Don’t feel guilty for prioritising you

I recently shared on my Instagram page one of the best pieces of advice I’d ever been give to keep my mental health intact – “don’t feel guilty for prioritising you”.

We are all facing additional struggles of living through a pandemic, from home schooling the kids to worries about the future; so occasionally escaping the daily pressures and putting the “do not disturb” notice on even for 30 minutes can do you and your family the world of good. That can be a coffee on your own, settling down with a great book, watching a film from start to finish with no interruptions, or just simply taking a nap.

I asked people to share their best pieces of advice and her are just a few of favourites:

“It will be alright in the end. And if it’s not alright then it’s not the end.”

“If you are getting through each day at the moment, just surviving, then that’s enough.”

“You don’t have to do everything. Maybe doing less is exactly what you need right now.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It can make all the difference between drowning or floating.”

“Get outdoors at least once a day. Fresh air and nature have the most wonderful healing powers.”

“Those who matter don’t mind; and those that mind don’t matter.”

“Talk to yourself as you would a friend – kindly, with understanding, forgiveness and reassurance. We treat ourselves far too harshly.”

“When you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything.”

“The best advice I ever received was learn to meditate. It’s been absolutely life-changing for me.”

“Let it go. Just let it go.”

What’s your advice for protecting yourself and your mental health – let me know in the comments.