Self-love is a popular word that is often misunderstood as selfishness. It is not about chasing happiness to satisfy instant gratification. It is more than taking good care of yourself hygienically. Self-love is more of a routine and a set of rituals and is not something you can obtain outwardly. It is a continuous practice. The true power of self-love radiates to people in the circle of your influence. How you treat others is a reflection of how you treat yourself. Self-love nourishes & replenishes one’s soul.
Here are effective ways to practice self-love:
Journaling
It allows you to build connections between your heart and your soul. Writing will help you better understand your reactions, values, and even the source of your stresses. There are thoughts that are yet unknown unless we give time on pouring it out on paper. When you battle with negativity and self-depreciation – journaling allows you to be aware of the negativity that flows around your mind. It is a great tool to improve your mood and helps you turn your day around. Being aware of thoughts, emotions and desires gives an advantage to take on life easily. Self-love means that you take time to know yourself better and create the life that suits best for your values & beliefs.
Positive Self-talk
There are words that we play over and over in our minds. That inner voice that suggests us to say or do something about ourselves. Self-talk is the conversation that is usually heard out loud or that quiet whisper in the solitude. It has the power to uplift our mood or discourage us. It has a big impact on how we view life. Our self-talk serves as our fuel to persevere during tough times. Instead of saying that “I’m not good enough” say that “I gave my best and will do better next time.” You yourself is your number one cheerer.
Meditate
It is a technique to practice one’s ability to be present and the ability to increase awareness to oneselves. Meditation is indeed one of the core routines that we need to practice in our life to control and manage our emotions. Experts say that it has a positive physiological effect on the human brain. It helps us control and manage our concentration to reduce tension that is stirring inside of us.
Spend time with nature
Being in nature cultivates a connection between calmness, solitude, and appreciation. The fresh breeze of air that touches the skin, the whistling sound of the trees, and the chirping birds. The more we spend time on it the more we expose ourselves to the true form of life. It gives us a sense of purpose. It opens our eyes to embrace the beauty of unfiltered creation. Spending time with nature helps us see new perspectives towards loving & appreciating ourselves.
Gratitude
Instead of blaming and getting drowned with self-pity one great way to practice self-love is gratitude. Having a grateful heart has a stupendous amount of benefits to one’s mind, body, and soul. It gives enlightenment to dark and narrow hatred towards faults & disappointment. And also refrains us to get lost in anger and enhances our ability to be positive & see goodness in every way of life.
Set healthy boundaries
Self-love means allowing ourselves to have boundaries on what we will take in our lives and what to share in the open. To practice, one must have established their personal policies and standards that serve as a guiding path for us to honor ourselves & protect our relationships.
Embrace imperfections
Most of us try so hard to blur out imperfections away from the sight of others. “ I don’t like the shape of my nose, I have big cheeks, and my hair is too blonde for my skin.” Those never ending lines of unsatisfied groans of insecurity. Flaws are gifts of uniqueness that’s why we have to embrace self-acceptance for us to fully grasp our individuality. Always remember that you are not bound with how you look on the outside but by how you see yourself as a whole.
Self-love is having freedom to create the identity that you want to have but do not forget to allow yourselves to make mistakes and choose to accept your imperfections.
So, how do you treat yourself with love? May this list give you an inspiration to love each day and grow in kindness towards yourself. Self-love is not a destination but a journey. It will not guarantee a perfect life nor perfect relationships but it will guarantee your susceptability to bounce back during the lowest point of your life.
“Self-love, self-respect, self-worth: There’s a reason they all start with ‘self.’ You can’t find them in anyone else.” ~Unknown
