Self-Care – Putting “Me” First To Benefit All

Approx. Reading Time: 3 minutes

With poverty, disease, and hunger around the world, many day-to-day problems of average Americans seem like nothing in perspective. Our politicians, TV shows, media, schools, and companies keep us informed and concerned about the on-goings outside our respective realms. Consequently, some spend more time focused on what they cannot control rather than what they can. Proper self-care provides value and exponential benefits that ripple through every person with whom you interact. As a result, you begin to emanate positivity.

Self-Care Does Not Equal Selfish

Sadly, as a society, we still need to be told to help ourselves in case of an emergency before others each time we board an airplane. The average adult will care for a sick child or pet more quickly and enthusiastically than they will themselves. We should view ourselves at least equally deserving of your time, energy, and money as the other people in our life. How can you be your best self to the world around if you run yourself down to nothing?

To be at our best and useful, self-care is essential. With self-care comes greater resilience and coping abilities along while eliminating stress. Self-care requires you to do what is best for yourself to prepare you for interacting with the world. If you think about it, isn’t it more selfish to decide what is right for another person? Could that outside interference be what holds some back in life? We can’t be rescuing someone when our ship is already on fire. We’ve been socialized to worry, dwell, and care for situations outside our control, and there is nothing wrong with that as long as our life is in order first. Each person can only do so much.

When we put others before ourselves, we teach those people how to treat us. Then, if we don’t receive what we perceive to be equal in return, we end up feeling resentment. We may feel taken advantage of, but if all the person did was accept what you offered, can they be to blame? Unfortunately, the habit of giving more than we can afford (in any form) happens automatically when we focus heavily on pleasing others.

Sharing the Self-Care Wealth

However, in some cases, self-care relies on the services of others. For, example, today at the hair salon, I gained greater awareness of a real-life benefit of self-care.

To take care of myself, I needed the services of a hairstylist. I recently moved to a different town, so I decided to find a new place and get an entirely new style. All choices seemed equal; I chose one of the small, local salons in my town at random. Then, I scheduled the first available appointment with the first available stylist.

When I showed up, I expressed positivity with a smile and the staff welcomed me in as a new client. As her first client of the day, my stylist took me right in. She mentioned the notes I left when I made my appointment and immediately provided suggestions to fit my request. A little over an hour and a fabulous conversation later, I left feeling better than when I came in with a great haircut many other stylists previously talked me out of getting. We both positively impacted each other’s day.

In those moments, when we self-care properly, our stresses and anxieties fade away. We morph into our best self. I chose a positive route; the stylists chose a positive path. In the background, the other staff and clientele also appeared positive. Conversations flowed, other people even interjected comments into parts of our discussion. When you enter the right state of mind, you become better able to recognize the positives while any negatives become invisible. You only see what you look for.

Better Days Result

In the long run, self-care smooths your life. You start to find reasons to be grateful in every situation. People smile at and interact with you more. Tasks and chores get done more quickly. Meanwhile, you feel as though you have more free time. As your accomplishments stack up, you become your most authentic self. The mind becomes more clear allowing for presence in the moment. Experiences grow in value and generate greater happiness. Sleep improves, energy increases, and each day seems better than the last. Over time, confidence grows, fears, anxieties, and depression weaken. Give yourself what you need, you are worth it!

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