Why Prioritising Yourself is the Key to Happiness

Introduction

Do you constantly put others first, leaving yourself last on the list? When was the last time you truly prioritised yourself without feeling guilty about it?

Putting others first might feel noble, even necessary, but over time it drains your energy, your joy and even your sense of self. What if prioritising yourself was not selfish, but the secret to greater happiness? In this article, we will explore why choosing YOU is the most important step toward living a life filled with fulfilment and purpose. It will give you some tools and inspiration to take your first steps toward prioritising yourself – without guilt.

The emotional toll of always putting others first

“What happens when you work hard at something unfulfilling? It drains your spirit. It robs you of your life force. You end up depleted, depressed and angry”. Oprah Winfrey

Think about the last time you said “yes” to something you didn’t really want to do. Maybe it was staying late at work, helping a friend when your own plate was full or sacrificing your weekend for family obligations. How did it make you feel? Drained? Invisible? Resentful?

When we consistently put others’ needs above our own, we risk losing touch with who we are and what we need. This emotional toll can lead to burnout. It is easy to believe that selflessness is virtuous, but there is a cost that builds up over time and can manifest as emotional burnout, stress and even physical exhaustion. By always being available for everyone else, you are sending a message to yourself and others that your needs don’t matter. Eventually, this erodes your sense of self-worth.

But the truth is that “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. When you neglect your own well-being, it becomes harder to show up fully for others. Prioritising yourself for your own happiness and fulfilment is not selfish; it’s a necessity.

Why self-care is a necessity, not a luxury

The term “self-care” is often misunderstood. It’s not about self-indulgence or pampering. Self-care does not just mean having a bubble bath and lighting candles. Rather, self-care means honouring your physical, emotional, and mental needs so that you can thrive – not just survive. Simple self-care practices can transform your energy and perspective.

Imagine if you treated yourself the way you treat a loved one. Would you encourage rest when you are tired? Compassion when you are struggling? Celebration when you have achieved something? Self-care is about reclaiming that compassion for yourself.

The beauty of self-care is that when you take time to nurture yourself, you are better equipped to handle life’s challenges. You become more patient, more present, and ultimately more giving to those you care about. It’s a win-win for everyone in your life.

How prioritising yourself benefits those around you

“Putting yourself first is not selfish. Quite the opposite. You must put your happiness and health first before you can be of help to anyone else.” Simon Sinek

One of the biggest misconceptions about prioritising yourself is that it takes away from others. In reality, the opposite is true. When you are feeling rested, happy, and fulfilled, you bring your best self to your relationships. You are able to give more freely, without resentment or exhaustion.

Think about it: have you ever been around someone who is clearly burnt out? Their energy feels heavy and stagnant. Now imagine the opposite – being around someone who is rested, calm, joyful, and energised. That is the gift you give to others when you prioritise your own well-being.

By taking care of yourself, you model healthy boundaries and self-respect for your friends, loved ones and children. You teach them that it is okay to value their own needs, too.

Simple ways to start prioritising yourself today

Are you ready to start prioritising yourself but not sure where to begin? Learn practical actions to embrace self-care and reclaim your happiness. Here are some simple, actionable steps you can take right now:

• Set Boundaries: learn to say “no” without guilt. Protect your time and energy for the things that truly matter to you.

• Schedule “Me Time”: block out time in your calendar for activities that recharge you, whether it’s reading, walking, or simply relaxing.

• Practice Mindfulness: take a few minutes each day to check in with yourself. What do you need? How are you feeling? EFT Tapping is an excellent tool for this.

• Prioritise Your Health: nourish your body with healthy food, plenty of water, regular movement and enough sleep.

• Seek Support: surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and respect your boundaries.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Start small and build habits that support your well-being over time.

Real-Life transformations: women who prioritised themselves

Let’s look at some inspiring examples of women who made the decision to prioritise themselves:

• Jane: after years of putting her family’s needs first, Jane joined a 12-week program to rediscover her passions. Today, she’s running her own business and feeling more fulfilled than ever.

• Susan: Susan struggled with stress and anxiety until she discovered Tapping. By dedicating just 10 minutes a day to herself, she is now thriving in both her career and personal life.

These women are not exceptions. They are proof that prioritising yourself can lead to profound transformation.

Conclusion

Happiness and fulfilment start with you. By prioritising self-care, you will discover the key to leading a more joyful and purposeful life. By putting yourself first, you are not only nurturing your own well-being but also creating a ripple effect of positivity for everyone around you. The journey to prioritising yourself may feel unfamiliar at first, but it is a journey worth taking.

Are you ready to take the first step towards a more joyful, fulfilled life? Explore the 12-Week Life Reboot Programme or discover how EFT can help you reclaim your happiness. Your transformation begins with the simple decision to choose YOU.

How I can help

If you find it difficult to prioritise yourself and practise real self-care, please try one of the suggestions above. If this feels too hard, or brings up too many emotions for you, then contact me for help.

EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, is a form of psychological acupressure that can help you release the negative emotions you may be feeling in any area of your life.

I help women release stress, overcome emotional blocks, and reclaim their sense of self. Through gentle yet powerful techniques, EFT can help you let go of guilt, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize your well-being without feeling selfish. Together, we’ll create a safe space for you to reconnect with your needs and embrace the life you deserve. Let’s start your journey to greater happiness and fulfillment today.

I can teach you the skills you need to use this valuable tool in any area of your life.

Get in touch

If you’d like to have a chat to see if I can help you, please send me a message or book a free call and we can talk about working together. It would be a pleasure to work with you!