4 Helpful Ways to Practice Self Love
Self love and self care often go hand in hand however the practices we want to look at encompass more than just burning a fragrant candle whilst taking a relaxing bath.
As we approach February we will no doubt be bombarded with advertising messages of love and romance to coincide with Valentines day. And whilst many of us can feel like this focus is nothing more than a marketing tool which plays into the hands of consumerism, there is something to be said for turning the attention inward and looking at how we can celebrate and love ourselves during this time.
Self love and self care often go hand in hand however the practices we want to look at encompass more than just burning a fragrant candle whilst taking a relaxing bath. These ideas revolve around our mindset and protecting our wellbeing.
With improved wellbeing comes greater self-confidence and a clear sense of purpose and direction and when we feel loved and protected we can navigate the world feeling more self assured. Read on for our helpful ideas of how to show your self love this Valentines.
Forgiving ourselves for past mistakes and appreciating that we are human beings and not robots is a huge step towards silencing our inner critic.
Learn self-compassion
Being kind to yourself is a fundamental part of building self-esteem. This process takes years for many people, especially those who've experienced trauma or hardship in their childhood or as a young adult.
Acknowledge your strengths and accept your imperfections: these are an unavoidable part of being human, and they also make you unique. This approach helps you to nurture a better self-image and a sense of resilience. Forgiving ourselves for past mistakes and appreciating that we are human beings and not robots is a huge step towards silencing our inner critic. Talking therapy and counselling can be particularly helpful in helping you understand and accept yourself.
Exercise releases endorphins, the chemicals that make us feel happy.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Keeping your mind and body at their best could contribute to feeling better in your everyday life too. The NHS recommends that every adult should aim to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.
Whether you go for a brisk stroll around the park or join a local club, getting active is a brilliant way to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Exercise releases endorphins, the chemicals that make us feel happy.
When it comes to looking after yourself at home, eating a nourishing, balanced diet is vital. Staying hydrated is an important part of the bigger picture too. If you'd like to follow a health plan, it's worth seeking professional weight management advice first.
Set realistic and achievable goals
By setting and working towards achievable objectives, you can start to find a sense of direction and accomplishment in life. Start with smaller, achievable tasks and gradually progress to more challenging goals.
Every time you succeed, remember to celebrate. Acknowledging your success will reinforce your newfound self-confidence every time you succeed, gradually building your perseverance and willingness to try difficult things.
Taking up journalling could be a brilliant way to document your progress – including the highs and lows along the way. You can look back and reflect on your best days and most effective strategies.
Replacing self-criticism with constructive ideas could be both motivating and rewarding.
Challenge negative self-perceptions
Everyone experiences negative thoughts sometimes, so learning how to become more self-aware could lead to a more constructive and positive outlook on your progress.
As soon as you notice yourself having an unhelpful or derogatory thought, try to challenge your perspective and reframe it. Replacing self-criticism with constructive ideas could be both motivating and rewarding.
When you focus on your achievements, positive qualities and ability to improve, you can tackle every situation with confidence and a grounded perspective. Concentrate on your skills and abilities, not your insecurities or inexperience.
By practicing self love and protecting your inner peace you can work towards living every day feeling positive, healthy, and more resilient.