photo by @jana_akkari

We focus our energy on others. We care for them, nurture them, sometimes we even help others get back on their feet – this is what we do because we love. While our relationships are important, it’s difficult to care for others if we neglect ourselves. Have you shown yourself, love, recently?

Sometimes, Self-Love is associated with narcissism or being selfish. On the contrary,  according to Google, Self-Love, by definition, is the “regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).” This post will explore 5 different ways to practice self-love that can be used in everyday life.

1. Self-Care

Self-care is key to a good relationship with oneself and others. Self-care is “any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept, in theory, it’s something we very often overlook”. Think about it this way, for a professor to teach their students, they first learn the subject so they could, in turn, benefit others. In the same light, how can we expect to take care of our loved ones, if we ourselves are not in good health? Try this – keep track of your progress

2. Think Positive

People with a positive attitude are happier, more resilient, better decision-makers, and perform at a higher level than those with a negative attitude (and even live longer). Have you ever heard the phrase “you’re your own worst critic”? Honestly, truer words have never been said. We always tend to put ourselves down and focus on our flaws and imperfections, but here’s a news flash to everyone out there: no one is perfect. Situations are out of your control, but your attitude isn’t. Try this – have you smiled at someone today?   

3. Acceptance

Embrace the imperfections of life. Whether it be that frustrating adult acne or those annoying pounds that just won’t shed, everyone has some sort of “flaw” that they’re dealing with. But at the end of the day, everything that is a part of you is what makes you who you are. We create unnecessary anxiety the more we fight and resist the things that happen to us. Part of giving self-love takes an enormous amount of courage to love and accept yourself for who you are. Try this – ask yourself “am I the person that I want to be?”

4. Turn Comparisons into Compari-donts

Comparing yourself to others is never a smart idea. We’re always going to want other things and look like this person or that person. We get so caught up in the idea of other people and their accomplishments, that we forget our own worth and end up being saddened because we’re not like the others. But at the end of the day, no one knows what the next person is struggling with. Try this – Make a list of everything good you have in your life, and literally count your blessings

5. Take a Mental Break

Take time out for yourself; it is okay to take a break, especially during times when you feel mentally overwhelmed. Take a minute to examine habits that make you feel more anxious or unproductive and take a mental break from that. How many times have you been saddened because your photo didn’t get as many likes as you thought? How many times have you been upset because you saw snaps of your friends hanging out without you? Social media has been associated with low moods and depression, and while technology advances our lives, try not to jump to social media as a way to alleviate boredom. So I challenge you: take a break. Opt for a book in bed or maybe walk around or do an exercise if you’re at your desk all day.

At the end of the day, the path to self-love takes time, but we owe it to ourselves.

I’ll leave you with a quote:

“You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.”

– Diane Von Furstenberg

Tell us what YOU do to show self-love! And don’t forget to enter our Self-Love Giveaway