Hey, lovelies! Today I’m sharing 5 Easy Ways to Practice Self-Love! I am a strong believer that you can’t love another person (family, friend, or significant other) to your fullest potential without loving yourself unconditionally first. We are often way too hard on ourselves. We criticize our own decisions, achievements, and physical appearances harshly every day. I’ve been personally working to curb this negativity in my own life. Learning to embrace all of the wonderful things that come along with being me! I invite you to join me in taking the time to love yourself.
You are so amazing, important, special, smart, and SO loved. You’d be amazed at how taking time to appreciate yourself first can change your outlook on life. I hope you take this to heart and enjoy taking a little “you time”.
5 Easy Ways to Practice Self-Love
1. Make a list of 5 things you LOVE to do, and do them frequently.
We can all learn a thing or two from Rapunzel, the Queen (or princess rather) of hobbies!
Rapunzel: “Then after lunch it’s puzzles and darts and baking. Paper mache, a bit of ballet and chess. Pottery and ventriloquy, candle making. Then I’ll stretch, maybe sketch, take a climb, Sew a dress!” (Lyrics from When Will My Life Begin)
I mean, all in one day?! Wow… what a woman! Bottom line, MAKE some time to do what you love. You might be into getting your game-face on in a sport or prefer the creativity of the arts. Maybe your a master chef, or grew up playing an instrument. Pursuing your passions can actually, according to the NY Times, can increase your happiness and significantly reduce stress! Whatever your passionate about MAKE time to pursue it often. Inspire yourself, get creative, and have fun!
2. Have a cup of tea or coffee, relax and read a book.
Cozy up with a warm drink and lose yourself in the pages of a good book. Reading is great for your mind, imagination and so entertaining! You just have to find the right book. Also, did you know reading is a habit of the average millionaire! “In fact, according to research from Thomas Crowley, 85 percent of self-made millionaires read two or more books per month.” So make the time to enrich your mind, unwind, and escape the busyness of today. Need some book suggestions? Check out the Best Sellers at your local book store or order from Bookshop.com to shop online and support a local bookstore somewhere! We love to support small businesses ladies!
3. Sleep = Self-love
I’ve mentioned sleep and its incredible benefits before in my Tips for a Stress-Free Semester post. We all know nothing beats a good night’s rest and sleeping-in in your warm, cozy bed. Plan a day off to enjoy being a little lazy and sleep in until you naturally wake up. You can thank me later! That’s right, sleep = self-love.
4. Look in the mirror and name your favorite features…daily!
We are taught from a very young age by society to critique our bodies and appearances. In fact, global research from Dove’s The Real Truth About Beauty campaign found, “Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful (up from 2% in 2004).” Around the world! That is so sad ladies!
We are not built to be cookie cutter images of super models. What if we learned to appreciate our bodies starting with our favorite features. What if we speak love and kindness to ourselves the way we do to our best friends, pets, and even plants? You’d never pick apart your best friend apart or daughter and shame her for her flaws, would you?
You are created uniquely beautiful and you need to learn self-love and to appreciate what your mama gave ya! So stop tearing yourself down and start hyping yourself up! YOU are beautiful! Remind yourself every. single. day. I dare you!
5. Take a leap of faith. Do something you’ve been afraid to do!
Is there something you’ve always dreamt of doing? International travel, starting a business, maybe skydiving? Whatever it is, take a leap of faith and go for it! Part of leveling up is taking chances and pushing yourself in a healthy way to tackle something new! As Elsa says in Frozen 2, it’s time to go “Into the Unknown!” (Side note: If you can’t tell by all my references, I LOVE Disney). Make a plan, say a prayer, and take action girl! If your still feeling anxious one of my favorite quotes to remind myself is, “God would not have put a dream in your heart if He had not already given you everything you need to fulfill it.” – Joel Osteen *insert mic drop*.
I hope you take some time this week to appreciate just being you! Don’t ever forget you are so beautiful, strong, smart, and made uniquely on purpose for a purpose. I believe in you! Get intentional and learn to love yourself. Leave a comment below on your favorite way to practice self-love! I’d love to hear and learn from you.
Remember… Just be who God made you to be!
