Why We Forget To Take Care Of Ourselves
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why We Forget To Take Care Of Ourselves

Sometimes you forget to put yourself first.

1572
Why We Forget To Take Care Of Ourselves
Megan Raju

I think one of the craziest things humans do is forget how to take care of themselves. In the midst of everything: Breathing, talking, loving, making friends, making enemies — all of it — we forget about ourselves. We forget that just like how we feel the need to take care of someone, we need to take care of ourselves, too. It’s a completely crazy concept when you actually think about it.

We don’t think we’re worth it. Or, perhaps it’s that we forget that we are. There are little things to help us take care of ourselves that we take for granted. Showers, fresh air, blue skies, a gentle breeze. Coffee, flowers, a group of solid friends, good music too. The first sip of water of the day, the beach at sunset — the list goes on and on. There are little moments here and there where we remember how amazing these small luxuries are, but then we always go back to the grind of life. There are far too many things being thrown our way. Trying to prepare ourselves for the rest of our lives, as well as trying to take care of the ones around us — that can get tiring.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that people who say taking care of other people is tiring makes them selfish. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not. Being everyone else’s rock when you barely have your own is a tough job. Making sure that everyone is content when you are falling apart does not make you a good person. It does not make you as selfless as you think. Do not tear yourself apart to hold others up; that won’t work for very long. Eventually you’ll just crumble. Break. Cease to remember what it ever felt like to have someone on your side.

The one person that you will have forever is yourself. So, with that being said, why wouldn’t you love yourself? Why wouldn’t you do everything in your power to preserve the beauty and sacred temple that you are? And you don’t have to give up taking care of everyone else, as long as you take care of yourself too.

There are some ground rules that we can’t seem to understand. When taking care of someone else, sometimes the best thing to do is just listen. You can’t physically help everyone, but you can be there for them emotionally. There are times where you can’t do anything at all. You can’t expect everyone to worship the ground you walk on because you’re there for them. "Orange is the New Black" said it best in a quote, “You can’t spend your whole life holding the door open for people and then being angry they didn’t say thank you. Nobody asked you to hold the f---ing door.”

Drive with the windows down, and take in your surroundings. Make time for a warm bath or shower, with your favorite candles. Make time for your friends and family. Make time for yourself, read a book, watch a movie, take a nap. Do whatever it takes to make sure you’re OK. Open the door when you are strong enough to hold it open.

We often forget to take care of ourselves because we are too busy taking care of others. It’s a crazy concept; it’s also not something we like talking about. Realizing this doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you stronger.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56580
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36440
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958310
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

188637
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments