Pay Yourself First: The Self-Care Practice You Can’t Afford to Skip
Posted on January 16, 2025 by Anna Milaeva, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
Pay Yourself First concept can be applied far beyond financial management - especially when it comes to self-care.
The phrase “pay yourself first” is often used in the business world, emphasizing the importance of setting aside savings or investments before paying bills or handling other expenses.
The idea is simple: secure your future first, and then manage the rest of your obligations.
This concept can be applied far beyond financial management – especially when it comes to self-care.
In our hectic world, it’s easy to become consumed with daily obligations, responsibilities, and distractions, especially for those of us in caregiving roles – whether it be leading a team, caring for a family, or working in a healing profession.
Often, we wake up and immediately start taking care of others, responding to external demands, or distracting ourselves with technology.
But what if we started each day by “paying ourselves first”?
What Does “Pay Yourself First” Mean for Self-Care?
Paying yourself first means prioritizing your well-being before diving into the needs of others. It’s about giving yourself the time, energy, and care you need at the start of the day to set the tone for everything that follows.
Imagine waking up and, before touching your phone or diving into work, creating a moment to connect with yourself. This moment becomes the foundation of your day.
For me, the morning represents a reset – a fresh beginning after the night’s rest, which can be seen as a mini-death, a state of forgetting and returning. Each morning offers the opportunity to re-member who we are, re-connect with our intentions, and refocus on what we want to bring to the day.
By paying yourself first through intentional self-care, you fill your own cup so you can pour into others later.
Why Is This Especially Important for Caregivers and Leaders?
If you’re in a role where others depend on your energy and well-being – whether it’s family, a team at work, or clients – you understand how easy it is to feel depleted. The more you give, the more you need to replenish. But often, self-care gets pushed to the side in favor of managing daily obligations, leaving many feeling drained by midday.
By establishing a non-negotiable morning routine that centers around your well-being, you create a powerful ripple effect.
You enter the day grounded, clear, and connected to your purpose. In doing so, you’re not only better equipped to handle what the day throws at you, but you also show up more fully for others.
Examples of “Paying Yourself First” in Daily Practice
How can you pay yourself first?
The answer will vary for everyone, but it’s all about finding a practice that helps you connect and set the energy for your day. The key is consistency and discipline – whether it’s 5 minutes or 30 minutes, this time is sacred.
Here are a few examples:
Mindfulness Meditation: Spend 5–10 minutes connecting to your breath, noticing how you feel, and allowing yourself to center before the day’s chaos begins.
Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for each morning. This simple act can shift your energy.
Morning Movement: Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or a full workout, moving your body first thing helps boost your energy, increases circulation, and helps you feel empowered for the day ahead.
Tea or Coffee in Silence: Start your day by simply enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, without distractions or screens. This can be a meditative experience that helps you ease into the day mindfully.
Breathwork: A few rounds of conscious breathing can clear your mind, calm your nervous system, and set the tone for a calm and balanced day.
The Long-Term Impact of Paying Yourself First
The power of this practice lies in its compounding effect.
When you start your day by prioritizing yourself, you’re consistently building a foundation of strength, resilience, and presence. Over time, these small actions will translate into better energy management, clearer decision-making, and a stronger sense of alignment with your purpose.
As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Paying yourself first ensures that you have the energy, clarity, and emotional capacity to give to others without feeling depleted or resentful.
Your Invitation to Try This Practice
So, here’s your invitation: For the next week, try implementing a non-negotiable morning routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated or long – choose one or two things that resonate with you and commit to doing them before diving into the day.
At the end of the week, reflect on how you feel.
Are you more centered?
Did your interactions feel more intentional?
How did your energy shift throughout the day?
Here are some questions to guide your reflection:
What’s one self-care practice I can commit to each morning?
How does this practice impact my energy and focus throughout the day?
Do I feel more connected to myself when I prioritize “paying myself first”?
The more you engage with this idea of self-care as an investment, the more you’ll start to see the ripple effect in all areas of your life. Time spent on yourself is never wasted – because when you are well, everything else can flow from that space of wholeness.
In gratitude,
Anna Milaeva
Transformational IFS Coach @ www.annamilaeva.com & Co-founder @ www.fino.website – Incubator for Self-leadership
