When you’re constantly putting others’ needs before your own, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes you happy. Over time, this habit can leave you feeling drained, unfulfilled, and disconnected from yourself. Prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean neglecting the people you care about—it means ensuring that your own well-being is just as important. By incorporating small daily habits that put you first, you can regain a sense of balance and feel more confident in your boundaries. Here’s how to start making yourself a priority every single day.
1. Use Do Not Disturb for Some Peace
One of the simplest ways to reclaim your time is by using the “Do Not Disturb” setting on your phone. Constant notifications from texts, emails, and social media can be overwhelming, making it hard to focus or relax. By turning off these alerts during certain times of the day, you create space to think, recharge, and be present without distractions. As reported by Mitel, the Do Not Disturb feature allows you to mute all calls, notifications, and alerts for various devices, making it easier to focus without interruptions.
Consider setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb” during meals, before bed, or while working on a personal project. This small act signals to yourself and others that your time is valuable and deserves to be protected. Over time, you’ll find it easier to concentrate, sleep better, and feel less anxious because you’re no longer constantly pulled in different directions.
2. Set Strict “Me Time”
Blocking out time in your schedule specifically for yourself is essential for maintaining balance. This “me time” should be non-negotiable—just like a work meeting or a doctor’s appointment. Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or a few hours each week, dedicating time solely to your own needs helps recharge your energy and maintain your sense of identity. Research from The American Psychiatric Association suggests that setting aside time for yourself can be beneficial for addressing symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Use this time to do something that brings you joy, whether that’s reading, going for a walk, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts. Don’t feel guilty for taking this time—it’s essential for your mental and emotional well-being. When you prioritize yourself regularly, you become more present and energized in all other areas of your life.
3. Take a Yoga Class
Yoga is a powerful way to reconnect with your body and mind while reducing stress. Beyond its physical benefits, yoga teaches mindfulness, helping you stay present and more in tune with your emotions. Attending a class, whether in person or online, creates a structured time for self-care that’s easy to maintain. BetterHelp reports that yoga can help mitigate stress responses by controlling breathing and bodily movements, as well as by focusing the mind on physical experience rather than anxious thoughts.
The best part is that yoga encourages you to focus inward, letting go of external pressures and expectations. As you move through each pose, you build strength and flexibility while also quieting your mind. Over time, you’ll notice improved mental clarity and a deeper sense of calm, making it easier to set boundaries and prioritize your needs in daily life.
4. Read for an Hour Before Bed
Ending your day with a good book is a simple yet effective way to prioritize yourself. Unlike scrolling through social media or watching TV, reading helps your mind unwind without overstimulation. This nightly ritual allows you to escape into another world, providing both relaxation and mental stimulation. According to The Sleep Foundation, people who read before bed generally sleep better, wake up less often, and sleep for longer than those who go to bed without reading.
Choose books that genuinely interest you, whether that’s fiction, self-improvement, or something educational. By carving out time to read, you create a space that’s entirely your own—free from external demands. Over time, this habit can improve your sleep, boost your creativity, and help you feel more connected to your interests.
5. Start a Journal for Your Thoughts
Journaling is a powerful tool for processing your emotions and gaining clarity on what matters most to you. By writing down your thoughts, you create a safe space to express yourself without judgment. This practice helps you recognize patterns in your behavior, identify areas where you’re overextending yourself, and clarify your goals.
Start by setting aside 10 to 15 minutes each day to write freely. Don’t worry about grammar or structure—just let your thoughts flow. Over time, journaling can help you become more self-aware and confident in your decisions. It’s also a great way to release stress and gain a sense of control over your life.
6. Take Yourself on a Solo Date
Spending time alone can be incredibly empowering, especially if you’re used to constantly being there for others. A solo date is an opportunity to do something you love without worrying about anyone else’s preferences or opinions. Whether it’s going to a movie, visiting a museum, or dining at your favorite restaurant, the experience allows you to reconnect with yourself.
Use this time to reflect, recharge, and enjoy your own company. At first, it might feel awkward to be alone in public, but over time, you’ll gain a sense of independence and confidence. Solo dates remind you that your happiness doesn’t depend on anyone else, making it easier to prioritize your needs in everyday life.
7. Practice Saying No
Learning to say no is one of the most powerful ways to prioritize yourself. It’s easy to fall into the habit of agreeing to every request out of guilt or a desire to please others, but this often leads to burnout and resentment. Confidently setting boundaries allows you to protect your time and energy without feeling selfish.
Start by recognizing situations where saying yes would compromise your well-being. Then, practice turning down requests with kindness but firmness. For example, you might say, “I’d love to help, but I have too much on my plate right now.” Over time, saying no becomes easier, and you’ll feel more in control of your life and more respected by others.
8. Recognize the Signs When You Need Alone Time
Knowing when to step back and recharge is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. Signs that you need alone time might include feeling irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. Ignoring these signals can lead to burnout, so it’s essential to listen to your body and mind when they’re telling you to take a break.
Prioritizing alone time doesn’t mean isolating yourself—it means creating space to recharge so you can show up as your best self. Whether it’s a quiet walk, meditation, or simply sitting with your thoughts, alone time helps you reconnect with yourself and maintain your emotional balance.
9. Set Aside Weekly Time for Your Hobbies
Your hobbies are a reflection of who you are outside of your responsibilities, and making time for them is essential for maintaining a sense of identity. Whether it’s painting, gardening, playing an instrument, or anything else that brings you joy, dedicating time to your hobbies helps you recharge and feel more fulfilled.
Block out time each week specifically for your hobbies, and treat this time as non-negotiable. Even if life gets busy, making space for your passions reminds you that your happiness matters. Plus, engaging in activities you love boosts your mood, reduces stress, and helps you feel more connected to yourself.
10. Binge-Watch Your Favorite TV Shows
Sometimes, prioritizing yourself means giving yourself permission to relax and enjoy simple pleasures without guilt. Watching your favorite TV shows can be a great way to unwind and escape from daily stress. Whether it’s a comedy that makes you laugh or a drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this downtime is essential for recharging.
Set aside time each week to watch your favorite shows without multitasking. Let yourself fully enjoy the experience without feeling like you should be doing something more productive. This small act of self-care helps you relax, recharge, and reconnect with the things that bring you joy.
11. Be Honest With Your Partner
Prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your relationships—it means creating space for your needs while maintaining healthy connections. Being honest with your partner about what you need is essential for building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. If you feel overwhelmed or need more alone time, communicate this openly and without guilt.
Start by expressing your feelings calmly and clearly. For example, say, “I need some time to recharge so I can show up as my best self in our relationship.” Most partners will appreciate your honesty and support your need for self-care. When you prioritize your well-being, you bring more energy, love, and positivity into your relationship.
12. Write Down Your Priorities
Clarity is essential when it comes to prioritizing yourself. Writing down your priorities helps you identify what matters most and ensures that your daily choices align with your goals. Take time each week to list your top priorities, including both personal and professional goals, and use this list to guide your decisions.
When faced with requests or opportunities, ask yourself whether they support your priorities or distract from them. This simple habit helps you stay focused and avoid overcommitting. By regularly reviewing your priorities, you’ll become more intentional with your time and feel more in control of your life.
13. Plan Friend Dates
Spending time with friends is essential for maintaining your emotional well-being, but it’s easy to let these connections fall by the wayside when life gets busy. Prioritizing regular friend dates helps you stay connected, recharge emotionally, and have fun without the pressure of daily responsibilities.
Schedule time with friends just like you would any other important commitment. Whether it’s a coffee date, a movie night, or a weekend getaway, these moments of connection remind you that life is about more than just work and obligations. Surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you makes it easier to prioritize your own happiness.
14. Order Your Favorite Takeout
Sometimes, self-care is as simple as treating yourself to your favorite meal. Ordering takeout might seem like a small indulgence, but it’s a powerful way to prioritize your needs without overcomplicating things. Whether it’s a pizza from your favorite local spot or sushi from the restaurant down the street, enjoying a meal you love can instantly boost your mood.
Make this a regular part of your routine—perhaps a weekly “takeout night” where you unwind with your favorite food and a good movie. The key is to enjoy the experience without guilt. Prioritizing yourself doesn’t always have to involve grand gestures—sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
