From Prioritizing Others to Embracing Self-Care and Happiness
I used to be VERY unhappy. For years possibly even decades, I prioritized everyone else’s needs above my own. Quite honestly at the time I didn’t know many people who were happy themselves. As a mother, I was constantly reminded that my desires no longer mattered by people I loved. I tolerated disrespect from family simply because they were family. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that i discovered that my joy matters too that my life began to change. It wasn’t easy but I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and created a roadmap to a happier life. Here are the five tips that helped transform my life, and I hope they can help you too.
In this article
- Prioritize Self-Care: Emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, scheduling “me time,” and pampering yourself to enhance well-being.
- Surround Yourself with Positive People: Evaluate relationships, find like-minded individuals, and engage in meaningful conversations to foster positivity.
- Educate Yourself: Read books, attend workshops, and take online courses to keep your mind active and engaged, contributing to a sense of purpose.
- Engage in Physical Activity: Find enjoyable activities, create a consistent routine, and incorporate social elements to improve physical and mental health.
- Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: Incorporate daily meditation, keep a gratitude journal, and engage in mindful activities to cultivate appreciation and presence in the moment.
1. Prioritize Self-Care
One of the biggest shifts I made was prioritizing self-care. As mothers, we often hear that our needs come last. But I realized that if I didn’t take care of myself, I couldn’t effectively take care of my family. Here’s how I did it:
- Set Boundaries: I started saying no to things that drained me. Whether it was declining invitations to events I didn’t want to attend or limiting time with toxic family members, setting boundaries was crucial.
- Schedule “Me Time”: I carved out time each day just for myself. This could be a quiet morning coffee, a walk in the park, or simply sitting down with a good book.
- Pamper Yourself: Regular pampering, like spa days or even a hot bath at home, helped me feel rejuvenated and valued.
My Self-Care Routine
My self-care routine includes morning meditation, a short yoga session, and a skincare regimen that makes me feel pampered. These small acts remind me that I am important and deserve care.
2. Surround Yourself with Positive People
Another significant change was surrounding myself with positive, like-minded people. I realized that the company I kept had a profound impact on my happiness. Here’s what I did:
- Evaluate Relationships: I took a hard look at my relationships and identified which ones were toxic. Slowly, I started distancing myself from those negative influences.
- Find Your Tribe: I sought out people who shared my values and uplifted me. This included joining local groups, attending workshops, and reconnecting with old friends who brought joy into my life.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Instead of surface-level chats, I started having deeper, more meaningful conversations. This not only strengthened my relationships but also added depth to my life.
The Impact of Positive People
Spending time with positive individuals has been transformative. Their encouragement and support have boosted my confidence and made me feel more optimistic about life.
3. Educate Yourself
Education has been a powerful tool in my journey to happiness. Learning new things keeps my mind active and engaged. Here’s how I incorporated education into my life:
- Read Books: I started reading self-help books, biographies, and novels that inspired me. Some of my favorites include “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle and “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
- Attend Workshops: I attended workshops and seminars on topics that interested me. These not only provided valuable knowledge but also helped me connect with like-minded individuals.
- Take Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a plethora of courses. I took classes on mindfulness, personal development, and even some fun hobbies like cooking and photography.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning has given me a sense of purpose and direction. It’s exciting to constantly discover new interests and skills that enrich my life.
4. Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity has been a cornerstone of my happier life. Exercise not only improves physical health but also boosts mental well-being. Here’s how I incorporated it into my routine:
- Find an Activity You Love: Whether it’s dancing, swimming, or hiking, find an activity you genuinely enjoy. For me, it’s a mix of yoga and running.
- Create a Routine: I set a regular exercise schedule and stuck to it. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of physical activity.
- Make it Social: I joined a local running club and started attending group yoga sessions. This added a social element to my workouts, making them more enjoyable.
Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise has helped me manage stress, improve my mood, and boost my energy levels. It’s a vital part of my self-care routine that I look forward to every day.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Mindfulness and gratitude have been game-changers in my pursuit of happiness. They’ve taught me to live in the moment and appreciate what I have. Here’s how I practice them:
- Daily Meditation: I start each day with a short meditation session. This helps me center myself and approach the day with a calm and focused mind.
- Gratitude Journal: Every night, I write down three things I’m grateful for. This simple practice has shifted my focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in my life.
- Mindful Activities: Whether it’s eating, walking, or even doing household chores, I try to be fully present in the moment. This mindfulness helps me savor life’s simple pleasures.
The Power of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude has made me more aware of the positives in my life. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong, but focusing on what’s going right has significantly boosted my happiness. I now keep a journal beside my nightstand everynight so I can write 5 things that brought me joy.
My Journey to a Happier Life
My journey to a happier life has been transformative. I can’t describe how much it has impacted my life in such a positive way. From prioritizing self-care to surrounding myself with positive people, educating myself, engaging in physical activity, and practicing mindfulness and gratitude, I’ve discovered that my joy matters. I’ve learned to value myself and my needs, and that has made all the difference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling unhappy or stuck, remember that YOU have the power to change your life. Start with small steps, be patient with yourself, and prioritize your well-being. You deserve to be happy, and with these tips, you can begin your journey to a more joyful and fulfilling life.
