Yes, helping other people and being there for others is important. Knowing in some shape or form that you helped that person is satisfying and makes you smile. We as humans all want approval from others. It gives us a sense of belonging and comfort. In this world it is hard to take a step back and reflect on yourself, because something "better" or "more important" is always occurring. It's time to start worrying about yourself for once in your life, and no, you're not selfish for doing that.
1. Take a "personal day."
This might not be practical, but this is necessary. After worrying about everyone but yourself there should be one day that is all about you. Get your mani/pedis on, (and yes if you are male this is even cheaper for you, so go). Buy your favorite drink at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Make this day all about you.
2. Every morning look in the mirror and say, "I'm Awesome."
Give yourself that confidence boost every single morning, it's only fair to yourself. Throughout the day there are obstacles that are going to test your awesomeness, but guess what, you told yourself this morning that you are awesome.
3. Say "see you later" to those difficult friends.
It is not a goodbye, it's a see you later. Never burn the bridge with anyone because you never know when down the road you are going to regret that decision. Friends are there for you to make your life a better place, not make it more difficult. If you look down at your phone and see a certain name pop up, and you avoid that text like it's the plague, maybe the next text should be "see you later." The people that surround you are reflections of yourself, and if you need a moment to focus on yourself- take it.
4. Get that body you always wanted.
Pumping iron is not the goal here, but a light walk, a mile run or even a Zumba class will make you feel better about yourself the moment it is over. Focusing on your body is one of the main components. Exercise, dieting and meditation all make you take a moment and think, while also making you look and feel amazing.
5. Treat yourself to a 20-minute face mask.
There can be cucumbers for the eyes, or not, but that 20 minutes of putting a face mask from rite aid on is life changing. Try a Freeman beautiful peel off mask from the drugstore, or a Glam Glow facial mask from Sephora. You will feel like a new person after taking the mask off, with baby soft skin as a bonus!
6. Make your bed every morning.
Why would I make my bed every morning when in 12 hours I'll be laying in the same spot to go to sleep? It's a sign of having your life together. No matter what happens that day, you accomplished one thing. Also after a long day you deserve to go home to a made bed and a clean room. Taking care of things around you and in your environment will better you each and every day.
7. Set some goals!
Small goals, large goals any goal is something. An example is "today I am going to make myself dinner and not order out." It's a small goal but once it's accomplished it will make you feel good about yourself. A large goal would be a lifetime goal, such as "In four years, I want to graduate college with honors." looking forward to these goals will make you feel important and keep you focused on yourself following through.
8. #positive vibes only.
Take all that negativity and hate that you have built up inside of you and let it go. One of the best feelings in the world is when someone or something is at peace. The fact that there is no more worrying about a situation or no more hard feelings is an amazing feeling. Buy one of those meditation crystals (you can even throw them at people that are trying to give you negative vibes). Try to always remain positive throughout any situation.
9. Laugh a little.
Life can be so serious sometimes. Deadlines for work or relationships problems, there are so many headaches in this world sometimes you need to laugh. Turn on the TV and watch a comedy such as, "Happy Gilmore," or even the Presidential Election. I guarantee you will get a chuckle form one or the other!
10. Remember life is short.
After reading this article and using these tips, just remember that life is short. You only have one life to live and it's your life! If something doesn't make you happy, get rid of it. Something makes you sad, get rid of it. You want that promotion at work, strive for it. Everything in life tries to give you a challenge, it throws you a curve ball. Catch it- run with it and focus it toward you. You're not selfish, you're smart, strong and making yourself a better person.