12 Ways to Invest in Yourself
If you have been keeping up with this blog or my Twitter or my Instagram pages, by now, you should have deduced that I love life and all the good things it comes with. Some might say I’m not being realistic and I’m living in a bubble. I say yes to that as I love my bubble SO MUCH.
This life is my one time opportunity to living the best life I could possibly live - Bugo Echem
My well-being is the most important thing to me as I cannot give what I do not have. How can I know how to love someone when I don’t even know how to love myself? It is only logical to be fair to myself first before I extend that to the next person.
With all these being said, I have learnt to continuously invest in myself.
You cannot give what you do not have - Unknown
1. Cut off the negativity and loud noises
This is a life changing move. Trust me. Especially on social media. There was a point in my life that I realised I was only following people I genuinely would not get along with in real life. They saw things quite differently from how I did and I just blocked, muted or unfollowed them. No hard feelings, just protecting my space.
2. Focus on your health
Are you in a skin that you do not like? Perhaps you think you are too skinny? find food supplements and eat healthily to gain weight. Do you think you are bigger than you would like to be? Join a gym/portion control or whatever suits you. Also, add vitamins to your diet – folic acids, vitamins C & D, cod liver oil etc. Whatever change you are making, make sure that you are doing this for yourself.
However, it is important to remember not to dwell on your weight, there has to come a time when you actually enjoy your life. You cannot look back at your 20s and 30s and wonder what you were doing all because you were constantly on a diet. Just don’t forget to Live!!!
3. Up your skincare routine
Use sunscreen! I cannot mention this enough. Whether you live in a hot, warm or freezing country, sunscreen is essential. I never leave my house without SPF 50 slathered on my face and neck regardless of winter or summer. You get to a point where soap and water cannot suffice (should never have sufficed tbh). I’m quite basic with my skincare and use the Neutrogena Boost range from the drugstore. It is cheap and always available. My current fave is the La Roche-Posay SPF 50 face cream. Obviously, if you can afford to, then you can invest in more expensive products or even see a dermatologist to map out a routine specific to your skin care needs etc. Also, drink lots of water daily, it does do magic for your skin. The point is, take care of your skin and wash your legs too *side eye*, your older self will thank your younger self for this.
4. Toxic relationship? GET RID!!
I am not mincing words here. It is hard enough getting through life taking care of yourself but having to go through life with someone who does not appreciate you, honestly you do not deserve that! Give yourself some credit. You are better that what that partner says you are. This goes the same for friendships – Throughout my life I have been very careful with having (and keeping) friends. My best friends have been the same for over 20 years and all other friends I have met along my life journey, I also regard as positive influences in my life. I’m very particular about the energy that I allow into my space and once I start to recognise toxic traits, I take a step back.
It is important to also note the kind of friend you are. Are you the toxic one? Check yourself!
5. Have your quiet moments with yourself
Even if it is a few minutes a week, take out time for yourself to reflect on your achievements and disappointments of that week. It does not have to be anywhere fancy but just somewhere that you know that nobody can disturb you. Make sure your phone is on silent at this time.
Add “Do nothing” weekends to this as well. Have some weekends where you just laze around and do nothing. This is so good for the body, spirit and soul. Find your peace!
6. Be financially independent
This should actually be no 1. There is nothing as amazing as financial independence. That freedom to earn and spend your money as you please cannot be underestimated in this day and age. No matter how little you earn, have your little stash where you are saving “for a rainy day”. If that rainy day never comes, then you still have your stash which you can do as you please with!
7. Do something
Is it working for a company? Or being an entrepreneur? Just do something.
I read somewhere that enjoying your job and earning less is better than hating your job and earning more; basically, you have to work somewhere you like to feel fulfilled over working in a company that pays you more. I disagree with that narrative if I’m being honest. With over 10 years of professional experience, I can tell you that if you are not being compensated enough, no matter how much you love your job, you can never be fulfilled! We are human beings, we have needs, needs that involve money so there is nothing wrong with going for the job that is offering more money. But there has to be a balance. If you absolutely hate your job, regardless of your salary, your motivation and input will be low and once you are found out, you will get the sack!!
Your career and compensation should tally!
8. Stay within your work limit
Being overworked? say something! If you breakdown or fall ill, there will always be someone to replace you so you have to take care of yourself!
In professional 9-5s, you have days allocated as sick days which you can take off. These days are there for you to take. I am not saying you should call in sick when you just don’t feel like going in to work but on a morning when you don’t feel yourself, use your sick days!
9. Find what you enjoy and do it
Do you like to travel? Travel.
You like to write? volunteer? sleep in the woods aka camping (or is it glamping these days)? watch trash tv? knit jumpers? go to fashion shows? shop? (you see all the variety LOL)
What is that thing you would love to do in your spare time? Do it.
10. Pamper yourself!
Spa treatments, manicures & pedicures, body baths etc.
If you are being frugal with money or you cannot afford these treatments; do them at home by yourself. Give yourself a home facial (I have seen lots of ideas on youtube); for manis and pedis, you can do from the comfort of your bathroom. You do not have to spend money for a pamper sesh!
11. Spread light and positivity
This one might not be easy but if you invest in yourself, you do get to the point where you see the goodness in little things and you know how to spread light to people. I have learned that once you are able to spread light, you will get it back.
Start with being kind. Before you send that post on social media, read it again and think of the recipient as yourself. Would you like to have received that message? Sometimes, it is ok to actually not retaliate by our words or action.
This in no way means bottling your actual feelings. However, when you are communicating them, be kind and avoid being spiteful just to drive your point in.
12. Be present in yourself
Lastly, be present in yourself.
Be confident in your abilities because no matter how little you think you offer, there is nobody as unique as you.
If you feel insignificant, you better think again, you better wake up because you are part of something way bigger - Beyoncé; Bigger, The Gift Album
Do you have any tips for self-investment? Share below and let’s discuss.
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
8 Comments
ijeoma ginikanwa
Came back to this post as I’m making New Years plans
Bugo
It’s quite helpful, isn’t it.
Thank you for reminding me to actually re-share it for the new year x
Mizchif
Number 11. I’m currently in a place where everything is going well and i feel like it might be related to me being more conscious of and prioritising being kind.
Bugo
I know what you mean. Like what is the point of being mean to someone else? just so stressful and lonely tbh.
I feel like kindness will always draw people towards you because everyone wants a kind friend/colleague/whatever and no matter how bad ass being mean might look in certain periods, kindness will never go out of fashion x
Timmy fums
Love love love this!
Bugo
Thank you! I knew you would haha xx
Daks
Spreading light and positivity is one I’m definitely taking on. Especially on social media. Trying to think before I tweet more. Not everything in my head needs to come out.
Bugo
I’m telling you! Social Media is definitely a gift and a curse. It is so easy to run amok, spewing hate and/or commenting on any and everything but I’ve mastered the unlook technique lol. I blocked a lot of the negative handles I always see, muted certain words and just generally don’t partake in messiness ugh
It does not mean that I am not seeing these tweets or i do not have my opinion but I choose to keep it moving x