
Just in case you didn't listen to me, here's a few reasons why YOU should convince yourself that you deserve to celebrate, well...you:
1. You work hard (give yourself a little credit).
Now, I know you may say otherwise, but this part is true. Classes can be difficult, maybe you work every week and you wonder if your internship is worth all that you put into it.
Stop to look back at all that you have accomplished! Don't believe me?
It's pretty simple, actually: if you didn't work so hard, why would you be reading about why you need to take a break?
2. You don't want to burn out.
I've watched a small amount of NASCAR in my day (grandfather-granddaughter bonding, if you will), and it's made me realize something. These race cars go around and around in circles for hundreds of laps. Cars need fuel and maintenance to function properly. All of the race cars take pit stops during their time on the track; tires get replaced, gas is put in the tank, the grille is wiped down and other minor adjustments happen. If these don't happen, the race cars can just break down. If you don't take the time to have your own "pit stop," how are you supposed to finish your race?
Unload. Unwind. Rest. Restore. Take a nap and/or watch that Netflix show you've been saying you wanted to start, but never allowed yourself to. Your body and mind will thank you.
3. You've met (or are working to meet) your goals.
You passed that exam you thought you were going to fail. You nailed that job/internship interview. You're LinkedIn profile is looking hella good. Your room is finally clean after two weeks of not seeing the floor.
It's the little victories. Maybe you're not there quite yet, but you're on your way. It doesn't matter how slow you think you're moving, as long as you're going in the right direction.
4. You do things for other people, why not yourself?
Don't let yourself get pushed to the side. It's easy to keep giving to your friends, boss, significant other or group project partners (because we all know they aren't contributing anything).
Being good to yourself lets you be good to others; it'll make you feel better and less resentful.
5. You get back what you put out into the world.
Sitting and hating everything that you do isn't good karma. Step back and appreciate what you have and how great it is; this opens up doors for other great things to find you.
Attitude is everything. Your life isn't going to be a bag of rainbows and sunshine, but there's always those little rays of light. Take it in and you'll be happy you did.
6. Treating yourself is empowering.
Don't rely on other people to provide you with happiness or fulfillment, that's all up to you. If what makes you delighted is ordering extra whipped cream on your mocha, having your own personal dance party, or finally buying that Minecraft sword you saw in the kids' section at Target (even though you have no logical use for it), so be it.
You are ultimately your own source of happiness.
7. You deserve it.
Seriously, what more of a reason do you need?! Go on with your bad self.
