We always talk about putting others before yourself, which is a great thing. However the more effort we put into everyone around us the less effort we put into ourselves. Don’t get me wrong; encouraging friends, supporting others, and giving all you have to the many things you have signed up for is great, but not making time for yourself and your priorities can leave you feeling worn out and stressed. If you’re only at 67 percent, then how can you give 100 percent?
I know this is hard to hear, because it was for me as well, but you must take care of yourself. You must put just as much effort into yourself as you do into everything and everyone else. You must step back from life and have some "me" time. Not only do you take on stress from work and school, but you also take in all the feelings of those around you. You may try to be a superhero, which is appreciated by others, but you also need to appreciate yourself. Take time for a walk just you and nature, binge watch your favorite show and eat junk food, find time to pray and read your bible, catch up on some much-needed sleep, hang out with friends, or just do nothing. Step away from the chaotic world and just make time for you. This doesn’t have to be an everyday thing, nor does it need to be four hours long; it's just time to refocus on you and the journey that is in front of you.
It is absolutely normal and natural to struggle and go through tough times. I know those of you who care for others would rather put your problems aside and help fix theirs, take care of their problems, but just because you do that doesn’t mean your problems will go away. Taking on their problems too will only hurt you, not just emotionally, but mentally and physically. The body can only take so much; although there are many people counting on you, you must also count on yourself. When you fill your time up with work, school, meetings, organizations, and other things you forget to set time aside for yourself. Although you have a social life, most of the time it isn’t relaxing. So every week try to schedule time for you. Little things can make all the difference. Whether it’s watching your favorite TV show or getting that extra 30 minutes of sleep, or being able to drink your coffee and read your devotion in the morning, make time for you. Just remember you are important too.
