A quick guide with simple tools that can help transform your life.
Self-love is defined as “an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue” and “proper regard for attention of one’s own happiness and well-being.” When you love yourself, you’re more self-aware of who you are and what you need to thrive in life. You accept yourself, flaws and all, and you embrace your imperfections. You don’t need outside validation to feel worthy or justified in your decisions.
Here are a few ways you can start cultivating more self-love in your life right now:
1. Squash Negative Self-Talk
When you notice harmful thought patterns that are limiting your potential, challenge your inner critic when it rears its ugly head, and adopt a positive mindset instead.
2. Get Rid of Toxic Relationships
Make a point to surround yourself with only positive people who love, support, and encourage you to be your best self. This goes for virtual connections as well. Unfollow or “hide” anyone you’re connected with on social that drains you or negatively impacts you.
3. Put Your Own Health First
Nourish your body with healthy and energy-boosting foods, making regular time for physical activity, getting enough sleep, building white space into your day, and any other actions that support your mental and physical health.
4. Prioritize Your Self-Care
Set aside time in your schedule to do the things that light you up, make you feel good, and help you feel your healthiest.
5. Show Yourself Compassion
Ditch the perfection mentality and realize that you’re human. In life, you’ll make mistakes, so it’s important to get comfortable with that notion and change the way you react when things happen. Instead of interpreting mistakes as a sign of failure, view them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
6. Live a Life That is True To You
Don’t hide the parts of you that are messy and imperfect, embarrassing or shameful. Don’t fear the judgement of others (since it says nothing about you and a whole lot about them). The only person you need to please is yourself. So be unapologetically and authentically you.
