With the events of 2020 (and most of 2021) still being present in the minds of many, with Coronavirus taking centre stage and forcing us to retreat inside; now, with the world opening back up again, we can venture out and do the things we once loved doing.
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During lockdown, many people may not have invested in self-love for whatever reason, but now is the time to focus on yourself and get ready for the world to welcome you back with open arms. Here are seven ways to improve self-love and care.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Many of us are socialised to be competitive, so comparing ourselves to others is only natural; however, it can be dangerous. Thinking about what others have can cause you to underappreciate what you have.
There is only one you; you are unique as your appearance, hobbies, interests and so on will all combine to make one special being: you.
Try your best to focus on yourself, enjoy the things you have in your lap; this will bring a brighter energy to your days.
Your value doesn’t come from your body
This is such a significant step in boosting your love for yourself. Your body, even though it is beautiful in its own unique way, doesn’t define your value. You are important because of who you are, not because of your body.
Wear the clothes and accessories that make you feel good, dye your hair your favourite colour, and live life according to your own rules; not what society deems ‘normal’.
Allow yourself to make mistakes
The older we get, the more we may come to realise that there is a pressure to ‘do well’ and succeed, despite everyone’s ideas of these things being totally different.
It is fundamental that you cut yourself some slack, and realise that you are trying your best; that’s really all that matters. Doing something wrong only leads to a learning curve in which you can learn how to do it properly; mistakes are important and need to be made by everyone.
Mistakes are how we grow, and making them means you’re human, not a failure.
Feel your emotions fully
When you feel emotions that others (or even you) deem inappropriate or an overreaction, throw this idea in the bin, immediately.
If you are sad, don’t deny this and lean into it, feel your sadness and be at one with yourself; this will help you process what you are feeling and be more mindful about it. Similarly, if you are happy, embrace this! Treat yourself or go out with friends, you deserve it.
Ultimately, leaning into any and every emotion allows you to understand that your feelings don’t define you, and understanding them will let you feel more yourself every time you believe your emotions to be out of control.
Be bold in public
Get into the habit of speaking your mind, wherever you are. Confidence grows the more you exercise it, so give it a try!
Contribute your thoughts in that meeting, tell the waiter they made a mistake, tell someone they’ve upset you; doing things like this will allow you to feel more in control, in turn making you feel happier with yourself as you have voiced your feelings.
Your thoughts are just as important as everyone else’s, and realising this will allow love for yourself to shine through.
Put yourself first
While putting others first is a kind gesture, putting yourself first instead is something you should not feel guilty about. Looking out for yourself and knowing what is good for you us a massive step towards loving yourself.
You need to find the time to relax and decompress; recharging allows you to relieve stress and think positively about what’s coming next.
Whether you want to spend the day in bed or venture out to somewhere new, find the time to do what you love, and reconnect with yourself.
Be kind to yourself
The world can be a cruel place, filled with judgement and adversity; don’t be one to criticise yourself.
Try to think positively of yourself in every aspect, from goals to the way you dress and even your interests. Nothing you enjoy is silly because it makes you who you are; anything that brings you happiness is something special.
Learn to celebrate yourself! Be proud of everything you do, big or small; you are vibrant and one of a kind, remember this!
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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Tagged in Mental Health