8 situations in life where you should prioritize yourself, according to psychology

We all know the age-old adage: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Yet so often, we find ourselves neglecting our own needs in favor of the demands and expectations of others.

Psychology tells us that this self-sacrificing approach isn’t always the healthiest. In fact, there are certain situations in life where it’s crucial to prioritize yourself.

Don’t get me wrong, being selfless has its merits. But there’s a fine line between selflessness and self-negligence.

And when that line is crossed, it could lead to stress, burnout, or even affect our mental health.

So when should you take a step back and put yourself first?

Buckle up, because today I’ll be sharing 8 specific life scenarios where you should absolutely prioritize yourself, as backed by psychology.

1) When you’re burnt out

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a real issue that can significantly impact your mental, emotional, and physical health. Psychology tells us that burnout occurs when we’ve been under long-term stress without taking adequate time for self-care.

Ever find yourself feeling exhausted, irritable, or struggling to concentrate?

These could be signs of burnout.

And when you’re in this state, it’s absolutely crucial to prioritize yourself.

It’s not about shirking responsibilities or being lazy. It’s about recognizing the need to recharge, refuel, and refresh.

Because let’s face it, a burnt-out you is far from the best you can be.

So take that break.

Step back from the demands and stressors. Your mind and body will thank you for it — and you’ll find yourself better equipped to tackle life’s challenges when you return.

2) When personal boundaries are crossed

We all have our limits, and it’s essential to respect them.

Personal boundaries act as a safeguard for our mental and emotional well-being.

I remember a time when I was constantly saying ‘yes’ to everything, trying to please everyone around me. It reached a point where I felt overwhelmed, stressed, and lost my sense of self in the process.

It was then that I realized that my boundaries were being crossed, and it was up to me to enforce them. I started saying ‘no’ when necessary, and prioritized my mental health over pleasing others.

Remember, setting boundaries is about respecting your own needs and emotions.

It’s okay to put yourself first when your personal boundaries are at stake.

3) When personal growth is stunted

Personal growth is an ongoing process, and sometimes, the company we keep or situations we’re in can hinder our progress.

For instance, you might find yourself in a job where there’s no room for advancement or in a relationship that’s limiting your potential.

Did you know that people who prioritize their personal goals over their relationships are more likely to experience psychological well-being?

Well, that’s a fact.

However, this doesn’t mean we should disregard our relationships. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of finding a balance and not letting one aspect of life overshadow the other.

Prioritizing yourself in such situations can lead to increased self-esteem, happiness, and overall life satisfaction.

4) When you’re constantly sacrificing your happiness

Happiness is not something to be compromised. Yet, often, we find ourselves sacrificing our joy to keep peace or make others happy.

Consider this: if you’re persistently putting others’ happiness before your own, it can lead to feelings of resentment and even affect your mental health.

It’s important to remember that your happiness matters.

Prioritizing your joy isn’t selfish; it’s an act of self-love.

So the next time you find yourself consistently sacrificing your happiness for others, it might be time to take a step back and prioritize yourself.

Because at the end of the day, you’re responsible for your own happiness.

5) When you’re losing touch with who you are

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, in the expectations and demands of others, and lose sight of who you truly are.

Maybe you’ve been trying so hard to fit in, to be accepted, that you’ve started suppressing your true self. Perhaps you’ve been wearing a mask for so long that you’ve forgotten what it feels like to be authentic.

In such instances, it’s crucial to hit pause and reevaluate.

Take time to rediscover yourself, your passions, your values. It’s okay to disconnect from the world for a while to reconnect with yourself.

It’s not about being self-centered — it’s about self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Trust me, being true to yourself is one of the greatest acts of love you can show yourself.

6) When relationships become toxic

You know what they say, right?

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

But what if those relationships start to feel more draining than fulfilling?

Let’s get real here.

It’s not uncommon to find ourselves in relationships that drain our energy instead of enhancing it. These could be friendships, romantic relationships, or even family ties. In such scenarios, we often compromise our happiness and peace of mind to maintain harmony.

But here’s what psychology tells us: maintaining toxic or draining relationships can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

So if you find yourself constantly walking on eggshells, dealing with unnecessary drama, or feeling emotionally exhausted after interactions, it might be time to put yourself first.

Prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being over maintaining a toxic relationship isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Sometimes, creating a bit of distance or setting boundaries can make all the difference.

7) When you’re experiencing chronic stress

Stress is a part of life, but chronic stress can have serious impacts on your health and well-being.

When you’re constantly in a state of tension and anxiety, it’s a clear sign that something needs to change.

Perhaps it’s your work environment, a relationship, or simply your lifestyle.

Whatever it may be, it’s essential to take a step back and address the root cause of this chronic stress.

This might mean setting healthier boundaries, seeking professional help, or even making significant changes in your life.

It’s not easy, but prioritizing yourself in such situations is crucial for your health and overall well-being. Remember, it’s okay to put your health first. In fact, it’s necessary.

8) When your intuition tells you to

Your intuition, that gut feeling, is your innate guide.

It’s a powerful tool that often knows what’s best for you before your conscious mind does.

When your intuition signals that something isn’t right, or that you need to make a change, listen. Even if it means making uncomfortable decisions or stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Trust in yourself and your instincts.

They’re often pointing you towards what you need, even if it’s not what you want. Prioritizing yourself is not only about tangible situations but also about tuning in and trusting your inner guidance.

Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.

9) When you’re always saying ‘yes’

Finally, I’d like to talk about the ‘yes’ trap.

We’ve all been there. Saying ‘yes’ to every request, favor, or meeting that comes our way.

But why? Is it the fear of disappointing others? Or the desire to be seen as reliable and helpful?

Regardless of the reason, constantly saying ‘yes’ can lead to overcommitment, stress, and even resentment.

Here’s what psychology says:

Learning to say ‘no’ is an essential part of self-care. It sets boundaries, gives us control over our time, and reduces feelings of overwhelm.

So the next time you’re asked to take on more than you can handle, remember it’s okay to say ‘no’. It doesn’t make you selfish or unkind—it makes you self-aware.

Final thoughts: Self-prioritization is self-preservation

If you’ve recognized yourself in any of these situations, don’t be disheartened.

We all struggle with putting ourselves first at times.

But remember, prioritizing yourself isn’t disregarding others. It just means you try to ensure you’re in the best possible condition to lead a fulfilling, positive life.

Start by identifying scenarios where you’ve put others ahead of your own well-being. It could be consistently saying ‘yes’, neglecting your health, or maintaining relationships that drain you.

Once you become aware, you can begin to consciously make changes. It may feel uncomfortable initially, but with time and practice, it becomes easier.

And here’s something to ponder – when you start living in alignment with your values, prioritizing your needs, and treating yourself with kindness, you not only uplift your own life but also inspire others to do the same.