Have you ever heard people say, “Put yourself first and everything else will fall into place?” But how often do you think about yourself and what you need?
Stop for a second now and consider it. When was the last time you did something for yourself, or made the things that matter to you your top priority?
It’s easy to get swept along in life, dealing with an endless list of everyday tasks. And if you’re used to taking care of other people, you may sometimes just forget to look after yourself.
Putting yourself first isn’t about being selfish or ignoring other people’s needs. It’s about giving yourself the space to take care of your emotional and physical health and generally being kind to yourself so you can flourish.
Here are some ideas to help you put yourself first:
HAVE FUN
Set aside time each day to do something you enjoy, even if it’s just ten minutes of reading or listening to the radio.
PRIORITIZE
Try out the Imagining Your “Trade-Offs” Suitcase activity. This might help you re-prioritize your days.
PRACTICE SAYING “NO”
If you really don’t have the time or don't want to do something, don’t be afraid to say “no.” Here are some tips on how.
GET SUPPORT
Remember: you don’t have to manage your breathing difficulty on your own. There are lots of different options for getting support—talk to your doctor about them.