Hey friend! How are you? I tell you what, in a world that constantly bombards us with ideals of perfection, it's essential to prioritize self-love and care for our well-being. Loving ourselves is how we are better able to love those around us and live more fulfilling lives. The whole, you gotta put your own oxygen mask on first, or you can’t pour from an empty cup. We all too often end up prioritizing ourselves somewhere near the bottom of the list in our attempts to best take care of everyone else. I know I am definitely guilty of doing that. I got you though, because we all deserve to pour back into ourselves the same way we give out the love everyday. So here are 7 practical, but super effective ways to practice self-love and nurture a positive relationship with yourself. You got this!
1. Practice Self-Compassion
Remember to treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times. Self-compassion involves acknowledging your struggles without judgment. We encounter enough judgement as women and moms, so it’s super important that we show ourselves grace and acceptance. Alot of times we can be harder on ourselves than we would ever be on anyone else. As Kristin Neff, a leading expert on self-compassion, says, "Self-compassion involves being gentle with ourselves when life gets tough." She is so so right, and I would love to give you my list of self love affirmations. Print them out, put them in your office, in your car, throughout your house. Literally Anywhere that you’ll see them throughout the day to reminder yourself of just how beautiful and amazing you are! You can grab that free resource below!
2. Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Learn to say no when you need to and prioritize your needs as well. I am a reformed people pleaser, and I know I have yes to things that I really didn’t have space for, out of obligation, guilt, etc etc. But saying no is definitely needed and necessary at times. The world will still turn, everything will be alright. It’s ok to say no. Boundaries help protect your mental and emotional well-being.
3. Engage in Self-Care Activities
Ooh, this one used to be really hard for me. As a single momma, I always need about 4-5 more hours than there are in the day. So self care usually was a “when i have time”, which guess what? I never had time. I had to make the time, carve it out. Even if it was a little tiny sliver, it was for me. Even if it was nothing more than using my favorite smelling lotion somedays. Just caring for myself in that moment, and carving out that time is what matters. Think about activities or things that bring you joy and relaxation. Make a list if you want to, or even a vision board of what your own specific self care might look like. Whether it's taking a warm bath, going for a walk in nature, or reading a good book, buying your favorite chocolates, using your favorite lotion at the end of the day to unwind. Prioritize self-care regularly, even if it’s for a few minutes. You can start as small or big as you want. There is no right or wrong way, its the fact that you are doing it is what matters.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of the current moment without judgment. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity. Studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can lead to better self-esteem and emotional regulation. For more info on ways to practice mindfulness, check out my post on mindfulness here!
I also have a beginners guide for meditating that you can check out here . Super easy and a really great way to just check in with yourself and stay grounded.
5. Challenge Negative Self-Talk
Oh boy, this one is huge. As I mentioned earlier, we can be our own worst critics. I know i have been there, used to do that more than I’d like to admit. But it is to our own detriment when we talk negatively to ourselves. And it very rarely sparks change or growth in whatever area or thing that caused us to talk bad about ourselves in the first place. So instead, I encourage you my amazing reader to be mindful of your inner dialogue and challenge negative self-talk. When negative self talk creeps in, ask yourself. Would I say this to someone I love? Probably not. Does this make me feel loved and supported by myself, to create a place for change and growth? Again, I can bet not. And, Is this for my highest good? Strike 3, but my beautiful human you are most definitely not out! You are a courageous and powerful human being. Full of love and potential. So, Lets replace self-criticism with positive affirmations and empowering beliefs. I am strong, I am confident, I am beautiful. I radiate love and abundance. Remember, how you talk to yourself matters. Think of it like catching the negative self talk and redirecting it with positive and loving self talk, Building a foundation to encourage and support us for our highest good.
6. Prioritize Healthy Relationships
Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Cultivate relationships that bring positivity into your life. Healthy relationships play a significant role in nurturing self-love. Create boundaries or distance yourself from anything that takes away from your peace or drains your mental or physical wellbeing. Life is way too short to wait for people to love and treat us the way we all deserve to be treated and loved. There are so many people in this world that definitely will where others won’t. You are worthy of all the love in the world.
7. Reach out to a Professional if Needed
Therapy or counseling can be a great resource for creating a practice of self love. It can provide you with the tools and support needed to cultivate self-love and navigate through difficult emotions. Sometimes, we have unresolved trauma or things from our past or present that an outside perspective can help us work through. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and an act of self love.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can cultivate a deep sense of self-love and appreciation for who you are. As RuPaul once said, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?" Embrace self-love as a journey of self-discovery and growth, and remember that you are worthy of love and care.
Remember, self-love is not selfish; it's essential for your overall well-being and happiness. Prioritize yourself, practice self-compassion, and be gentle with yourself along the way. You deserve it.
