Practicing Self-Love

Self-love encompasses more than just giving yourself a hug every now an then, it also includes how you think and feel. It means putting your health and well-being first and foremost; not sacrificing how you feel for the sake of others. In order to do this, we must start from within.

“Love yourself first so others can do the same.”

Everyone’s mother has said this or some variation of it, and boy she wasn’t wrong! It’s SO TRUE! In order to create healthy boundaries, you have to love yourself first. Understanding that you’re not perfect and make mistakes, but allow yourself space for forgiveness is a crucial part of this journey. Simply showing yourself the same kindness that you do towards others is the key to practicing self-love.

Ways To Practice Self-Love

• Saying daily affirmations aloud while looking in the mirror (the more you say these aloud, you’re training your brain into a new way of thinking. Having positive thoughts and exuding positivity!)
• Meeting your own needs and not sacrificing for the sake of others (This doesn’t mean being rude when speaking to people, but not willing to sacrifice your well being for others. Being assertive and holding yourself accountable to this!)

• Prioritizing your health and wellbeing
• Valuing your feelings
• Do the things you love unapologetically! (i.e. going for a walk after a busy day, taking a bubble bath, going to the movies, rolling out your yoga mat, having a glass of wine,etc.)

Why Is Practicing Self-Love Important?

Self-love is something that everyone should do daily. Self-love is important to practice because it allows us to show respect and kindness to ourselves. When we love ourselves, we’re able to create healthy boundaries in all aspects of our lives because we know our own worth. This in turn allows us to make healthy life choices, thus being able to nurture our self esteem and over all well-being.

Now this practice will look different for everyone. If you’re starting out on this journey, utilizing a notebook or journal can help keep you on track, however this is not required. Take a moment and think of one compliment you could say to yourself right now. Write it down in your journal and recite it daily. You can also write down other affirmations or actions that you seek to incorporate in your daily life as well. By writing it down you’re more likely to hold yourself accountable and before you know it you’ve created new habits, ways of thinking and are practicing self love on a daily basis!