With the world in a chaotic state, it can be challenging to put yourself over the needs of others. Add the pressures of social media to your personal progress, and you have yourself the perfect combination that can cause a constant state of fearing for the future. This is why this generation is the most prone to letting themselves go physically, mentally, and emotionally.

It’s important to erase the stigma that self-care is a selfish practice. While you have relationships and responsibilities to maintain, it’s not an excuse to undermine your own wants and needs. This is why you should work toward finding the best version of yourself that you can be.

Choosing yourself as a priority

People have a misconception that self-care is a selfish reward when we feel down and unmotivated. In reality, the most authentic version of self-care means developing healthy habits and practices to keep you happy and comfortable with yourself. It’s not a simple act of retail therapy or spontaneously ordering your favorite meal. True self-care is looking inward and adjusting your daily routines, contributing to a more positive outlook on your life.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of prioritizing yourself through self-care with this three-step guide.

Step #1: Review your self-care goals

Before getting yourself in a better place than where you are now, it’s essential to reassess your vision of what self-care means. Some people abuse the term as an excuse to continue unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or indulging in junk food. Think about the long-term goals you want to achieve in your life, whether it’s a career opportunity, a dream home, or a stable relationship. Ensure that what you’re working towards has a positive value on your overall well-being.

Step #2: Begin with a routine

Your journey to self-care starts with developing healthy habits. You can only implement this by making consistent changes in your life. Don’t feel pressured to transform everything about your life all at once. Instead, segment your goals into small practices and temper yourself on the steps you’re taking.

For example, if you want to reach your fitness goals, you could start with just light cardio. Don’t go 100% into a restrictive meal plan and heavy exercise routine—at least not yet. Taking smaller steps to your goal may take longer before you see significant results. However, it will be much easier to process and introduce into your life without burning you out from the new commitments you’ve set.

Step #3: Exercise consistency and set markers for growth

Once you’ve got a steady flow going, it’s now time to set measures for success. It’s generally better to develop your habits before committing to markers for growth. This is because you should focus on the now before worrying about the future. You’ll worry less about pressure when you’re already committing to a routine.

Remember what your goal for self-care is and create measurable markers that will define your success. These checkpoints don’t have to be too specific. What matters is that these steps have value to you and inspire you to do better with each day. Trust me, crossing each step off your list will make you feel like a different person heading in the right direction.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, people don’t enjoy putting themselves in negative and stressful situations. Sometimes, things are out of control, making them less motivated to improve and focus on their personal growth. This is why a person’s self-care journey will vary from person to person. While some people are comfortable helping themselves, others may need a gentle push from a mentor figure they can trust.

Hi, my name’s Meg Parker, and I’m a New York-based intentional health and wellness coach who helps people like you who need to find guidance in their life. Trust in my program, and you’ll discover the beauty of finding harmony with your lifestyle choices. Read more about my personalized coaching program to learn the best way to be a better you!