Self love is about having a regard for your own happiness and well-being. Practising self love can be difficult, especially when you’re just starting out and trying to make changes in the way you think about yourself, or in the way you’ve been taught to regard yourself. It’s not about being full of yourself or self-absorbed, it’s about getting in touch with yourself, your body and what it needs, your own happiness and taking care of you.
1. Take a bath. Add your favourite bath bomb, light some scented candles, pop on some relaxing music and soak away your stresses. If you’re inclined to stay in there for a while, make sure you have a good book, some nibbles and a cheeky glass of bubbles on hand. Once you’re out of the bath, grab your favourite body oil or body butter and rub it in from head to toe.
2. Think positive. There are a myriad of ways to do this. Some people like to start their day with positive self talk, some like to surround themselves with positive affirmations and some like to end the day by acknowledging three good things – about themselves, about their achievements, about their day. I found The Happiness Experiment through my friend Tarryne from Change One Woman, and acknowledging three good things each day helped me to change my (very negative) outlook on life and myself to a positive one. Give it a go for 100 days and see what a difference it makes!
3. Learn to say no. By nature, I am a “yes person”. I often do things because I know they will make others happy, or because I don’t want to feel like I’m missing out on something. An important part of showing yourself love and respect is knowing when you need to say no – whether it’s because your schedule is already full, because you’re tired or unwell, or because you just don’t want to. Check out these tips on why it’s important to say no and how to do it without coming across as a jerk.
4. Eat well. From the time we are young, we are taught to ignore the cues that our body gives us. To eat until the plate is clear rather than until we are satisfied; to eat meat and three veg, regardless of what is in season and what our body tells us that we need; eating when we are dehydrated and actually need water rather than food. Show yourself love by eating food that nourishes you and makes you feel good (for example, when I started listening to my body I found out that I am gluten intolerant, processed sugar doesn’t agree with me very much and I love fresh mango). Listen to the things your body is telling you and find a way of eating that allows your body to perform at it’s best.
5. Pamper yourself. Whether it’s giving yourself a facial and a manicure at home (check out my tips on how to paint your nails like a pro) or booking an appointment and putting yourself in the hands of a professional, everyone deserves to take a little time out and put themselves first.
6. Take time out to be mindful. At the start of each day, I take some time to think about what I want to achieve that day, what I already have achieved, who I am and how awesome I am. It keeps me focused for the day ahead and it’s a chance to remind myself of my purpose and how much I deserve great things. Sometimes I do it while I’m exercising or at the beginning of meditation, sometimes while moisturising my body and in winter, I do it in bed (because it’s cold, and no one wants to get out of bed a moment earlier than necessary!). Where ever you choose to do it and how ever you do it, take some time to just be aware of you.
I want to know how you show yourself love! Share your self love tips with me below.
I work from home at the weekend and I love to stay in pjs/seriously round home only clothes til midafternoon. Makes up for having to get dressed to go into office on weekdays lol. Only downside is its a little embarrassing if there are any chance visitors!!
Love this! I think I need to invest in some kind of lounging pyjamas for this exact purpose!
I try to remember to be kind to myself everyday, even in just a small way. Taking time to spend just a few minutes doing something nice and enjoyable for eg, a face mask or putting on some handcream, can make a big difference to my mood
I often buy myself a new top or a DVD and sit down and watch that, relax or buy one dress up and go out and look pretty! 🙂
Nice one Ange!Congratulations, you’re the lucky winner of our giveaway – keep an eye on your emails for a message from me xo
Have fun! – Fun for me is hanging out playing with my dogs or taking them for a walk. Laughter – Nothing I love more than having a good laugh watching a good comedy show. I also love baths as well 🙂 and lieing on the couch reading a good book.
I surround myself with great friends that are always positive and fun it makes me feel good. 🙂
I make sure I drink lots of water each day to nourish my body from the inside out.
I make sure I take a walk everyday. It’s amazing to clear ones head AND it’s great exercise.
I like to go out on dates with my husband, it is a time to be a grown up, to dress up, wear make up, heels, and bling without having to worry about the kids. It is also a chance to be brave and try new things that make you feel good. For example we went to see a burlesque show last night for the first time – amazing experience, and boy do those girls know how to love themselves.
I love burlesque, it’s such a celebration!
What a wonderful way of putting it! It totally was.
I make sure I have “me time” to do whatever I want. I love a hot bubble bath with candles; reading my fav magazines, and getting my hair done are a few things I love.
Ohhhh I love getting my hair done! I’m getting mine done this week, can’t wait!
Awesome post Meagan! I need to remember to be mindful and to think positively (I can be so hard on myself, especially when things go wrong; I need to remind myself that it’s okay).
I show myself love by taking a bath, pampering myself and taking a break so I’m not rushing/stressing out <3 <3
Taking time out, pampering myself – whatever that mean on the day (a haircut, a new handbag, a night out with friends). I feel like positive thinking really is the most important, I truly believe you get back what you put out into the world.
Spend time with friends. Enjoy nature and look for joy in the little things
I make sure each night I remove makeup etc, spend some time every day just pampering myself a little, be it just putting on makeup, or spending a little more time on my hair and so on….
A nice hot cup of green tea and /or chocolate
I agree with pampering yourself! I can’t afford regular appointments being a full-time SAHM, but I love to give myself a pedicure once a week and use gorgeously scented body lotions every day. It’s my little bit of luxury!
Good on you! I don’t think pampering has to be expensive or involve going out to salons all the time 🙂