Don’t feel like going out with your friends this weekend? Or you’d rather spend your Friday night at home, reading? Go ahead, do it.
Photo via Thought Catalog
The next time you’re about to blurt out the words “I’m sorry”, stop yourself because you really have nothing to apologize for.
Your mental health and happiness matters more, and know that self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can transmit the good feelings to others around you.
Here are some things you really don’t need to feel guilty about, according to Lifehack.
#1 Telling people “No”
Photo via Inc. Magazine
It’s hard to turn people down, we get it, you want to please everyone around you.
But sometimes, you just HAVE to do it, whether it’s shooing away a solicitor at the door or saying no to an acquaintance who asks for your last piece of gum, sometimes you just have to draw the line. Just say it… NO!
#2 Declining a social call
Photo via Utopia.org
Sometimes you just want to be left alone, and that’s okay!
But, more often than not, we guilt ourselves into either attending that social event, or feeling depressed over having let our friends down. It’s time to choose the third option: enjoying what YOU want for a change, and not let others’ opinion affect that.
#3 Giving yourself a break
Photo via Ile de France Cheese
Most people feel like they don’t work as hard as they actually do which leads to many guilty thoughts entering their minds whenever they’re on a break or vacation. But, here’s a fact: you deserve a respite.
You shouldn’t beat yourself up for giving yourself a day or two to do what you enjoy.
#4 Not checking your email
Photo via Gobins Inc
Now that we all are using a smartphone, you will feel obligated to check your emails and messages for important memos every few minutes.
All this does is spike your stress levels, so instead, check your email at specified, spaced out times during the day and give yourself some breathing room. It’s okay, you can relax, it’s not the end of the world if you read that email 30 minutes after it was sent to you.
#5 Telling people off
Photo via CTV News
Sometimes you just have to stand your ground, and that does not necessarily mean that you’re a mean person.
Don’t be a jerk, it’s just that you need to let people know when they’ve wronged you and that’s okay, too. Don’t feel guilty about preventing others from taking advantage of you!
#6 Not pleasing those you care for
Whether it be your parents, siblings, or boss - remember that you can’t please everybody all the time. It’s just impossible!
It’s important to not feel guilty about the times that you’ve disappointed someone you care about, and know that you are your own person and that your outlook on life shouldn’t be based on other people’s opinions.
What we’re trying to say is, practicing self-care does not mean that you are choosing yourself over those you love. It just means that you are simply being mindful of your own needs.
You and your needs are important, too. Take care!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
