5 Reasons to Put Yourself First, Starting Today

Think being “selfish” is a bad thing? We’d like you to think again. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we all know how easy it is to put the demands and desires of others above your own. Amid the responsibilities of work, school, partners, friends, and family, making yourself a priority can be tough. Have you gotten so wrapped up in meeting the needs of others that you've started to ignore your own mental and physical health? It might be time to adjust your outlook and indulge in some serious "me" time.

Though difficult, putting yourself first -- that is, making your own needs and desires a priority above those of others -- is also incredibly important for your emotional stability, physical health, mental state and interpersonal relationships. Though selfishness is often portrayed as a negative, toxic, and damaging quality, it doesn’t have to be! In fact, the benefits of putting yourself first go beyond personal benefits; through self-care, self-love, and self-awareness, you can support the relationship you have both with yourself and with those around you.

Not quite convinced to spend more time on yourself? Check out the top five reasons you should never feel bad about putting yourself first.

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1. You'll Be More Appreciated

The more you appreciate yourself, the more likely others are to appreciate you. By recognizing the validity and importance of your desires, interests and needs, you're in turn increasing your sense of self-worth. When you internally value yourself, you externally project a sense of confidence and high personal capital -- and encourage others to appreciate you.

2. You'll Be Able To Take Better Care Of Others

It may seem that taking care of yourself would in turn mean you're neglecting your responsibilities to others -- but, in fact, the exact opposite is true! The more you take care of yourself, physically and mentally, the more you'll be able to support those around you in a positive and constructive way.

3. You'll Be Less Irritable

Need we remind you the many, many ways sleep affects mood? When you deny your physical and mental needs, including skimping on sleep, you're more likely to be irritable, angry, frustrated (and frustrating) and overall a bummer to be around. Putting yourself first means becoming instantly more emotionally stable (and pleasant).

4. You'll Attract Healthy Relationships

Healthy people attract other healthy people, and they enter into healthy relationships. Whether platonic or romantic, putting yourself first means you're more likely to perpetuate and engage in strong relationships -- and ones more likely to last.

5. You'll Learn To Say "No"

Seriously, saying no might be one of the most important skills to acquire. People that neglect themselves are often "yes" abusers -- those who take on more than they can handle, help others before helping themselves and do more than they are physically or mentally equipped for. Repeat after us: saying "no" is okay.

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