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Personal Growth
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expert reviewedAuthor: Expert reviewer:
April 15, 2023
Written by
Nitika Chopra
Expert review by
Kristina Hallett, Ph.D., ABPP
Board-certified Clinical Psychologist
Kristina Hallett, Ph.D., ABPP is a board-certified clinical psychologist with a background in neuroscience. She is also the Director of Clinical Training at Bay Path University, and an associate professor in Graduate Psychology.
April 15, 2023 Self-love is a popular concept these days, and it looks a little different for everyone. We all have a unique way of loving ourselves. If you're unsure about how to start showing yourself some love, here are some thought-starters for how to do it today and every day. Read about 'em, try 'em, and then make 'em your own. According to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself. It's an umbrella term for having an appreciation for one's own worth. 1. Turn off the TV and unplug from social media for 15 minutes to get centered while moisturizing your skin with intention. As you massage your feet, thank them for getting you to where you need to go; as you moisturize your hands, love them for all the transactions and introductions they've helped you with throughout your life. For a moment, stop taking your body for granted and shower yourself with gratitude. 2. As much as we would like to think we can, we can't do everything ourselves. We need the support and love from people around us to stay motivated and on track. Research shows thatpositive energy is contagious1, so whether you're building a network or planning to go to a fun event, it's always important to have a community you value around you regularly. 3. Truly loving yourself comes from self-acceptance. And one helpful step toward getting to that point of self-acceptance is recognizing what you already have that's great by writing a "What's working for me" list. Once you see it on paper and accept all of the positivity in your life, it will make it that much easier to love yourself. 4. Treating your body like a loving vessel will boost not only your self-love but also your energy. Be intentional about what you put into your body, not because you want to look good but because you want to feel good. Feeding your body nutrient-rich foods will have you oozing love out of every pore. 5. Tidying is more therapeutic than you might think, and getting rid of old things will make room for new ones to come into your life. Cleansing your mind can sometimes work in the form of letting go of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc., that remind you of a certain time in your life that links to a negative vibration. Don't chase what's already happened; love yourself enough to know the best is yet to come. 6. We've all done it. Browsed through social media only to see our favorite media personalities in the middle of a photoshoot for their new books, just after they had awesome shopping sprees and right before the post about their engagements. WHAT?! But remember that these positive pics on the internet don't always tell the whole story, and everyone—yes, everyone—has bad days. 7. Faith is the foundation for self-love. Whether or not you're religious, believing in something opens up your soul to the beauty of belief and trust. It will build your intuition and help you make decisions based on your intuition. When you explore your spirituality, it will also take you on a journey to learning things about yourself, and those new thoughts, feelings, passions, and raw emotions will make you appreciate yourself for being authentically you. 8. If this isn’t the ultimate self-esteem booster, I don’t know what is! Self-esteem and self-love often go hand in hand, and participating in a hobby you're good at will not only boost your endorphins but will bring out the best version of you. If you love to cook, then cook! If you love to run, then grab those sneakers, head outside, and run. 9. Think of a place that makes it simple to just be. Sit quietly and embrace the here and now, not thinking about what's due at work or what bills need to be paid. 10. We're constantly holding onto things in our past, which can weigh heavy on our souls and even give us low self-esteem. The more blocks we clear, the more we can really live big in the area of self-love. Although we may do this as a way to protect ourselves from hurting, it's really only holding us back from moving forward to reaching optimal self-acceptance and loving who we are.What is self-love?
Create a self-love ritual.
Build a precious community.
Make a "What's working for me" list.
Know that your body is a loving vessel.
Clean out your closet.
Don't compare yourself to others on social media.
Explore your spirituality.
Do something you're good at.
Find your happy place.
Build your letting-go muscle.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of self-love, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. I have a deep understanding of self-love and its importance in personal growth and well-being. Let's explore each concept mentioned in the article and discuss them in detail.
1. What is self-love?
Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself. It encompasses having an appreciation for one's own worth and treating oneself with kindness, compassion, and respect.
2. Create a self-love ritual.
Creating a self-love ritual involves taking time for yourself and engaging in activities that promote self-care and self-appreciation. This can include turning off distractions like TV and social media, and focusing on moisturizing your skin with intention. During this time, you can express gratitude for your body and all that it does for you.
3. Build a precious community.
Building a precious community refers to surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you. Research shows that positive energy is contagious, and having a community of people you value can provide motivation and help you stay on track.
4. Make a "What's working for me" list.
Creating a "What's working for me" list involves recognizing and acknowledging the positive aspects of your life. By writing down the things that are going well, you can cultivate self-acceptance and make it easier to love yourself.
5. Know that your body is a loving vessel.
Treating your body like a loving vessel means taking care of it and nourishing it with nutrient-rich foods. By being intentional about what you put into your body, you can enhance your self-love and overall energy levels.
6. Clean out your closet.
Cleaning out your closet can be a therapeutic activity that symbolizes letting go of the past and making room for new experiences and opportunities. By removing items that no longer serve you, you can create space for positive change and growth.
7. Don't compare yourself to others on social media.
It's common to compare ourselves to others on social media, but it's important to remember that what we see online doesn't always reflect the whole story. Everyone has bad days, and it's essential to focus on your own journey and progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
8. Explore your spirituality.
Exploring your spirituality can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and cultivate self-love. Whether or not you're religious, believing in something greater than yourself can open up your soul to the beauty of belief and trust. It can also help you learn more about yourself and appreciate your authentic self.
9. Do something you're good at.
Engaging in activities that you're good at can boost your self-esteem and bring out the best version of yourself. Whether it's cooking, running, painting, or any other hobby, doing something you enjoy and excel at can enhance your self-love and overall well-being.
10. Find your happy place.
Finding a place where you can be yourself and feel at peace is important for self-love. Taking time to sit quietly and embrace the present moment without worrying about work or other responsibilities can help you cultivate self-acceptance and appreciation for yourself.
11. Build your letting-go muscle.
Letting go of the past and releasing emotional baggage is crucial for self-love. Holding onto negative experiences or emotions can weigh us down and hinder our self-acceptance. By clearing these blocks and embracing self-love, we can move forward and reach our full potential.
These concepts mentioned in the article provide valuable insights into practicing self-love and nurturing a positive relationship with oneself. By incorporating these practices into your life, you can enhance your overall well-being and personal growth.
Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!
