Modern advertising makes it easy to second-guess your sense of self-worth. We are bombarded by media images from every direction that tell us we are in some way incomplete or inadequate. Social media intensifies this effect. We see a distorted image of our friends and coworkers that highlights their successes. Some times it feels hard to love and accept yourself. It is important to try to improve, but it is important to accept ourselves. Self love is an important step on the road to lasting happiness, and that is why we went ahead and came up with a list of the top 10 ways to practice self-love!
Make Yourself A Priority
We cannot pour into other people’s lives or the outside world until we first fill ourselves. Taking care of our own mind, body, and soul is an essential step in healthy living. Get your nails done, buy yourself some wonderful bubble bath, or even go to dinner with yourself. Once you can learn to take care of yourself first, then you’ll be able to lend your time and energy to important situations and relationships in your life.
Stop The Comparisons
It’s been said that comparisons are the thief of joy. Comparing yourself to others will only leave you stressed and unhappy. You can’t fully enjoy what life has to offer if you don’t cherish the life you’ve been given. Every single person on the planet is different and unique in their own way, including you. No one else will ever be able to be like you, so start thinking positively. Don’t worry about other people’s lives, now is the time to live for yourself and do whatever makes you flourish.
Focus On Your Strengths
Too many times we focus on the negative things about ourselves, like how we wish we were smarter or good at soccer. But this kind of thinking only does damage. Reframe your mindset to focus on your strengths. Have a knack for painting? Create canvas art! Great at cooking? Become a chief! What skills, ideas, and talents can you bring to the world? By believing that you have something to offer, then you can use those abilities to become the best you possible.
De-clutter Your Surroundings
They say that outside clutter is the result of the mess within one’s mind. To start nourishing your mental health, try to get rid of the things in your house that don’t bring you happiness. That shirt you never wear? Give it away to someone who will. Letting go of what doesn’t serve you anymore can be an exhilarating experience. Getting rid of unnecessary clutter will only help you relax and give you more space to focus on what really matters.
Exercise
One way to take care of your body for a long and healthy life is to move it. Don’t fall into a habit of complacency and inactivity. We were meant to move, to feel alive, and have fun. Go for a jog in the park, or maybe try skiing in Colorado-whatever appeals to you. By making physical activity a habit, you’ll reap the benefits of feeling more energized, happy, and healthy. A healthy body will enable you to reach your best potential.
Eat Nutrients
Along with moving your body, it’s also wise to feed yourself proper nutrients. Healthy whole foods will do a body good, inside and out! The vitamins and minerals abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats will keep your mental and physical health in check. You could try swapping a sugar filled coffee with a homemade green smoothie! Say hello to clearer skin, less stress, better sleep and more.
Get Creative
Creativity can bring out some pretty cool qualities you never knew you had. Be open to trying something totally new and unique. This way, you’ll be able to appreciate something constructed from an idea that inspired you. It’s a great feeling to accomplish a task that brought you joy! So cook a recipe from scratch, or put your pottery skills to use. Whatever it may be, have fun and enjoy the process. There’s always something to be created.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
One thing we know for sure is, you become more like the people you surround yourself with. If you are trying to improve your life, better yourself and embrace positivity, then surround yourself with those like-minded individuals. Start to evaluate the people in your life that don’t bring you up and remove the toxic relationships. This will only benefit you in the long run.
Give Yourself A Break
We tend to be our own worst enemy sometimes. Constantly battling ourselves for not working out, feeling guilty for calling in sick, or negative self talk are all examples of ways to sabotage a self care routine. Take a deep breathe, refocus and see that you’re doing the best you can. Don’t stress over the little things, there’s always room for improvement. Keep trying and stop beating yourself up for it.
Be True To You
Lastly, just be true to yourself. You don’t have to conform to anyone’s ideas or opinions of you. It’s OK to enjoy reading a good book over going out or not like the movies. Whatever brings you joy, feed that area in your life. If you told yourself you’re going to do something, do it. No exceptions! Start to treat yourself as you would a baby. You only want the best care and love for them, it’s time to treat yourself that way.
