Self-care has been a buzzword for a while now, and for good reason. Taking care of yourself is essential to being happy and productive. But there’s one aspect of self-care that often gets overlooked: being selfish. It may sound counterintuitive, but being kind to yourself is actually the best thing you can do for yourself. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s good to be selfish and how you can start incorporating self-care into your routine.
Selfishness gets a bad rap. We are taught from a young age that it is wrong to be selfish and that we should always put others before ourselves. But what if being selfish isn’t actually a bad thing? What if, instead, it’s the key to happiness and success?
We live in a world that tells us we need to be selfless. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about how we should be giving our time, energy, and resources to others. And while there’s nothing wrong with being generous, the truth is that you can’t give what you don’t have. If you’re running on empty, you’re not going to be able to give your best to others. That’s why it’s important to put your own needs first sometimes.
When you take care of yourself, you’re able to show up as your best self for the people in your life. When you’re well-rested, healthy, and happy, you’re able to be a better friend, partner, colleague, and parent. But when you’re run-down and stressed out, you’re more likely to snap at the people you love or make mistakes at work.
So what are the benefits of being selfish? For one, it can help improve your mental and physical health. When you make time for self-care, you’re less likely to get sick, both mentally and physically. Taking care of yourself can also help reduce stress and anxiety, and it can promote better sleep. All of these things lead to a happier, healthier life.
In addition to improving your health, being kind to yourself can also boost your productivity. When you take care of your basic needs, you’re able to focus better and get more done. And when you have more energy, you’re able to put more effort into the things that matter to you.
Finally, being selfish can actually make you a nicer person. When you’re taking care of yourself, you’re less likely to feel resentful or angry toward others. And when you’re feeling good about yourself, you’re more likely to be kind and generous towards the people in your life.
So how can you start being kinder to yourself? It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are a few simple ways to get started:
Get enough sleep: Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If you’re not getting enough rest, it’s going to be hard to function at your best during the day. Make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye by setting a bedtime and sticking to it, even on weekends.
Eat healthily: What you put into your body has a big impact on how you feel. Eating nutritious meals can give you more energy and help improve your mood. On the other hand, junk food will only make you feel sluggish and irritable.
Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Even just a few minutes of movement can make a difference. So get up and move whenever you can, even if it’s just for a short walk around the block.
Make time for yourself: In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to schedule time for activities that we enjoy. But making time for things like hobbies, relaxation, and socializing is essential to our wellbeing. So carve out some time each week to do something that’s just for you.
Never feel guilty about being kind to yourself
Remember, you deserve to be happy and healthy. So never feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Putting your needs first is not selfish – it’s self-care. And self-care is essential to living a happy, successful life.
If you’re not used to being selfish, it can be hard to know where to start. But remember, self-care is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Every little bit counts, so start small and build from there. And don’t forget to cut yourself some slack—you’re human and you deserve compassion just like everyone else.
So go ahead and put yourself first for once. Your loved ones will thank you for it in the long run.
Author – Subuhi Akhtar
She is a Kindness Expert and Family Coach who is on a journey to spread kindness in the world through her coaching and mentoring. She is also passionate about bringing families together by way of neuroscience-based coaching programs.