Putting Yourself on the Priority List

They say you cannot serve anyone from an empty cup. However, too many of us relegate our own needs to the back-burner, chronically beholden to our perceived obligations. There is no reward for martyrdom.

The pandemic offered many a respite from our frenetic, over-scheduled lives and a glimpse at what is most important – our health and quality time with our loved ones. The wise will cherish these values as life gears back up. Balance is something within our power to create. Prioritizing yourself improves sleep, mood, relationships, sex lives, focus, creativity and prevents burn-out, resentment, depression, anxiety and insomnia to name a few. Here are a few simple action steps to consider:

Just Say “No” – “No” is a complete sentence and the answer to any commitment of low value.
Seek Contentment – The opposite of more is enough. Stop grasping and enjoy life’s simple joys.
Take Action – To paraphrase Warren Buffet, “if you find yourself in a hole…quit digging.”
Quit Whining – Father Richard Rohr stated, “if you don’t transform your suffering, you will transmit it.”
Ditch Perfection – Brene Brown reminds us “Perfectionism is…a 20-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight.”
Daily Gratitude Habit – As Lynn Twist noted, “What you appreciate, appreciates.”
Stop Comparing – Brene again, “Comparison is the thief of happiness.”
Prioritize Health – As one patient lamented about their spouse, “lack of self-care is SO SELFISH!” Without health, there is no life, liberty or pursuit of happiness.

The bravest and most important thing you can do for your loved ones is to treat yourself with the love, respect, and TLC you deserve.

Regards,

Lifescape Premier

Susan Wilder, M.D.

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