By Kylee Harris
What is self-love and how can we practice it? Getting caught up in day-to-day stress is normal. But how do we unwind after a long day and show ourselves love and support? You may not think practicing self-appreciation is important, but it is! Taking care of ourselves both physically and emotionally is actually the key to success and happiness in the real world. Self-love is showing yourself appreciation for both the small and big things. Practicing self-love means you are working to accept and respect yourself fully, cherishing your strengths and weaknesses, and promising to nurture your growth and well-being.
For some, self-love can be learning to find comfort within themself. Whether it be societal, cultural, political, or internal, everyone battles factors that make self-love hard. Judgment from others is a particular fear for most people, which leads to self-doubt and insecurity. It’s easy to say “You shouldn’t care what they think” but everyone knows, that’s one of the hardest things to do. When you practice self-love and appreciation, you’re accepting all those judgments as opinions, and putting them to the side, because as long as you are authentically you, it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
People practice using many methods. Self love looks different for everyone. As long as you’re practicing it in some way, you’re on your way to being more centered and in touch. For myself, what that looks like is repeating affirmations to myself everyday. “I am balanced, I am worthy, I love my body” are just a few I use daily to motivate myself to practice comfort in who I am. It’s important to practice in many different ways to find what works for you, and what doesn’t. Here are some ways you can practice self love at home.
-Write a letter to yourself
What are the things you like about yourself? What do you think you need to work on? What would you tell your younger self?
-Build a self care routine
When you come home from work or school, light your favorite candle, turn on your favorite show, make your favorite meal, and RELAX! Long term self care routines look like making lists, meal prepping, scheduling appointments, and dedicating time to hygiene.
-Make a gratitude list
What are you most thankful for? Why? What emotions do these things bring to you?
-Practice Affirmations
“I am loved, I am worthy, I am kind, I am strong”
Affirmations can also look like: “I can make it through today” “If I need a break, I can take one”, “I will stand up for myself in tough situations”
-Do something that matters to you
Work, school, whatever you have going on can be busy. You might feel like you don’t have time for the things that you love to do, but taking that time is essential for your well being. Haven’t picked up the guitar in 3 weeks? JAM OUT!
-Have a solo date night
Take yourself out! Who says you need to have someone join you for a nice meal out? Romanticize your life FOR YOU.
-Dance and Movement
Even if you’re not a dancer, letting your body free move is freeing! Turn on some music and appreciate how your body moves and the rhythm in which it sways. No rhythm? Try some yoga poses combined with some deep breathing. What feels natural? What positions felt good? Getting comfortable with your body is the first step to appreciation and positivity.
Any of these activities can help you begin your self love journey. Whether you have 2 hours to practice, or 20 minutes, make sure you are doing something for yourself every single day. It is too often that we forget about ourselves and how important it is to take care of the body, mind, and soul.