5 Things to Start Doing For Yourself

How often do you take time out for yourself? When was the last time you did something just for you?

We often put ourselves last and make others a priority, which is great, but in order to function at our best we need to be able to take care of ourselves first. 

Here are 5 things you need to start doing for yourself, if you haven't already, and don't wait until New Years to make these resolutions you know you won't stick to. Start these at any time and I suggest you do it now!

1. Take a Mental Break

So you can't take a full vacation, but you can take at least a few hours out of the week to clear your mind right? There's a number of ways you can do this such as journaling, meditating, reading or simply taking a drive down PCH (for those who live in SoCal).

I personally love putting my phone on silent for a couple of hours, light up a candle, cozy up in bed with a hot cup of coffee and pick a movie from Netflix to watch. Just a couple hours of the week where I can just be in peace and quiet at home is enough for me to feel refreshed. 

2. Celebrate Your Victories

We're often caught up on crossing off one thing and then moving on to the next without taking the time to say "yesssss! you did it!"

No matter how big or small, a victory is a victory. Whether it's knocking out all the things on your to-do list that day, landing a new client, or finishing your project right on time. Give yourself the credit you deserve, clap for yourself (and if not, I'm clapping for you), and enjoy the moment. 

3. End Toxic Relationships

This one can be tough because cutting people out of your life isn't easy. However, would you rather cut them out or be emotionally and mentally drained a few more years until you get fed up? 

It's scary and you don't know how it'll go, but in the long-term, it's better for you and you know it. Don't waste time on relationships that don't lift you up and with people who are constantly negative. 

4. Do More Things That Scares You

Get out of your comfort zone! It doesn't have to be anything drastic, taking baby steps is completely fine but remember that you only live once.

Trying new things is scary, but getting out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow. Are there any things you've been putting off? Don't give me that "waiting for the right moment" bullshit, get out there and do it. Fear doesn't get you very far so face them.

5. Start Saying "No"

In relation to #1, learn how to say "no". Ask yourself how many times you've agreed to an event or doing something you really didn't want to do. Why? Was it worth it? We usually do these things to please other people and while that's great, in the long run, you're going to burn yourself out.

Save your energy and time for the things you truly love to do. Learn to say "no" without feeling guilty and set boundaries.