Even when times are tough and it seems like everything is going wrong, loving yourself is crucial. When you practice self-love, you’re telling your mind and body that you’re being supported (even if you’re doing the supporting).
Do you take enough time out of your day to practice self-love?
Some people don’t know how to practice self-love. We’re told that self-love is narcissistic, or that there isn’t enough time in the day to take care of ourselves.
We’re here to offer some ideas on how you can practice self-love every day. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Take Breaks
Do you feel like you’re always busy and overwhelmed? Many people have busy lifestyles that don’t seem to leave a lot of room for self-love or self-care. You may end up putting your own well-being on the back burner.
It’s important to take breaks. Not only will it help you feel more energized and productive once you’re ready to get back to your tasks, but it also lets your mind reset so you can decompress.
2. Wear a Favorite Outfit
Sometimes looking better makes us feel better too. Do you ever feel a small burst of joy or confidence when you’re wearing an outfit, piece of jewelry, or makeup product that makes you look your best?
Let yourself wear these things, even if you think they’re too “extra” for the occasion.
If you value comfort over all else, fit comfortable items into your wardrobe as well. While you can’t dress down at work, you can find soft and stretchy fabrics or comfortable shoes.
3. Move Your Body
Exercise might not seem good for self-love, but it is!
Exercising doesn’t mean that you don’t love yourself or your body. You don’t have to exercise to lose weight, gain weight, or “get fit.” You can exercise to release endorphins and improve your health.
When you love your body, you should keep it healthy.
Do something fun, like dancing, going on a walk around the neighborhood, taking a yoga class, or anything else that gets you moving.
4. Eat the Right Foods
On the topic of staying healthy, food plays a part.
When you love yourself, why not nourish yourself with fruits and vegetables? You’ll feel better, your skin will be clearer, and you’ll be treating your body with care.
You don’t have to be healthy all of the time though. If you find yourself restricting too much, allow yourself space to eat dessert, buy your favorite chocolate bar, or indulge in your favorite fast food from time to time.
5. Talk to Friends
Part of showing love to yourself is interacting with others. Your friends love you too, so talk to them.
Whether your friends are nearby or far away, taking a few moments of your day to have a good conversation with people you love is great for your mental health.
6. Show Gratitude
It’s easy to get trapped in the doom and gloom of the world. It often seems like there’s nothing to be thankful for when the world feels dark.
It’s important to show gratitude for every tiny thing that you can find, no matter how insignificant that it seems. This might seem like overly positive advice, but try it.
Is it a nice day outside? Show gratitude! Do you have the ingredients for a good meal? Show gratitude.
As you continue practicing gratitude, it will be easier and easier for you to see joy and opportunity in new things.
7. Engage in Passions and Hobbies
When you start showing yourself love, you might realize that you haven’t been spending enough time doing things that you want to do. When was the last time you committed a few hours to a favorite hobby? When was the last time that you worked on advancing your skills or reaching your goals?
You deserve to take this time for yourself so you can do the things that you love.
Even if you never decide to turn your passions and hobbies into your job, value the time that you spend working on them.
8. Relax
So while taking time to do hobbies and improve yourself is important, relaxation is also important. Sometimes we need to spend some time doing nothing at all to give our brains a break.
Don’t be afraid to slow down sometimes. Why not take a long soak in the tub for an at-home spa day, or sit back and watch a favorite movie when you’re tired?
Pamper yourself so you have time to recharge.
9. Pretend You’re Your Best Friend
Do you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk? You tear yourself apart in the mirror, or you tell yourself that you’re not good enough for the things that you want to do.
Would you say these things to someone else?
One of the best pieces of advice that anyone can give you about practicing self-love is to treat yourself like you’re your own best friend. Your most consistent relationship is with yourself, so act like it.
Before you criticize yourself, ask yourself if this is something that you’d criticize a friend for. Would you say a friend is too lazy, or that they have some kind of imperfection? Of course not.
Instead, talk to yourself with positive language and affirmations.
10. Go Outside
This is the simplest thing that you can do as far as loving yourself goes.
Do you ever feel stressed, restless, and pent-up after working or staying indoors for a long time? Try taking a few steps outside and see how you feel.
Getting fresh air and sunlight can make a big difference to your mental health and mood. Take a walk, work in the garden, or sit in the sun for a few minutes.
Practice Self-Love Every Day
Do you practice self-love often? Loving yourself is a process, but if you make an active effort, it gets easier over time. You’ll find a newfound appreciation for your mind and body when you commit to loving it no matter what.
Are you on a path towards self-improvement and self-love? Check out some of the rest of our inspiring articles and start thriving today.
