Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do. – Brené Brown
Every year, shops fill their shelves with red roses, teddy bears, and heart-shaped chocolates in preparation for Valentine’s Day. However, many people that buy these mementos of love for others grapple with learning to love themselves. Are you familiar with self-love practices?
Self-love is foundational for mental health and general wellbeing. To honor the value that it brings to one’s life, February 13th is celebrated as National Self Love Day. It’s a day that everyone gets to celebrate, and provides the opportunity to turn your attention towards yourself.
If you’re wondering how to embrace this practice or are intimidated by the notion of giving yourself the love that you deserve, don’t worry. It’s very normal to feel guilty for putting yourself first. However, self-love is an essential step in being able to love others.
What Is Self-Love?
Self-love is often confused with the notion of narcissism and selfishness. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many people pour out love from an empty cup, not realizing the importance of keeping yourself fulfilled.
Self-love ensures that you put your own happiness and well-being as the top priority in your life, as a way to make sure that your own needs are met. Learning to love yourself is a journey that involves appreciating your perceived weaknesses, being compassionate with yourself, and treating yourself kindly.
Why Is It Important?
Have you ever met someone whose joy radiates through their face? They seem as though they are untouchable and immune to pressure.
Self-love is critical to happiness. There are several ways that it contributes to a positive life and healthy wellbeing. It can free you from daily comparisons, allow you to live your life in alignment with your values, boost your confidence, give you resilience through challenges, and maintain healthy relationships.
How To Celebrate Self-Love
There are several ways to celebrate self-love, including mental habits, physical action, and conversation. Different people respond to practices in varied ways, all of which are effective when the intention is genuine:
- Spend quality time with yourself, doing things that you enjoy
- Practice speaking to yourself kindly with dignity and respect
- Meditate to include mindfulness and practice self-awareness
- Begin each day by complimenting yourself
- Eat and drink healthily, as a balanced diet can make you feel full of life
- Move your body, whether it be through jogging, yoga practice, or a boxing class
- Spoil yourself with a beauty routine, face mask, or wearing a special item of clothing
- Get creative in the kitchen and prepare something special
- Watch the sunset or sunrise, and use the magical moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for
- Reach out to people that love and support you and connect with them in a meaningful way
These are just a few simple practices that contribute to a greater mindset. Putting yourself first and learning to be compassionate and kind with your thoughts will have a positive effect on your life as a whole.
While Self Love Day may only be 24 hours, these habits can be done every day and teach you to love yourself, let go of toxic habits and people, and grow in confidence.
Lacking Self-Love?
While learning to love yourself may come easy for some, it can present a challenge to others who are new to navigating the concept. Practice can make the journey easier, but sometimes a little bit of external help is needed.
Sometimes, difficult emotions prevent us from truly embracing the joy of life. A self-love program can help teach you to dust off the taboo of loving yourself and begin to do so boldly.
For more information on these valuable programs, call us today at 954-806-5569.