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It encourages positive behaviour and gives us the confidence to take risks and say no to things that don’t work for us. It is having an appreciation, affinity, and self-worth for oneself.
It’s an important part of developing self-compassion because it helps us take care of ourselves, reduce stress, and strive for success. When you have a strong sense of self-love, you understand your own worth and treat yourself in the way you’re supposed to.
It is a balance of understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, and should not be confused with narcissism, which is characterized by self-absorption and self-interest. Self-love is a positive trait that improves your overall health, mental fitness, and relationships.
It shields us from negative thoughts, self-sabotage, and going too far.
It is necessary for our overall well-being, and by loving yourself, you do not have to hold yourself to a high standard. When we don’t feel good about ourselves, it’s difficult to stay motivated.
Benefits of self-love
- Lowers stress and builds higher resilience.
- Helps us become more empathetic.
- Increases our willingness to take positive risks.
- Helps us set boundaries.
- Improves Self-efficacy.
Recipes for self love
- Allow yourself to make mistakes
How many times as children did we hear, “Nobody’s perfect, everyone makes mistakes”?
However, as we grow older, the pressure of failure becomes overwhelming, and we listen to that little voice in our heads telling us that we must be perfect. Make mistakes, don’t listen to that little voice; that’s how we learn in life. Embrace your past, learn from your mistakes, and when and if you make a mistake, treat yourself as you would a loved one. Mistakes teach us valuable lessons.
- Don’t compare
It’s such a natural thing to compare ourselves to others, a habit we’ve picked up throughout our lives. However, this is a risky habit that can lead to self-sabotage. There is only one you in this world, and no two people are alike, so instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on yourself and your journey. You will begin to feel better as soon as you change your mindset and stop comparing.
- Let others; opinions drift away
It is impossible to please everyone. Worrying about what others think or expect of you only slows your progress toward becoming the best version of yourself. Don’t let other people’s negative comments affect your self-worth; it’s simply not worth it.
- Let go of toxic relationships
Not everyone accepts responsibility for the energy they emit into the environment. If someone is bringing toxicity into your life and refuses to accept responsibility for it, you may need to distance yourself from them. Don’t be afraid to try it, it’s not rude or wrong to protect yourself. Even if it is painful, it is liberating and necessary.
- Put trust in yourself
How often do you doubt yourself or your ability to do the right thing? At the end of the day, we know in our hearts what is best. Your emotions are legitimate, and you know yourself better than anyone else. Be your own best advocate and believe in your ability to make the best decisions for yourself.
- Plan your escape
It’s common to feel drained or exhausted when trying to meet the expectations of those around you, and there never seem to be enough hours in the day for some “me” time. Taking breaks can be beneficial, and it’s not that you’re running away from the people you care about; you just need some me time to recharge. Even if it’s just a lunch alone with a good book away from everything and everyone who could interrupt you, do it because you deserve some me time without feeling selfish.
- Find some time for the little things
Simple things like doing your nails or treating yourself to a face mask can boost your self-esteem. It’s a little me time that feels like a pamper, allowing you to take a breather and recharge.
- Be kind to yourself
The world is already full of harsh words and criticism, so why add yours to the mix? Push those negative thoughts away and instead speak kindly to and celebrate yourself. Tell yourself how good you look today or how comfortable you are in those jeans. You don’t have to wait until your birthday to celebrate yourself.
- Meditate
According to research, spending a little time each day can improve your mental health in the long run. Find a comfortable place to sit for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing and heartbeat, repeating positive thoughts to yourself or focusing on the positive goals you have set for the day.
Self-love and care do not always happen overnight, but it will settle in your heart over time. Don’t give up on yourself; consider how far you’ve come and how you’ve managed to survive in this world because you are alive and powerful beyond your knowledge right now.
It’s one thing to read a list of self-love tips and quite another to actually implement those tips in your life; start by choosing one or two that fit into your schedule and commit to them. There is no right or wrong way to practice self-love or self-care, but it is important to remember that you matter and deserve to love yourself.
