While we're proud promoters of self-care, self-love is just as important! Although there can definitely be overlap between self-care and self-love, self-love is about truly taking care of yourself emotionally, appreciating your body, and fostering your self-confidence and self-worth. We've put together some of our favourite practices to help yourself feel loved and appreciated.
Write Yourself a Love Note
Though writing a letter to yourself might seem a little bit strange, the act of physically writing out a compassion-filled note to yourself not only gives you the space to think through your feelings but also the opportunity to re-read it when you need a little extra dose of self-love. While hearing how others love and care for you is awesome, nothing quite compares to hearing it in your own words. If writing a whole letter to yourself seems overwhelming, try starting by making a list of 5-10 things you love about yourself and adding on from there.
Unfollow Instagram Accounts that Aren't Making Your Feel Great About Yourself
We all know that social media can be a double-edged sword - while there's a ton of great content out there, it can be easy to get sucked into the trap of mindless scrolling and self-comparison. In addition to keeping in mind that Instagram is a highlight real, taking the time to go into your account and unfollow users whose posts seem to lead you into feeling like you just can't measure up or whose posts don't make you feel good is a great way to ensure that your feed remains sacred and positive.
Pamper Yourself with a Spa Night
While pampering ourselves is something that we definitely deserve, it's not always something that we take the time to do! Rather than just painting your toenails or throwing on a Face mask as you watch T.V., we recommend making a total evening of it - complete with relaxing spa music and tea or spa water to set the atmosphere. It doesn't have to be expensive either - DIY Face Masks or placing your tub of lotion in some warm water to heat it up are some ways to make what you already have a little more luxe.
Buy Yourself Fresh Flowers
Though they may often seem like an unnecessary extra, having fresh flowers in your home does have some benefits! They can help to boost your mood, add a little extra colour, have a lovely smell, and can even make you feel more relaxed or creative. The next time a bouquet of flowers catches your eye at the grocery store, why not pick it up for yourself?
Cook Yourself Dinner and Set the Mood
Cooking dinner might be an essential, but you can really transform it into an act of self-love. Perhaps use a new ingredient or something you love but don't cook often, order a meal kit to make things easier as well as mix up the flavours, or enjoy a glass of wine and some music as you cook. When you're ready to eat, truly set the mood by eating at the table and perhaps prepping it with a nice candle or table linens to really create an experience rather than just another meal.
Choose a Self-Love Mantra or Affirmation
It's amazing just how powerful it can be to repeat or see a mantra or affirmation. Eventually, the words can become reality. Because only you know where you need to strengthen your self-love, finding or creating your own affirmation really helps to ensure that that statement is powerful for you. "I am worthy of good things", "I am not beautiful like you. I am beautiful like me", and "I am not afraid to show my happiness to those around me" are all great places to start. We recommend repeating these to yourself regularly throughout the day or display them someplace you'll see them, like on your mirror or as your phone background.
Clean Out Your Closet and Get Rid of Clothes That Don't Make You Feel Great
We've all likely held on to clothes that we hope will fit one day, or have pieces in our closet that make us feel less than beautiful or confident. But, don't need clothing in our lives that doesn't make us feel good! Getting rid of these pieces can be super cleansing, plus it creates room to see the clothing options that really make you feel awesome.
Do a Workout That Makes You Feel Good
Let's face it - exercise is hard! And pushing yourself to do things outside your comfort zone is great, it's also important to do those workouts that celebrate your body and make you feel great about your capabilities. Perhaps it's a dance workout that brings a smile to your face, or maybe you feel super strong after a bootcamp workout. Whatever it might be, choosing a workout that you leave feeling even better about yourself than when you started is a wonderful act of self-love.
Talk to Yourself as You Would a Friend
For some reason, we're often so much harder on ourselves than we are on others. Sometimes, we may need to try and distance ourselves from the situation by imagining that we're speaking to a friend rather than to ourselves. You might find that your words are kinder, that you're more gentle, and that you allow yourself a little extra grace when you do that. It definitely takes a lot of practice, but it can be really transforming.
Try Something Creative
Getting out of your comfort zone and expressing yourself in a different way can be a great way to explore your relationship with yourself in a playful way. Trying something creative - whether it be heading to a pottery painting cafe, following a painting tutorial on YouTube, or taking a hand lettering course - is a fun way to show yourself some extra love.