This isn't the first time we've said it and it won't be the last.
It's essential to do things for yourself every week, and ideally every day to recharge and keep feeling the best you can.
In the midst of the modern day and deadlines that can become all encompassing that could be as simple as taking 10 minutes to eat a meal away from a screen (it doesn't even need to be something you've prepared yourself), going for a short walk or gym session, or turning your work emails/phone off before bed.
It may seem when things are busy that it's impossible to prioritise yourself, your health or your needs. Trust me, I understand that. But if those deadlines and work are your top priority, then the quality will eventually reduce if you don't look after yourself and allow yourself to be an important asset too.
Things you can expect to happen if you allow work to take over and your basic needs to slip.
Poor quality and quantity of sleep
Water retention and therefore weight fluctuation
Poor digestion and increased bloating
Increased cravings and general hunger
Decreased discipline and increase in occurrences of snacking/binging
Using alcohol or food as a tool to switch off from the stress and pressure
By prioritising yourself it doesn't mean you need to complete a total overhaul of your behaviour. But you can look at simple things through the lense of "will this make me feel better or worse", "will this add or deter from my productivity and focus", "will this leave me feeling energised or sluggish".
That could be the choice between going to bed 10 minutes earlier or watching another episode on Netflix.
It could be having another mouthful or serving of food when you actually feel slightly full as it is.
It could be having a coffee versus water.
These in themselves aren't huge decisions but can influence massively how we feel and the actions that follow.
As hard as it is when life seems overwhelming, ensuring you have an evening off each week &/ a weekend day to yourself is really important. If you're always chasing to do things and catch up with people, it's impossible to keep going at that speed and at some point you will burn out and drop the ball on something.
This could mean having difficult conversations with people who encourage you to do more and asking them for support or to understand that you need time to unwind. It could be setting up a routine for yourself to have 10 quiet minutes at the end of the work day before you see your house mate or partner, to allow you a second to breathe and check in with where you are.
You don't need to start with a million things that are hard or similarly overwhelming. But you do need to start.
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