14 Ways to Practice Self-Love
There are so many days set aside for our love of others. There’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Siblings Day, Cousin’s Day, Best Friends Day and the granddaddy of them all…Valentine’s Day. With all this recognition and adoration of others, you may sometimes forget that that there is one other person in your life that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated… smart, talented, glorious, one-and-only YOU!
While I am a big proponent in practicing a little self-love each day, did you know that there is actually an International Self-Love Day and it’s celebrated on February 13th? Curious timing, right before Valentine’s day. Or is it?
The most constant and significant relationship we have is the one we have with the person looking back at us in the mirror. And as we well know, in order to love someone else, we must first love ourselves. While Valentine’s Day may get all the hype and attention, in my mind the order and the timing make perfect sense. We’re already accustomed to thinking about February as the month of love. It’s just a matter saving some for ourselves.
With that in mind, it begs the question…what will you be doing this month to show yourself some love?
If it’s taking you more than a few seconds to think this through, chances are it’s been a little while since you’ve shown yourself some TLC. If that is the case, there’s no better time than now to make a change. Here are 14 ideas to get you thinking and get you started.
Make meals a priority. There are no prizes for working through lunch or eating at your workstation. Step away from your desk and nourish your body with something satisfying and nutritious.
Be gentle with yourself. Often, we are far harder on ourselves then we would be to others. Speak to yourself as if you would if you were talking to a good friend.
Focus on the fabulous. Each day look at yourself in the mirror and name three parts of your body that you love.
Unplug when you need to. When the feeling of overwhelm kicks in, turn your phone off and log out from all your social media accounts. A temporary time out will do wonders.
Set healthy boundaries. No one likes to say no. But saying yes when you really mean no can lead to resentment. Respect yourself and your boundaries and others will too.
Satisfy your sweet tooth. Eating right and deprivation are not the same things. Treat yourself.
Pamper yourself. Indulge in a mani, pedi, message or anything else that makes you feel beautiful and cared for.
Be mindful. You will maximize each moment and every experience if you slow down and do one thing at a time.
Dress up. You deserve to look (and feel) amazing each day. Wear your best outfits just because.
Plan time with your peeps. Surround yourself with people that lift your spirits, support your efforts and/or just make you feel good.
Get more sleep. There is always going to be one more thing that you want to get done. It may be counter-intuitive, but you will both feel better and get more things done, with a good night’s sleep.
Clear the clutter. Be it your inbox, your desk or your closet, take some time to edit and make room for those things that you want most.
Schedule you. Many of us are so busy that often there is no time left over to do something that we enjoy. Schedule yourself into your busy calendar and keep these appointments as sacred as you would any other.
Buy yourself flowers. We do this to show affection for others, so why don’t we do this for ourselves? There’s no need to wait for a holiday – or for someone else – to enjoy a beautiful arrangement.
Remember, self-love is not narcissistic or self-indulgent. Like air we breathe or the water we drink, it is a necessity to our overall well-being and happiness. Should you need some assistance making yourself a priority, setting a plan or moving forward, please contact me. I’d love nothing more than to help you build a loving relationship with the most important person in your life – YOU.
