How are you? How are you really doing? Are you taking good care of yourself?
With all the problems and worries of the world, it’s so easy to take our needs for granted. We can go through days, weeks, or even months without taking the time to slow down and ask ourselves how we really are.
Yes, I know. Increasing our self-love is not really a priority, especially when we are going through hard times.
I get it. I’ve been there before. I used to work in a very toxic environment. I was constantly stressed out but regardless of how emotionally exhausted I was, I continued to push myself, setting one goal after another.
I was so focused on putting the needs of other people first that by constantly doing it, I was slowly losing a part of me.
I was burned out — emotionally and mentally exhausted and my mental health just deteriorated.
And most people are guilty of this too. We, constantly focus on the needs of others, too busy completing one task after another that we end up ignoring ourselves and taking our needs for granted.
Self-love, putting yourself first and making yourself a priority are not things that we should be taking for granted.
Learning to love ourselves and being aware of our needs, emotions, and feelings is vital in helping us live a happy and healthy life.
It’s time for us to sit down, take a break, and ask ourselves how we are doing and listen to what we are currently feeling.
Here are 20 simple ways to practice self-love...
Start your day with positive affirmations – I am enough. I am worthy of love, happiness, and forgiveness. I am capable of making a positive difference.
Let yourself feel and let it all out — keeping your emotions bottled up will only end up hurting you more. Don’t be afraid to let yourself feel. Cry if you need to or vent out.
Each night before going to bed, write 3 things that you have accomplished for the day or 3 things that you’re proud of. – Big or small it doesn’t matter. The important thing is you learn to recognize the fact that you are capable of achieving your goals.
Meditate – Meditation has definitely changed my life. It helped me become more in tune and in control of my emotions instead of letting it control me.
Do something for yourself without feeling any guilt.
Journal – writing can be very therapeutic and it also helps you release your thoughts and worries.
Learn to forgive yourself and free yourself from your mistakes.
Practice daily gratitude.
Do that one thing that you have been putting off.
Try something new. Explore new hobbies and discover new things.
Don’t be afraid to take a break.
When eating, try to slow down and be present.
Give yourself a break from any gadgets and technology — head outside and just appreciate the things in front of you.
Buy something that you’ve always wanted without feeling any guilt — you deserve this!
Go outside and take a mindful walk.
Stop comparing yourself with others — we all have different paths to take. The best thing to do is to focus on your journey.
Be kind to yourself — stop criticizing yourself for every mistake. Stop blaming yourself and dragging yourself down. Learn to speak kindly to yourself.
Be kind and do small good deeds every day.
Learn to silence the negative self-talk.
Let go of the things that are keeping you unhappy.
Please know that regardless of what you’re going through right now, you are doing a great job! Yes, things may be difficult right now, but look at how far you’ve come. Be kind to yourself and remember that loving yourself and making yourself a priority is not an act of selfishness. So, don’t be afraid to choose yourself!