When you first hear the term self-love, it can seem like a concept that’s difficult to put into practice in our busy, stressful everyday lives. We’re often so focused on what we need to do and where we need to go that we don’t have time to be nice to ourselves. Practicing self-love doesn’t mean you sit around all day binge-watching your favorite TV shows while eating ice cream cones and buying yourself flowers, either! It means incorporating self-love into the way you live each and every day in small, easy ways so it becomes second nature. There is a deeper meaning to practicing self-love as well but here are 10 ways to start practicing self-love today
1) Accept yourself for exactly who you are today
You are perfect. Exactly as you are today. You don't need to change. So start today by naming 5 things that make you the amazing human you are today. Loving yourself is not wishing you were different but aligning with who you were meant to be. Change happens at ground zero, which is you. So, what 5 things did you name?
2) Practice Loving-Kindness Meditation
Practicing loving-kindness meditation is a self-love practice that can help you when you are feeling down or unloved. When we feel love, we feel better. Take some time each day to meditate on a few phrases that will help you build up your self-esteem and make yourself feel good.
Here are my favorite self-love affirmations :
I am perfect exactly as I am
I am doing my best and that is perfect
All is well with me
Thank you. I love you. I forgive you
3) Be Kind To Yourself First
Self-Compassion is a critical component of transformative self-love practice. The words you use, how you treat your physical body and the emotional experiences you put yourself through have a massive effect on your healing journey. Your body is always listening, so be kind.
4) Surround Yourself with Love
Surround yourself with love. This could mean a partner, but it could also mean:
1) Spending time with friends who make you feel good about yourself.
2) Watching your favorite TV show or movie.
3) Reading a book that inspires you or comforts you.
4) Listening to music that makes you happy.
5) Talking on the phone to someone who makes you laugh and feel loved.
6) Going for a walk in nature or the park and appreciating the beauty of your surroundings.
7) Taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and exercising regularly
Often it's a simple change that can instantly lift your mood.
5) Volunteer and Support Others
Volunteer your time and skills to an organization that is meaningful for you. Offer support, advice, or encouragement to someone you care about. Give without any expectation.
6) Work on Relationships
The relationship with yourself will be the most important one.
7) Write a Gratitude Journal
Gratitude journaling is a ritual that I have had for years. It has helped me through my hardest times, such as when I was going through a tough breakup. But to be clear, being grateful doesn't and shouldn't invalidate your feelings or the significance of what you are going through.
8) Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Stop comparing yourself to others. This is a common mistake that people make, and it's not only harmful for you, but the person you are comparing yourself too. You see someone else doing something that looks easy for them or succeeding at something quickly and automatically assume that you should be able to do the same with no effort or any amount of time. This is not true! The fact is that everyone's path through life is different from one another and yours might take more time than theirs did, but it doesn't mean it will take less work. So stop focusing on what other people have accomplished so far and instead think about where they started out when they were just like you. You are on your own unique journey.
9) Laugh at the Funny Moments of Life
It's easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of life. But there is so much joy out there! Laughing at the funny moments of life can be a great way to practice self-love. Laugh at your mistakes. Laughing at your mistakes can make you feel empowered and remind you that it's okay if you don't always get it right the first time. It will also help you see how much pressure there is to be a certain way. So even if only for a few moments, try to see the posistive side of things.
10) Enjoy Being With Yourself
I believe that everyone should, at some point, spend some significant time alone. It will be one of the most healing, transformative periods of your life. It will teach you to be dependent, love yourself, and not depend on others to make you feel whole and worthy
So start implementing these tips today and feel better instantly. Want to dive deeper into your healing journey? Schedule a session today