Whether you recognize it or not, our lives are a compilation of habits that we have acquired throughout the years. Some of them are sleeping habits, eating habits etc. But habits can be both good and bad. If you find yourself adopting poor sleeping or eating habits, it might be time to make some changes in your life. In the same way, constantly struggling with your self-esteem might call for you to practice new self-love habits.
With Valentine’s around the corner, we know how much pressure is put on love. Instead of looking outwardly look inwards this year with these 14 habits of self-love to practice.
What is self-love?
To practice it, first, we need to understand what it means. It is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. Simply put, it’s having a high regard for your well-being and happiness. Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Here are 14 ways to practice self-love.
1. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Ever heard of the phrase, “Nobody’s perfect and everybody makes mistakes.” Then, isn’t funny how the older we get the quicker we are to forget this? We place so much pressure on being perfect which should not be the case. We are human after all. Take it easy on yourself. Make mistakes and learn from them. Embrace your past and look ahead.
2. No need to compare yourself with others
Comparing yourself to others does not solve a thing. It only leaves you sad and disappointed that you haven’t achieved as much. You might argue that the human being is naturally born competitive. True, but comparing is harmful. Instead, focus on yourself as we cannot all have the same storyline.
3. Ignore other people’s opinions
People will always have opinions. It doesn’t matter if you did something good or bad. They will always have something to say either way. Choosing to listen will always put you off your track and derail you from your own goals. Just be the best that you can be.
4. Forgive yourself
Remember when we said earlier that everybody makes mistakes and no one is perfect? There’s no taking back what has already happened in the past but the future is something you can control. Let go of what went wrong and take it as a learning process.
5. Rediscover yourself
After getting through a number of things that life throws your way, life can change your perspective and how you carry yourself and sometimes this is not for the better. By rediscovering yourself you allow yourself to fall in love with things that once ignited your soul and chase after them. Doing this requires a lot of self-reflection which could bring you to connect with your authentic self once again.
6. Be realistic
There will be ups and downs, that’s just life, the sooner you come to terms with this fact the better. Don’t expect to always be happy or get your way. Also, adopt this mentality when it comes to setting goals for your future and growth. With goals, try to be more practical for growth, and understand that progress is not linear.
7. Practice Gratitude
Daily gratitude is the key to happiness and loving yourself. Spare a minute or two every day to be thankful for things like your life, health, family friends and even small things like how you missed bumping your toe by the bed or how you got the last packet of milk on the shelf. Gratitude helps improve your overall well-being.
8. Put yourself first
This might sound hard and selfish to do at first but it is possible. There’s nothing wrong with putting others first once in a while but everything in moderation. It shouldn’t be a habit that costs you your mental or emotional well-being. Whether it’s watching your favourite show or reading a book, find what helps you decompress and dedicate time to it.
9. Eat healthier
Since your mental health is impacted by what you put into your body. When you eat something you know is terrible, you sit and feel ashamed of yourself. Choose to eat natural foods that you enjoy to practice self-love. Your body will appreciate it.
10. Exercise often
Instead of committing to working out and failing to do so. Experiment with a variety of different sports or physical activities, then pick one that you like and enjoy and stick to it.
11. Don’t forget that your value is not in how your body looks
In our world today, many things can distract us from this fact. Sometimes we even believe and tell ourselves these things that we are not worthy because we don’t look a certain way. Instead, be confident in your body. After all, It's all you’ve got. You might as well love it and appreciate it.
12. Let go of toxic people
If someone is bringing toxicity into your life and bringing you down, and they won’t take responsibility for it, that might mean you need to step away from them. It might be painful but it’s important and necessary.
13. Celebrate Milestones
Big or small, milestones deserve to be celebrated. Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments. This not only helps you stay motivated but helps you be pleased with yourself.
14. Learn Continuously
Try new things, read, explore, and learn. It’s one of those things that never stop. Learn from your wins and your mistakes. Start with this article, for instance, don’t just read and keep scrolling pick one or two things from here and follow them through.
Stay informed, stay in control How do you practice self-love? Share with us in the comments