Giving Can Be Toxic Too: How to Focus on Yourself

There is so much turmoil in the world right now and, as an empath, I feel it pretty heavily. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and, honestly, just crying recently. But, it is important to know when you have nothing left to give, and I’m emotionally spent. So, here are a few tips (from yours truly) on how to focus on yourself without feeling selfish.

Yes, Giving Can Be Toxic

First of all, you need to realize that not every source of giving is beneficial. You can give too much of your time, mental resources, and money to people, things, etc. Listen to your body and take a look at your mental state.

Be sure to assess the why behind you giving your time, money, or attention to something. If it is draining you emotionally, take a step back. Don’t ever feel bad for caring about your own mental health. Giving too much of yourself to anything (a cause, a person, a topic) will result in your having nothing left.

How to Focus on Yourself Without Being Selfish

You may be thinking, “how can I focus on myself with so much going on in the world?” I’m right there with you. But you can focus on yourself without being selfish. In fact, you can practice self-care while still giving back to the community. Here’s how…

1. Make time for your loved ones. If you are really trying to figure out how to focus on yourself without feeling selfish, call your loved ones, talk to them, and just see how they are doing. You’ll be amazed by how good it will make you (and them) feel.
2. Continue practicing a healthy lifestyle. Between COVID-19 and the civil unrest in the country, it has been difficult to focus on healthy living. It is still important to get regular exercise and take care of your body.
3. Try new things. When everything has been topsy-turvy for a while, it is easy to feel stuck in a rut. Switch up your routine or try something new. Just having something different (or something to look forward to) can greatly improve your mental state.
4. Practice self-love and nurture your self-esteem. Offer yourself positive affirmations and stay away from negative self-talk. These things can have a profound impact on your overall self-esteem and how you interact with others.
5. Keep a journal. Journaling has personally helped me a lot through this time. Think about getting a notebook or starting a digital journal to just write things out. For me, I am able to write out my thoughts, positive affirmations, and record what I was able to accomplish throughout the day. No matter what you are jotting down, having a journal can be a spectacular release.

Be Patient With Yourself and Others

Finally, it is so important to be patient with yourself (and others) during these tough times. Everyone is living through some pretty major turning points in history. Cut yourself some slack if you are feeling a little less motivates and are preoccupied. Everyone is. Just strive to do the best you can each day.

Readers, how are you emotionally dealing with everything going on in the world right now? 

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Amanda Blankenship

Amanda is an editor and writer. She has a passion for sharing information that helps people and communities to better themselves in some way. In addition to writing online, she also freelances for local newspapers in her hometown of Charlotte, NC.