To the modern-day human, self-love may seem like vain photos, cliche books, and an unattainable dream.
The reality, however, is much different.
Self-love is a form of self-care, which can look different for everyone. This is because there is no one way to care for yourself, there is no correct answer – it’s all about finding what works for you at that moment.
Why is self-love important?
Without an element of self-love in your life, you may experience a lack of confidence, body image issues, lack of motivation, poor mental health and many more. Practising self-love can change your perception and increase your life satisfaction.
It may seem like another ‘new trend’ for people with an abundance of time; not “normal” people who work 9-5, have a family, and many other circumstances to juggle.
In fact, self-care is ideal for these exact people. For everyone. In our society, we tend to push ourselves to our limits in hopes of achieving our dreams overnight, and if we don’t, we have failed.
This mentality is harmful because it will lead you to burnout and you’ll experience low productivity. Learning to forgive yourself and accepting rest days is a big part of caring for yourself and it does wonders for your mental health.
By practising a little self-love each day you can shift your mindset and actually become more productive, creative and fulfilled! All because you are respecting your limits, changing your language and enjoying the breaks, giving you the recharge you needed.
How to practice self-love
The question on everyone’s lips.
It’s important to know self-love will manifest in different ways in different people. Self-care could be anything from bubble baths, reading, listening to music, meditation, or exercise. Alternatively, it may be changing your language or attitude.
Continue reading for my top tips towards a healthy loving relationship, with yourself!
1. Know yourself
Take time to get to know yourself. Understand your likes and dislikes, your needs that are non-negotiable, your triggers, and boundaries. Loving someone involves knowing them. Try telling yourself what you love about you, each day.
Try this: First thing in the morning, say out loud, one thing you love about yourself! It doesn’t have to be a big one. You may love your ability to preserver, to wake up early, or stick to a routine. Alternatively, you might choose to celebrate your good hair or skin! It can be anything that feels right to you.
2. Kindness and Forgiveness
These two things have been the main reasons for my own mindset transformation. By replacing the negative language with positive phrases, I was able to reprogram my brain to think in this way long term!
For example, instead of saying, “I was stupid for doing that”, change it to “what lesson have I learned, and how can I grow from this?”
If you don’t achieve your goals this week, forgive yourself and show yourself compassion for the journey you’ve been on. This is a game-changer!
3. Own strengths and weaknesses
Recognising your strengths and weaknesses are beneficial because you can work with them to make you feel better about your situation. The journey you have been on has been incredible and unique to you. By accepting where you are today and appreciate yourself, you will learn to love where you’re at, find peace with it and enjoy it even!
4. Invest in you.
Invest in your happiness. Be mindful of your activities and how you spend your time. If you feel negative about scrolling on Instagram for hours, put a time limit on it and find an activity that brings you peace. That may be reading, meditating, dancing, or sunbathing in your garden!
5. Feel to heal
The current circumstances are causing our emotions to be all over the place! And that is OK.
Let yourself feel whatever feelings arise. It’s important to remember our feelings are temporary, so let them come and go. We all know that feeling of guilt when we feel differently to other people, but why? People should feel guilty when they have committed a crime or done something wrong. It’s certainly not a crime to feel! Try your best to remove the guilt and accept whatever reactions come up. Feel them and release them when the time comes.
Remember: ‘this too shall pass’.
6. Check-in with your self
You may think you’re practising self-care but are you really? Taking inspiration from other people is valid but blindly following what works for them, isn’t necessarily going to work for you too. Alternatively, while routine and positive habits are encouraged, I think it’s important to check-in with your self at that moment.
People change and so do our preferences. A few years ago, I might’ve said talking to my friends is my self-care. Today, however, I prefer to meditate and take time off social media.
Ask yourself these questions: Is this truly making me feel good? Am I really practising self-care or following a trend? This may have worked for me before but does it still work for me now?
FREE Self-Care Worksheet!
I hoped you enjoyed this post! If you’ve been thinking about how you practice self-care and want to explore it further, this worksheet is for you!
This worksheet has been designed to offer you a weekly reflection to help focus your mind on gratitude and self-care. I think this is the perfect tool for the current circumstances, especially as I’ve seen lot’s of people say they have been struggling with their mental health and lack focus.
As I always say, self-care is not one-size-fits-all! Take what you need from this worksheet and what resonates with you and leave what doesn’t.
Print it out, share it on your socials and tag me! My socials are at the bottom of this post! I would love to see how you’re all using it! It also includes a list of positive affirmations for you to explore!!
Click the link to access your freebie!
https://mailchi.mp/e8626d0ad56a/self-care-worksheet
Let’s chat: How do you practise self-care? | Comment your thoughts, suggestions and questions below!
