Why Making Time for Yourself Matters
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For a long time, making time for myself felt like something I had to justify. There was always a reason to put it off. Someone else needed something, there was more to do, or it just felt easier to keep pushing myself to the bottom of the list. That mindset is really easy to fall into, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and all the invisible responsibilities that come with daily life. Over time, I’ve learned this: making time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
Why It’s So Easy to Forget Yourself
Most of us are really good at showing up for others. We’re problem-solvers, caregivers, planners, and doers. Somewhere along the way, we learn that being busy equals being valuable. Rest feels indulgent, time alone feels optional, and caring for ourselves gets pushed to “later.” The problem is, later rarely comes.
What Happens When You Don’t Make Time for Yourself
When you’re constantly running on empty, your body and mind eventually let you know. It might look like:
Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep
Snapping more easily or feeling emotionally overwhelmed
Losing motivation for things you used to enjoy
Moving through your day on autopilot
These aren’t personal failures, they’re signals. Signals that you need space, rest, and care.
Time for Yourself Doesn’t Have to Be Big
One of the biggest misconceptions about self-care is that it has to be elaborate or time-consuming. In reality, making time for yourself can be simple:
Ten minutes of quiet before the house wakes up
A short walk without your phone
Rolling out your mat and moving your body intentionally
Sitting down to eat without multitasking
Small moments count, and consistency matters more than duration.
The Pilates Perspective
Pilates has reinforced this lesson for me over and over again. When you step onto the mat, you’re asked to focus inward to notice your breath, your alignment, and how your body feels in that moment. You can’t rush through it or half-show up. That intentional time has a ripple effect. You leave feeling more grounded, more connected, and more capable of handling what comes next. Making time for yourself works the same way.
Why It’s Actually Good for Everyone Else
Here’s the part that often gets overlooked: when you take care of yourself, everyone benefits. You’re more patient. You’re more present. You respond instead of react. Making time for yourself doesn’t take away from others; it allows you to show up more fully.
If guilt shows up when you think about taking time for yourself, try reframing it. Instead of asking, “Do I deserve this?” ask: “What do I need right now to feel supported?” That small shift changes everything.
Start Where You Are
You don’t need to overhaul your schedule or carve out hours of alone time. Start small, be gentle, pay attention to how it feels. Making time for yourself is a practice, and the more consistently you do it, the more natural it becomes.
You are allowed to take up space in your own life. You don’t need permission, and you don’t need to earn it. You’re already worthy of care.
-Natalie
