10 SMALL WAYS TO PUT YOURSELF FIRST EVERY DAY

Putting yourself first is not the selfish act you’ve been led to believe it is. In fact, it's the opposite! You can’t drive others unless you’ve filled up your tank first right? Basically, you’re better able to support others if you’re supporting yourself, and there are so many small ways you can make your own goals and happiness a priority every day. Here’s ten small ways to get you started:


1. Set an alarm

Don’t worry we’re not telling you to get up at 5:00am every morning, but getting into a good routine will give you structure to carve out time for yourself everyday. Whether it’s getting up 20 minutes earlier everyday, or having an alarm to remind you to exercise or meditate, it’s a tiny act that reminds you every day to set time aside for yourself.


2. Meditate

Speaking of meditating, it’s a simple way to spend some time tapping into your feelings and thoughts. There are countless benefits of the mindfulness practice, such as stress reduction, increased self-awareness and better emotional health. Even just 5 minutes a day is enough to get started! Follow our Busy Person’s Guide To Meditation here.


3. Prioritise your fitness

Putting yourself first can easily start by making time for your fitness. It goes without saying at Fitness First we’re all about an active lifestyle, but don’t take our word for it, just think of the ways 30 minutes of cardio a day could help you with your children or a job! Setting fitness goals is something you do for yourself that has flow on effects to other areas of your life.


4. Spend 15 minutes doing exactly what you want

Putting yourself first isn’t all routine and discipline! Every day, spend 15 minutes doing whatever you want. Everyone can find a quarter of an hour if they want to and what you choose in that time just has to make you smile! It might be dancing to your favourite song, reading a chapter of a book, sitting in the sun… the options are endless! The one rule is you have to do what YOU want. 


5. Eat your 5 a day

Get those vegetables and fruit in! Having a healthy diet is another simple way to put yourself first, and without making it too complicated or rigid, start by making sure you’re getting the recommended fruit and veggie intake. Simple!


6. Practice affirmations 

Some people swear by affirmations, which is the act of declaring something positive about yourself or your goals. There can be a lot of power in simply stating “You’re amazing and capable of anything” to yourself in the mirror each day. You can also write your affirmations if you prefer, just try to make them personal and positive. Speak to yourself the same way you’d speak to a friend!


7. Use the good china 

We all have things in our life we save for a rainy day or special occasion, but why not treat everyday like it’s special?! We’re telling you to use the good china, wear your nice underwear, or do any small thing that just makes you feel good!


8. Smile at yourself in the mirror

Did you know smiling is contagious? When you see someone smile it triggers happy chemicals in your brain and the best part is you don’t have to wait for someone to smile at you because smiling at yourself works! Even if you’re not feeling happy, your mind sees a smile and thinks it is. A simple yet very effective practice that takes seconds!


9. Be grateful

Gratitude has the ability to put your life in perspective, reminding you what blessings you already have at your disposal. You can try keeping a gratitude journal, or just think of 3 things you’re grateful for when you have a spare moment. Keeping this practice up will make you more empathetic to yourself and others around you. 


10. Choose to do something everyday that helps future you

Putting yourself first can be big or small, and you can support yourself in the big goals by doing a tiny thing every day that helps you reach your future goals! You might want to eat healthier, so today you could spend 5 minutes cutting up vegetables for salads so they’re easily on hand. Or you could have a goal to run a marathon, but start today by running 1km. Small actions add up!

Ready to start putting yourself first? Sign up to Fitness First today, we’re here to help you on your journey. 

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