Make Yourself a High-Priority…

In today’s fast-paced world, making yourself a high priority in regards to self-care often takes a backseat, neglecting our well-being can have serious consequences on our physical, emotional, and mental health.

Self-care includes any activity that we deliberately do in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. It is about recognizing our own needs and taking steps to meet them, making sure that we are operating at our highest level possible. Self-care practices can vary widely from person to person, ranging from simple activities like taking a walk or reading a book, to more intentional practices such as meditation, therapy, or spending quality time with loved ones.

it’s easy to overlook our own needs with all of our various responsibilities and busy schedules. But neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in overall well-being. When we make ourselves a priority, we are investing in our long-term health and happiness. By taking the time to recharge and rejuvenate, we are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and bounce back from any setbacks.

When you’ve tried over and over to prioritize yourself and take better care of yourself and you seem to fall short every time, there might be some subconscious beliefs behind your actions. 

Several subconscious beliefs can contribute to neglecting self-care. These beliefs often stem from deep-seated thoughts and perceptions that influence our behavior without us even realizing it. Here are some common subconscious beliefs that might hinder self-care:

1. Martyrdom Mentality:

  • Belief: Sacrificing oneself for others is noble and virtuous.
  • Impact: This belief may lead you to prioritize the needs of others above your own, neglecting self-care in the process.

2. Self-Worth Issues:

  • Belief: I am not deserving of care and attention.
  • Impact: If you have low self-worth, you may struggle to prioritize self-care, believing that you are unworthy of investing time and effort into your well-being.

3. Fear of Self-Indulgence:

  • Belief: Taking care of oneself is selfish or indulgent.
  • Impact: This belief may cause you to feel guilty or ashamed when practicing self-care, leading you to neglect your own needs to avoid perceived selfishness.

4. Perfectionism:

  • Belief: I must always excel and meet high standards in everything I do.
  • Impact: If you are a perfectionist, you may prioritize productivity and achievement over self-care, fearing that taking time for yourself will detract from your performance or result in failure.

5. Fear of Judgment:

  • Belief: Others will perceive me as weak or lazy if I prioritize self-care.
  • Impact: The fear of being judged by others may prevent you from engaging in self-care activities, as you prioritize maintaining a facade of strength and competence.

6. Cultural or Familial Conditioning:

  • Belief: Self-sacrifice is a cultural or familial expectation.
  • Impact: You may internalize societal or familial messages that prioritize sacrifice and hard work over self-care, making it challenging to prioritize your own well-being.

7. Limited Beliefs About Time and Resources:

  • Belief: I don’t have enough time or resources to prioritize self-care.
  • Impact: If you believe you are too busy or lack the necessary resources you may neglect self-care, failing to recognize the importance of making time for yourself among your responsibilities.

8. Avoidance of Uncomfortable Emotions:

  • Belief: Addressing my needs or emotions is uncomfortable or difficult.
  • Impact:  You may use busyness or distraction as a means of avoiding uncomfortable emotions or confronting underlying issues, leading you to neglect self-care as a coping mechanism.

9. External Validation Dependency:

  • Belief: My worth is dependent on external validation and approval.
  • Impact: If you rely heavily on external validation, you may prioritize meeting others’ expectations at the expense of your own well-being, neglecting self-care in the pursuit of approval.

10. Lack of Self-Awareness:

  • Belief: I don’t recognize or understand my own needs.
  • Impact: Lack of self-awareness can hinder you from recognizing when you need to prioritize self-care, leading to neglect of your own well-being.

Investigating these subconscious beliefs often requires self-reflection, self-examination, and, in some cases, professional support. I know when I observed my own behavior and reflected on the beliefs that were keeping me from prioritizing my life and needs, I was able to shift those negative beliefs and take the time for myself, resulting in a better me. In doing so, I became better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, pursue my goals, and live a fulfilling and meaningful life. So, let’s commit to making self-care a priority and investing in our most valuable asset—ourselves.