Life is an endless process of self-discovery.
Self-love is not a trend, and it is not something we do only when we feel like it. It’s a practice that needs to be added to our everyday lives. With self-love comes the releasing of negative thoughts and self-criticism, and instead, we embrace more of a loving and positive acceptance of ourselves through forgiveness.
The universal concept is that our thoughts create our actions, and therefore, those thoughts dictate the outcome in our lives. Self-love is a powerful and necessary practice.
Self-love is not selfish!
Taking care of and loving ourselves and being a whole, sound person allows us to take care of others without it feeling like a burden. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, if you don’t rest and relax your soul, then you will be of no help to others—especially yourself.
I drafted a simple self-love list that may seem overwhelming to you, however, I promise that if you commit to adding a majority of them into practice, every single day, you’ll see the benefits immediately:
>> Create a quiet and safe zone in your home (a corner, a closet, or a spare room) and deem it your “space.”
>> Buy yourself fresh flowers.
>> Grow a garden.
>> Start an exercise routine (yoga, Pilates, the gym, take a walk) and increase those endorphins.
>> Read, take a nap, listen to music—please, just rest your soul.
>> Buy yourself some new makeup and play with it.
>> Create a daily bucket list and post it.
>> Repeat the following mantra: “I love and accept myself.”
>> Make a list of all the things you like about yourself.
>> Create a gratitude journal.
>> Start your day with meditation and yoga.
>> Implement a “treat yourself” day. (Mine is Friday.)
>> Dress nice, even if you don’t have to. Put on those earrings, a scarf, and some lipstick, and show the world how beautiful you are.
>> Take a breath between your bites of food and savor the taste.
>> Make yourself a hot cup of coffee or tea and savor each sip.
>> Have a protein smoothie every morning.
>> Sleep at least seven hours a night.
>> Say no and be okay with it.
>> Pay it forward, always.
>> Make someone feel good whenever you can.
>> Smile often, even if no one is smiling at you—they may think you’re weird, but that is okay.
>> Eat food that is nourishing. (And put down the boxed food—unless it’s treat day.)
>> Get a massage and have them use essential oils.
>> Go for a hike or long walk in nature.
>> Be confident: walk and talk with confidence.
>> Learn something new: dance classes, yoga, tennis lessons, or start or join a MeetUp group.
>> Host a ladies night.
>> Call a friend and laugh for hours about nothing (no complaining).
>> Spend time with your kids before they grow up and move away.
>> Get a new haircut.
>> Eat chocolate, guilt-free—maybe on treat day.
>> When someone offers you a compliment, simply say, “Thank you.”
>> Travel solo.
>> Set a “no screen” time in your house; for example, during dinner or after 9:00 p.m.
>> Set goals.
>> Take a day off and do something nice for yourself. Go to the gym, visit a coffee shop, meet a friend for lunch, take a walk, or sleep.
>> Another self-love mantra: “I am enough. I have enough. I do enough.”
>> Let go of what no longer serves you.
>> Buy a diffuser for your home and use essential oils like lavender.
>> Write a letter to yourself and put it away for a year.
>> Host a dinner party.
>> Hire a coach or a counselor.
>> Take a hot bath with Epsom salt and lavender.
>> Make new friends.
>> Clean out your closet and donate clothes you no longer wear.
The biggest message I have is: be gentle with yourself and always honor where you are at every stage of your journey.
Namaste.
~
Author: Avesha
Image: Author’s Own
Editor: Catherine Monkman
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Reply to Karen Howard cancel
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This article has the most “doable” list of ways to care for ourselves that I have read. As someone who has struggled with a sense of worthiness since I retired the suggestions and intro to the list absolutely resonated for me. After years of not feeling like I earned my way, my right to be here or not doing enough I must have been ready to finally receive the message of self-care. Thank you.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the compliment.
Self-care and self-love saved me from a very bad place in life and although it took me a short while to understand what those two terms meant, once I did it just clicked and I realized I had been living my life without love for myself. It isn’t selfish to love yourself nor is it hard, its simply just something that becomes natural over time.
Remember this, you are worthy, unique, lovable and are the writer in your own story. If you want to read more of my “tips” for self love and earthing, etc. please go to my website: http://www.aveshaempower.com.
Namaste
Avesha
Thank you for your list and most of all your closing words. Straightforward suggestions such as these are very helpful when you are exploring the confusing concepts of self-love.