If you've been struggling lately, feeling lonely or feeling "off", ask yourself something. What are you doing for you? Lack of self-care is often the root of so many of the problems we all face.

Think of it this way...“You cannot pour from an empty cup.” It’s a simple saying, but it packs a punch with an enormous meaning. What I take from this is that you can’t give anything to others if you’ve done nothing to give to yourself. Not only will you be unsuccessful in your attempts to give, but you’ll become exhausted and drained. Avoiding this negative outcome does not mean you are selfish. Not in the least. So don’t feel guilty. You are not marching around preaching that you are more important than others, that you are better, or that you’re “above” everyone else. Therefore, there is nothing to feel bad about and the sooner you realize that, the better.

Putting yourself first doesn't have to be one big drastic lifestyle change. It can be a compilation of small things every day- things that we may overlook and forget about. Start by taking some time to think about and reflect on where you are in life. Figure out what you want, and more importantly, what you need. In doing so, you’ll find that you’re probably holding onto things that you don’t want or need; things that no longer fulfill you or serve a purpose in your life. Let go of what is weighing you down. In addition to eliminating the things that no longer serve a purpose in your life, do the same with people. This is way easier said than done, I know. You don’t have to throw away all of the memories you’ve shared with someone or forget about the way they made you feel, but it’s important to recognize that some people are better left in the past, especially if they are not bringing anything to the table. People who are good for you and meant to be in your life are supposed to make things easier…not more difficult. Once you've done this, you'll feel a million times better. All of the time and energy you had been putting into the things that weren't helping you grow, you can now give to yourself.

Lastly, don’t forget that it’s perfectly fine to fall off the grid for a little while. Take some time for yourself and detach from social media. If possible, put down your phone completely. Spend time doing something for you. Sometimes this time is an hour, sometimes it's a whole day, but either way it’s beneficial and believe it or not, it makes a difference. Incorporating opportunities to do little things for yourself into your life and your daily routine is only one of many ways to clear your head and calm your mind. When it comes to priorities, your mental health should always come first.