Once Someone Mentally & Emotionally Abandons Themselves, 10 Things Usually Start Happening On A Regular Basis
Dmytro Zinkevych | Shutterstock Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your health and happiness. And I’m not just talking physically. I’m talking mentally, as well.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish. You should not feel guilty about it. Indeed, you can’t take care of anybody else unless you have taken care of yourself. I see it all the time. You will burn out when you don’t prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Why do so many of you put yourself last on the list to be taken care of? Is it an old mindset? There is no good reason to put yourself last.
When someone stops prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being, 10 things start happening:
1. They get easily frustrated in their relationships
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If you find yourself getting mad or snapping at others for no reason, chances are you've mentally and emotionally let yourself go.
You might even be surprised at how irritable you’ve become, and you worry the wrong people are taking the hit.
2. They get more tired than energized throughout the day
Feeling exhausted by noon is a sign that you've neglected your mental and emotional well-being.
3. They worry all the time, are on edge, and are easily agitated
they feel squeezed or compressed from all angles.
4. Their friends and loved ones start pulling away
People who start feeling lonely when they have a strong circle of family and friends might be experiencing the effects of withdrawal from loved ones after letting themselves go.
5. They don’t feel creative and are lacking inspiration
Trying new things starts to feel like a burden instead of exciting.
6. They don’t love doing the things they used to do
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Everything bores them, and all they do is eat and sleep.
7. They abandon their desires and dreams
Instead, they put their partner’s (and everyone else’s) wants and needs first.
8. They are not able to understand how their behavior affects themselves and others
People are scared to talk to them because of how much they lash out.
9. Their actions don’t line up with their desires and dreams
They don't care about goals and ambitions anymore.
10. They rely on caffeine, painkillers, or wine to get through the day
If these 10 things sound familiar to you, then it's time to recharge your batteries. Your body is like a car; it needs fuel to run. When a car runs out of fuel, it will stop, and so will you. The better you treat yourself, the better you will feel. This will help when things are difficult. It also helps with your attitude.
Here are 5 ways to feel better:
1. Talk to family and friends
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It helps to talk to others when you are feeling down or overwhelmed. If you’re ready, reach out and meet with a counselor or life coach. They can help you clarify how you are feeling and what to do next.
2. Take a vacation or go on a retreat
This will help you feel calm. It will also satisfy your need for adventure. These days, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. With a little research, you will find the perfect getaway. Remember, this is a vacation. Which means you are not checking your phone every 5 minutes. If possible, shut it off.
3. Purge and then rebuild
Clutter is not good for the mind. It’s also not good for the people around you. When you let go of the old, you make room for the new.
I’m not just saying to get rid of the physical stuff around you. Maybe it’s time to let go of some toxic relationships or people in your life. You can also let go of bad memories and negative thought patterns you hold on to. Surround yourself with things and people you love.
4. Socialize and connect with others
As human beings, we all desire to connect with others. Go to new events. Say "yes" to an invitation when you would normally say "no." It’s important to try new things. If you haven’t heard from your family or friends in a while. Take the initiative and invite them out. You could go out for dinner or go to a concert.
5. Be honest with yourself
Whose fault is it that you aren't taking care of yourself? One of the beautiful things about being human is our ability to change course when we so desire. If you aren't feeling fulfilled, this is a great way to start living the life you have always wanted.
Lianne Avila is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a practice in San Mateo, CA. Her work has been featured in Psych Central, BRIDES, and Prevention.
