Are you prioritizing yourself? It’s easy to get swept up in the never-ending cycle of responsibilities, commitments, and expectations. Whether it’s work, family, or social obligations, it can feel like there’s always something demanding our attention. With all the hustle and bustle, we often forget to give ourselves the one thing we truly need: time.

Taking time for yourself isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the foundation for living a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Yet, many of us feel guilty when we prioritize our own needs over others. We think that rest and self-care are selfish acts, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, making time for yourself is one of the most selfless and powerful things you can do. Here’s why:

1. Self-Care is the Root of Productivity

It might seem counterintuitive, but taking a break can actually make you more productive in the long run. I know it does for me. When you’re constantly pushing yourself to work, meet deadlines, or care for others without taking a breather, you eventually hit a wall. You become drained, less focused, and less efficient. Taking time for yourself—whether it’s through exercise, reading, meditation, or simply doing nothing—allows you to recharge your energy. When you return to your tasks, you’ll do so with renewed creativity, sharper focus, and greater drive.

Let me tell you about two times in my life when self-care wasn’t a priority. During one semester of university, I dedicated myself entirely to my studies and sacrificed my social life. My grades this semester were the lowest I received. Second, I had a three-month stretch of work with no time off. I got pretty sick after three months of neglecting my physical and mental well-being. Today I’m better at recognizing when I need a break and take one. Plus, I make sure I prioritize myself by starting my day reading, then taking a walk with my neighbors. I gain both accountability and social time from it.

2. Prioritize Yourself for Mental Health Benefits

Your mental health deserves just as much attention as your physical health. Constantly running on empty or living in a state of stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and illness. Carving out moments for yourself, whether it’s a walk in nature, a few minutes for deep breathing exercises, or an hour for a hobby you enjoy, can help reduce stress levels and improve your emotional well-being. Giving yourself time to relax and reflect gives you space to process your feelings, clear your mind, and gain perspective on whatever may be troubling you.

3. Improved Relationships

It may seem like spending more time alone could create distance in your relationships, but the opposite is often true. When you take the time to nurture yourself, you become a better partner, friend, and family member. You give yourself the emotional space to show up as your best self when you’re with others. Self-care doesn’t mean isolating yourself from those you love; rather, it means filling up your own cup so that you have the emotional bandwidth to give and receive love, compassion, and support in a healthy and fulfilling way. I call this me-time “hibernating for well-being.”

4. Greater Self-Awareness

When we’re constantly on the go, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. We may not even realize when we’re out of alignment with our true needs or desires. Oh, do I know this feeling! Taking time for yourself—whether it’s through journaling, meditating, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts—helps you reconnect with who you really are. It allows you to check in with yourself, reflect on your goals, and understand what truly matters to you. Self-awareness is key to living a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with your values. I know it has helped me tremendously.

5. Physical Health Improvements When You Make Yourself A Priority

Rest and self-care are just as important for our bodies as they are for our minds. Chronic stress and neglecting your own needs can contribute to a range of physical health issues, from fatigue and colds to heart disease. When you take time for yourself, whether that’s through gentle movement, good sleep, indulging in a nourishing meal, or taking a break, you are investing in your long-term physical well-being. Your body and mindset will thank you by feeling stronger, more energized, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

6. Cultivating a Sense of Gratitude

When life gets busy, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s wrong or what needs to be fixed. Taking time for yourself allows you to pause and focus on what’s going right. Whether you reflect on your successes, express gratitude for the people in your life, or simply take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you, like a bird singing or flowers blossoming, self-care helps shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. This sense of gratitude can improve your overall outlook on life and make you feel more content and at peace.

7. Improved Creativity and Problem Solving

Our best ideas often come when we give ourselves the space to think freely. When you constantly fill your schedule with tasks and obligations, there’s little room for creativity to thrive. By making time for yourself, you give your brain the opportunity to wander, dream, and make connections that you might have otherwise missed. Whether you’re seeking solutions to a problem or looking for inspiration, the quiet moments you carve out for yourself are when your most innovative ideas can emerge. I get some of my best ideas during a twenty-minute walk!

How to Start Making Time for Yourself

It’s easy to feel like you don’t have time to take care of yourself, but the truth is, self-care doesn’t require hours of your day. It’s about carving out small moments that prioritize your well-being. Here are some simple ways to start:

• Start small: Begin by setting aside just 10–15 minutes a day for yourself. Gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable with the idea.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy, don’t align with your values, or you just don’t want to. Protect your time and leave the guilt behind.
• Schedule “me time”: Treat your personal time as you would any other important appointment. Put it on your calendar and do it. When you schedule me-time, you honor yourself.
• Unplug: Disconnect from screens and social media for a while. Use this time to just be present with yourself. A little silence is golden.
• Engage in activities you love: Whether it’s a hobby, a walk, reading a new book, or a soothing bath, do something that brings you joy and relaxation.

Conclusion

Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time for yourself is not a sign of weakness or selfishness. It’s an investment in your own health, happiness, and ability to be there for others. By prioritizing self-care, you not only improve your own life, but you also create the space to make a positive impact on the lives of those around you. Make yourself a priority and schedule self-care. You are worth it!

So, take a deep breath, slow down, and give yourself permission to rest. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.

Your well-being matters, so prioritize yourself. You are so worth the time.

For more inspiration, see Tony Robbin’s 5 tips on how to prioritize yourself. I love #3 on “Forgetting Expectations.” As he says, “the expectations of others don’t matter.” Drop what other think and do what you want to do. https://www.tonyrobbins.com/blog/how-to-prioritize-yourself