3 Top Tips to putting yourself first and not feeling guilty about it!

We all know how tough life can be at the best of times but when you are trying to do everything all at once its just not going to work. I've had personal issues with mental health in the past myself: Juggling family life, running my own business, keeping up with friends and generally putting everyone first was always going to be a struggle. I've made major changes in my life that I now know are for the best but at the time I wasn't sure whether I was just being selfish.

It's so important to look after yourself as I truly believe if you don't look after yourself first then it will affect everyone else around you. We all owe it to ourselves to make time for ourselves, especially as it can genuinely make all those around you happier as a result

Here are 3 tips that you could incorporate into your everyday life without taking up too much time and effort:

Meditation

I know when I used to think of meditation I used to think of the Dalai Lama or some other similar monk-like figure! However, mediation has had a technological boost and incorporating it into your everyday life is so much easier than you think. I recommend downloading apps such as Calm and Headspace on your phone and just spend 10-15minutes using it whenever or wherever you can.

Taking time out from your day to concentrate on yourself is even recommended by the NHS. It can help to increase not only your health but your happiness as well and we all know when you're happy it can be infectious; just one reason why you shouldn't feel guilty about it as well.

Healthy eating

It's really hard after a hard days graft to go home and not want to just order a takeaway pizza but in the long term healthy eating is definitely the way to go. It’s all about being prepared. Spend some time at the weekend to pre-prepare meals for the week ahead. Eating out healthily is also a lot easier than you think. There are so many great options, especially if you do research beforehand. Plus its a good excuse to get together with friends and family. Not only does it help by improving sleep quality, it can also improve your mood and mental wellbeing and lower the risk of major health conditions.

Exercise

This has been a big one for me and helped so much to improve my mental health. It's about finding something that doesn't feel like you are working too hard. If you find something you enjoy it’s so much easier to do and to establish it into your everyday life.

Research a local class - I think the more bizarre the better! That way you are too busy laughing and having fun to realise it’s actually exercise. One great example is a local group called 'Dancing in the Dark' It's so much fun and even better with a group of pals - a win/win as you are putting yourself first and still maintaining relationships so you get rid of that guilty feeling.

If you can't or don't want to leave the house then you can try online courses such as 'Yoga with Adrienne' who posts free yoga video tutorials online on Youtube every week. Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative moods. It also improves self- esteem and can help you physically as well as mentally. Ultimately it’s about finding something for yourself and not feel guilty to take time out . Everyone is different and that's what makes the world so interesting. It’s a crucial reminder that your needs are legitimate and important. Don't forget a happy you will not only help yourself but others around you as well.

Claire McDivitt

Cohort 25

Twitter: @missclairemc1