Investing in myself isn’t a concept I’d even thought of before until last year. I thought you could only invest in, say a business in monetary terms, or invest in a relationship by making long term plans together. When I realised that you could invest in yourself, by giving yourself time, space, and kindness, it was something I really wanted to have a go at.
Something I still struggle with at times is the notion that investing in ourselves is selfish, but it truly isn’t. We can only take the best care of others, when we’ve cared for ourselves, and it’s something that can really enhance our lives and well-being.
#1 SCHEDULE IN SELF-CARE
Self-care is something we can all let slip, especially in the busy periods when we actually need it the most. It’s totally different for everyone. For me, self-care is making time for yoga and meditation, hot baths with my favourite playlist, and making sure I’m eating good food and sleeping well. When those things happen, I feel balanced and ready to be my best self to the world.
#2 LOOK AFTER YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING
Every few months I like to treat myself to a full body massage, and I’ve recently had crystal therapy which I loved, and will be adding into my routine too. A full body massage looks after my physical body and makes sure it gets the love and attention it needs, and crystal therapy helps my mental well-being stay on top and connected. Sure, some people might think this is a bit extreme, but we’ve only got one life, and I want to live mine with all the positive energy I could possibly have.
#3 GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO LEARN
Whether that’s learning a new skill, or setting new boundaries, give yourself time to learn and process. Nothing needs to be done in one day, and having patience with yourself along the way is crucial. You’re doing the best you can. Even if today you slipped up, there’s always tomorrow.
#4 INVEST IN SOMETHING YOU’RE INTERESTED IN
That could be an Instagram course (I loved doing my first one last spring and it’s definitely something I’d do again), looking into night courses at your local college, or even buying yourself that new camera that you’ve been looking at for the last six months. The time is now! This little action could end up creating your future.
#5 PUT YOURSELF FIRST
A hard one to end on, right? But I’m going there! Now I don’t mean this in an arrogant, screw you to everyone kind of way, but more in sitting down and accessing your own needs, working out what things your happy with at the moment, and what you’d like to leave behind. I think it’s something so valuable and necessary for us all to do to end up being truly happy. It’s all in your hands, remember. You’re the only person who can look after you the best.
How do you invest in yourself? Is it something you’ve never thought about before?