Why You Deserve to Prioritize Yourself—And How Yoga Can Help You Do It

mbcyoga
May 5
3 min read

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt guilty for taking time for yourself.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many of us have been taught to equate our worth with productivity, busyness, and doing for others. But at what cost?

Ignoring your own needs doesn’t make you stronger—it makes you exhausted. And over time, burnout, resentment, and even illness can follow.

Here’s the truth we don’t hear enough: You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to receive. You are allowed to choose yourself.

Why is it so hard to prioritize ourselves?

Most of us aren’t taught how to care for ourselves beyond the basics. We’re praised for sacrifice and selflessness. And in a culture that rewards hustle, it can feel uncomfortable—even rebellious—to slow down.

But prioritizing your well-being isn’t indulgent. It’s preventative care. When you care for yourself, you’re building resilience, balance, and capacity for all the roles you hold.

If you’re constantly running on empty, it’s not sustainable. Something will give—whether that’s your health, mood, relationships, or energy.

The science of self-care: what’s really happening when you pause

Taking intentional time for yourself reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), regulates the nervous system, and boosts emotional resilience, according to research from the American Psychological Association.

Regular practices like yoga, meditation, or breathwork have been shown to:

👉 Reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms

👉 Lower blood pressure and heart rate

👉 Improve sleep quality

👉 Increase focus and emotional regulation

In other words: self-care isn’t just a nice idea—it has measurable, proven benefits for your mind and body.

Why yoga is a powerful tool for self-prioritization

Yoga is more than movement; it’s an invitation to turn inward, slow down, and listen to yourself. Every time you step on your mat, you’re creating a boundary—a container—for your own care.

Here’s how yoga helps you reclaim yourself:

✅ Interrupts stress patterns: Breath-focused movement calms the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) and shifts you into parasympathetic (rest/digest).

✅ Increases interoception: This fancy word just means “awareness of your inner sensations”—a key skill for tuning into what you need physically and emotionally.

✅ Creates embodied boundaries: The mat becomes a literal space where you practice saying “yes” to yourself without apology.

✅ Supports emotional processing: Movement, breath, and mindfulness help gently release tension and emotions stored in the body.

3 simple ways to start prioritizing yourself through yoga (even if you’re busy)

Schedule a non-negotiable class (or home practice) each week.Block it on your calendar like you would an appointment. Honor it. Even 10 minutes counts.
Try a 5-minute breath practice.Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and inhale slowly for 4 counts, exhale for 6 counts. Repeat for 5 minutes. Notice how you feel.
End your day with legs up the wall pose.This restorative posture calms the nervous system, reduces swelling in the legs, and invites deep rest. Stay for 5–10 minutes while breathing gently.

(Tip: Add relaxing music or a lavender eye pillow for extra support.)

A mindset shift: choosing yourself doesn’t mean abandoning others

Let’s clear this up: prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean you love others less or stop showing up for them. It means you’re filling your cup so you can keep showing up fully.

Think of it this way:When you’re well-rested, centered, and cared for—you’re a better parent, partner, friend, employee, and human.