In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to put ourselves on the back burner. We’re often so caught up in ticking off to-do lists, meeting deadlines, and caring for others that we forget the most important thing of all – ourselves. Showing up for yourself isn’t something to do on occasion when life gets tough; it’s a daily practice you can implement to help you navigate the ebbs and flows of daily life. The outcome? A more present, fulfilled and content version of you.
We spoke amongst the team and these were a few of things we each implement to ensure we continually show up for ourselves and have our own back:
1. Listen to your needs
One of the most important parts of showing up for yourself is tuning in to your own needs. Feeling tired and irritable? A quick 10-minute break might be just what you need. Overwhelmed? It could be the perfect moment to step away from what you're doing and hit the reset button. Your body and mind are constantly communicating with you, and it's crucial to listen. This simple act of self-awareness can transform your day.
2. Set boundaries
Boundaries are not about creating strict rules on your life; they’re about creating the space you need to prioritise your needs. It's perfectly okay to say no to things that don't add value to your life or drain your energy. Whether that means turning down an invitation or setting limits on your work hours, boundaries help you focus on what truly matters.
3. Make time for self-care
Even as life gets busy, it's important to remember to carve out moments for the activities that bring you joy and fill your cup up. Just 10 minutes of self-care each day can be enough to change the direction of your day, leaving you more prepared to face whatever comes your way. Whether it’s reading a few pages of a book, mindfully watering your houseplants, or closing your eyes for 10 minutes and letting your racing thoughts settle, taking time to re-ground and connect with yourself is an incredibly powerful way to show up for yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary for you to show up as the best version of you.
4. Practice self-compassion
Be kind to yourself - not every day will go as planned. There will be mornings when you wake up feeling grumpy, drained, and not in the mood for self-care, and that’s absolutely OK. It's during these times that it's most important to be kind to yourself. A good way to do this is to think about what you would say to a friend in the same situation and then talk to yourself in that same way. Remind yourself that you're doing the best you can with what you know and have capacity for right now. We promise, that’s always more than enough.
5. Reflect and reset
5. Reflect and reset
Take a moment to reflect on your day or week. How did today go? How were you feeling? What lessons did you learn? What changes can you make that will help you live more in alignment tomorrow? Reflection is an incredible tool for developing self-awareness and offers you the chance to reset, allowing you to begin each day with a fresh perspective.
Showing up for yourself is about listening, respecting, loving, and nurturing yourself, so you can thrive in every area of your life.
You are worthy of putting yourself and your needs first.