Loving yourself more is not something you just ‘do’. Just like loving somebody else, you can’t make yourself do it. Initiating or increasing self-care practices are a sure way to make it happen though. What is self-care? It is deliberately doing things that are beneficial to our physical, mental or psychological health. The following factors are guaranteed to help you love yourself more this year:
Diet
Following a healthy diet is one of the most basic principals of self-care. Our bodies and minds respond directly to what we put into them, so if we fill them with bad things, they will inevitably behave badly. Try to little by little to reduce the foods which you know are harmful and replace them with healthy options. Do more cooking, try out new recipes and enjoy your food. Savour every mouthful. Healthy eating is delicious.
Exercise
Your daily self-care routine must include exercise. Sufficient exercise is imperative to achieve and maintain optimum health. If your body looks good and functions at its best, you will naturally love yourself more. Starting out your day with a basic yoga routine is an ideal way to get both your mind and body prepared for the coming day. Get more vigorous exercise doing whatever sport you enjoy or going to the gym. If you have trouble motivating yourself, getting a dog is a great way to make sure you get out and moving regularly.
Travel
Visiting unknown places, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures and ways of life, all can serve to help us to reflect upon and put into perspective our own lives. Travelling is a wonderful way to discover new things about yourself. Facing unknown situations lets you discover aspects of your personality or your capacities which you might never have dreamed of. That, of course, gives you yet more reasons to love yourself.
Education
Learning lets you broaden your horizons and shows you just what you are capable of. You can study to advance yourself further in your professional career. Or, choose to learn about something totally unrelated to your normal life. Either way, time invested in increasing your knowledge, is time well spent.
Relationships
Emotional self-care is very important. Try to distance yourself from people whose company you do not truly enjoy. Do not feel obliged to be someone you are not or don’t want to be. Be yourself and don’t worry about whether people like you or not. If you are true to yourself and love yourself, you will discover that the people you really need will be there for you. Love yourself first, and express your love for others in a real, uncomplicated way.
Rest and relaxation
Go to bed at a reasonable time to make sure that you get 6-8 hours of sleep, on a comfortable mattress, with a good flow of air through the room. To help you sleep soundly, try adding curtains or blackout blinds to control the amount of light entering your bedroom. Setting the alarm early will give you time to enjoy some exercise, showering, and eating a healthy breakfast, so that you will get to work ready for a productive day.
Relaxation is different from rest. Relaxation is making time to do something that you really enjoy. It could be reading a book, watching a movie, meeting up with friends. It can be any activity which is free of stress, not competitive and simply well, relaxing.
Spirituality
Allowing your spiritual side to be fulfilled will increase your self-love. Express your spirituality, whether through a formal religion or in your own way. Believing in some greater force is really important.
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