How many times have you heard people say in the past "she loves herself", and for it to have a negative connotation attached to it? Many times, right?
Loving yourself should be seen as a positive attribute, not something that has been socially prescribed to making someone a narcissist or having a 'big ego'.
What Is Self Love?
Self love is about so much more than that. It is about having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. It is about taking care of your own needs, and not settling for less than you know you deserve. It is a state of compassion and appreciation for yourself.
Self love can mean something different to each individual: accepting yourself, trusting yourself, prioritising yourself, improving your health/lifestyle, forgiving yourself, switching off from your commitments. What does self love mean to you?
How to Practice Self Love Daily
Having a self care regime is so important, and looks different to everyone. So, take a deep breath, and take note of some of the following steps that you can incorporate into your regime to practice self love daily...
1. Start each day by telling yourself something really positive. What are you grateful for? Did you do something yesterday that you are proud of?
2. Nourish your body with a nutritious breakfast. Love your body and fuel it right!
3. Stop comparing yourself and your life to others'. You are the only you, and you never know what that other person is going through, however it may seem to you. Use this energy to fuel your own path.
4. Date yourself! Seriously. Take yourself on a solo-date, and do whatever you feel like doing. Coffee date? Spa date? Cinema date? There are so many options!
5. Don't bottle up your thoughts. Surround yourself with people you love the most, and let them know how you feel. You do not need to face your worries alone.
6. Find the time for physical activity. This doesn't mean you have to go to the gym for an hour and have a complete sweat sesh (phew!); a lunch break walk is more than enough! Exercise will boost your endorphins, make you feel good, and help relieve any stress.
7. Find time during the day to switch off from your phone and social media. Even if it is just for an hour in the evening, having that time to focus on yourself without the temptation to pick up the phone will help you focus on other things.
8. Break off any relationships that don't make you feel better about yourself. Go through your relationships with others and decide which are worthwhile. Do they uplift you? Do you feel happy and inspired around them? Are they supportive?
9. Celebrate the small things in life. You got through the day at work that you weren't motivated for? You cooked a meal for the first time in a while? I can hear the champagne popping already!
10. Get enough sleep. You may feel like you have other things to prioritise, but when sacrificing your sleep becomes the norm, your mental and physical health will be negatively affected. Create a bedtime routine to improve the quantity and quality of your sleep.
Practicing self love and self care takes time, patience and commitment, but you will get there! For your very own daily reminder to practice self love, shop our Self Love Print Collection!
