Why Taking Care of Yourself is the Most Selfless Thing You Can Do.

Most people believe that self-care is selfish. But it is not true. I have a different perspective. I believe it is the most selfless thing you can do not just for yourself but for your near and dear ones. Imagine a sapling. If you water it properly, it will grow into a tree which will give shade and shelter to everyone. Thus, if you take care of yourself, you can become a source of joy and happiness to those around you. So here are 5 reasons why you should take care of yourself: -

1. Your loved ones want to see you at your best.

Being there for others is a good thing. But forgetting about your own self in the process of helping others is actually harmful. There will be times when you’ll fall and if you don’t know how to get back up you will remain there as a burden for others. So if you know how to take care of yourself and enjoy the things you do, you will be perceived as someone who can be depended upon.If you are someone who hides all your problems and tries to act courageous all the time you are bound to have some kind of an emotional outburst sooner or later. Putting on a fake shroud of confidence and positivity will soon backfire once you lose your energy. So it's better to face your problems head-on and confide in someone before it is too late.

"If you feel burnout setting in,if you feel demoralized and exhausted,it is best,for the sake of everyone,to withdraw and restore yourself" - Dalai Lama.

2. Having some ‘me time” actually gives you strength.

Setting aside some time for yourself is not selfish. It actually gives you the strength and stamina to go about your day and do your daily activities. You can actually use your ‘me time’ doing things you love such as journaling, engaging in activities such as meditation, photography, singing, dancing etc. Something as simple as going for a walk will help you to think. All these activities will help you to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

3. Self-awareness is essential.

Going out of your way to do things for others will wear you out eventually. You will feel both exhausted and tired at the end of it. You won’t have any energy left to do anything. We must always set a boundary and know our limitations fully well before we jump in to do something for others. No, it is not selfish. It is essential to know who we are and what strengthens us and what weakens us. Self-awareness will help you to keep a positive mindset in times of adversities and challenges.

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance" - Oscar Wilde

4. Taking care of yourself gives you the space to care for others.

You can’t be a source of happiness for others if you are not happy with your own self. So basically you can’t give something you don’t have. The more honest you are to yourself, the more freedom and courage it gives others to be honest with themselves. You can’t help another person if you are not physically, mentally or emotionally stable. You can’t fake and try to be a pillar of strength for someone. It won’t last long. So taking care of yourself gives you both confidence and stamina to be there for others.

5. Self-care gives the feeling you are alive and not just existing.

Life will just appear to be dull and monotonous if you don’t set aside some time for yourself. If you are waiting for the opportune moment to enjoy life it will never come. Remember happiness is a choice and you can’t depend on another person to keep you happy and joyful. Once you learn to be happy or what makes you happy you can impart your lessons to another person and who knows this might just light up their day. Your tried and tested lessons on how to enjoy life and be happy will serve as a source of inspiration for others.

Conclusion

Self-care is not selfish. You have a life-long responsibility to take care of your own self. You should know that just like everyone else you are also another individual who has needs, desires and dreams. If you don’t tend to it, you will slowly find yourself spirally down a valley of depression and anxiety. Don’t allow another person to guilt trip you for practicing self-love. Remember that taking care of yourself is as important as caring for others. So, what are you waiting for? Start loving yourself and enjoy life.