6 Ways I’m Putting Myself First in 2022
I don’t know what it is about 2022, but the moment the clock hit midnight on January 1st, I knew this was a year that I really had to put myself first. I don’t know if it’s because I wanted to feel confident for my wedding later this year, or if it was just the high of another generally awful year coming to an end, but I was ready to go full force into making this year be better for me, doing things that I can control (since I unfortunately cannot control pandemic things), and making sure I was doing things that actually benefit me. So, let’s talk about 6 ways that I’ve been putting me, myself and I first so far this year.
01. HAVING A MORE ELABORATE NIGHTTIME ROUTINE
You know when the end of the day rolls around, and you’re just so exhausted & ready to go to bed that you rush through your night time routine so you can get to bed as quickly as possible? I’ve been making a conscious effort to do the opposite. I’ve always been bad for not flossing my teeth, so now, I make sure I do that after brushing my teeth every night, and of course, do a very thoughtful skincare routine.
02. GOING TO BED EARLIER THAN USUAL
I already am a generally sleepy person — I definitely don’t shy away from an afternoon nap! And going to bed early has always been an easy thing for me, but when I say going to bed earlier than usual, I mean getting into bed, putting my phone down (hello, doom scroller here, nice to meet you!), enjoying a couple of light hearted YouTube videos to relax and then if I’m feeling up for it, I’ll read, and then go to sleep.
03. ALLOWING MYSELF MEANINGFUL REST TIME
Over the last year or so, I’d say we’re watching the death of the hustle culture mentality, and a bigger emphasis on taking rest time for ourselves, and as much as I love this thought on paper, it’s something I struggle with doing since I have a full time job, a blog and a couple of freelance design clients. To start actually giving myself meaningful rest time, I’ve officially made Sunday’s my “days off” where I don’t let myself work at all!
04. MAKING MY SCHEDULE WORK FOR ME
Going hand-in-hand with meaningful rest is making my schedule work for me & what I can handle. Before, I’d take on far too many freelance clients than I could handle, same goes for any paid partnerships, and then I’d have myself stuck to a 3-blogs-a-week schedule, plus my full time job. I was getting burnt out and knew it was time to make a change. Now, instead of overworking myself, I prioritize — full time job, freelance work (only to what I can handle), and then blogging, which I’ve decided will be when I can handle the work!
05. HAVING MEANINGFUL TIME WITH MY LOVED ONES
When each night feels the same, especially the last couple of years, or doing things like taking the dog for a walk, or laundry together feels like routine & checking something off a to-do list, it’s hard to enjoy the company. Lately, any time I’m with my loved ones, or walking Freddie, I’m trying to switch my views from “have to do this” to “I’m lucky I get to spend time with the people (and pet) that I love so much, even if it’s something mundane”.
06. REDEFINING “SELF-CARE” TIME
Self-care isn’t always about getting your nails done, taking a bubble bath or lighting some candles. Don’t get me wrong, I love doing these things & they can definitely make me feel better, but it’s not what it’s all about. Instead of thinking of self-care as strictly these things, I’m starting to treat washing my face each morning and night as self-care, and even things like playing video games with my fiancé — because ultimately, if it makes you feel good, that’s what self-care is!
So there you have it — 6 ways I’m putting myself first in 2022. I’m sure more will change, and be added to this list as the year goes on. Especially while planning a wedding… while it is the biggest event of my life & will be so much fun, it’s also probably going to be the most stressful thing to plan in my life too!
