Tuesday is [1] Dating & Relationships day at AlexShalman.com

This is a post about looking after number one - yourself. Within the human species there is no such thing as [2] altruism. However, even if it is possible to give fully without any regard to reward or benefit, you can’t keep giving if you are emotionally or physically incapacitated. There are certain things you must do for yourself, even while devoting your life to others.

1. Watch your health. You don’t have to become a health food junkie, but you should follow the wellness principle and make sure you do more beneficial than detrimental things for your body. You will be better able to assist the people in your life that need you when you’re stronger, clear headed, energetic and live longer. You won’t be much use to the people in your life if you let your health go to the point that they have to take care of you.
2. Comfort yourself. You need to make sure you are taking steps towards making yourself happy. Think about the things that bring you pleasure, and make sure you are doing some of them. If you find yourself constantly depressed you won’t be able to function optimally. Try giving someone advice, or thinking creatively when you have this cloud over your head; it’s not going to work too well.
3. Concentrate on your career. If you’re going to be helping someone, you are investing time. You have to remember to balance how much of your time you give to another versus how much time your career is going to need of you. You can’t be too helpful to someone if you’re stuck in debt or have lost your car and house.
4. Educate yourself. Make sure you’re always working toward obtaining knowledge and fortitude. If you’ve got a great head on your shoulders you will be exponentially more effective at helping someone or giving life changing advice.

When you [3] devote your life to serving others, you want to make sure that you are really able to help them. Regardless of what your reason is, you want to be able to do the best job possible. This is why putting yourself first is not a selfish act at all. After all… you can’t make them laugh if you’re crying.