Why Taking Care of Yourself Is the Ultimate Act of Love for Your Family

Controversial Take: We show our loved ones they matter to us when we take care of ourselves.

Take a moment to reflect on all you do for those you love. You give your time freely, perhaps staying up late or waking up early to help with a school project. You may even set aside your own wants and needs to ensure a loved one can pursue something they desire. You provide care and support for those around you, often without receiving the same in return. With all the love and care you show others, do you sometimes lose sight of what you need? Does skipping a workout or grabbing a quick bite instead of sitting down for a full meal become your norm?

It may feel counterintuitive, but as parents, guardians, caregivers, and family members, we are best equipped to care for others when we first care for ourselves. Prioritizing our well-being is a profound act of love, allowing us to be our best selves for those we care about. We cannot do this if we are running on empty or neglecting our needs. An empty tank can only carry you so far before damage becomes inevitable.

This process begins by listening to ourselves, understanding ourselves, and giving ourselves grace. Listening to your inner voice can be especially challenging when you’re accustomed to tuning it out to focus on others. However, without acknowledging our own needs, we cannot truly honor them.

Listening to ourselves means more than simply stating, “I’m hungry” or “I’m tired” and seeking quick fixes. It requires listening to understand. After all, we do this for the people we love—so why wouldn’t we extend the same care and advocacy to ourselves?

Loving, accepting, and nurturing ourselves sets the standard for how we expect to be treated by others. It also models for those around us what they can expect from us. Think of it as the ultimate act of love: showing others, “I care enough about myself to want to be the best version I can be.” This translates to, “I love you enough to want to be my best self for you.”

Just like the instructions we hear on a plane, ensure you put your own oxygen mask on before assisting those around you. When you prioritize your well-being, you position yourself to better serve and thrive.

If you’d like support in prioritizing self-care and enhancing your well-being, the team at Halos Counseling is here to help—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Erin Cook, EDd, is an experienced educator with a passion for helping individuals grow and thrive. As a guest blogger for Halos Counseling, she shares valuable insights on self-care and personal development. Her commitment to fostering mental well-being shines through in her writing and professional endeavors.