Self-love is a term that gets used loosely and thrown around.

Self-love is not a new concept.

It is likely that you have been setting aside some “me” time each day, writing love letters to yourself, the works.

It’s no secret self-love is not always as easy as it seems.

For many, it is often easier said than done.

Fortunately, there are countless ways you can learn to love yourself truly and unconditionally.

This 2022, let’s cover some of the self-love ideas you should definitely try.

Self-Love Idea 1: Get to Know Yourself

You have been with yourself since you were born.

But how well do you know yourself?

Do you know what you want out of life? 

Do you know what makes you happy and what makes you tick?

It would be impossible to love yourself if you don’t know yourself fully.

That said, set aside time to get to know yourself fully—your strengths, your weaknesses, and everything else that makes you, you.

Getting to know yourself will require honesty.

This is important so you can truly know and love yourself fully.

Self-Love Idea 2: Talk to Yourself as a Child

You likely have this nagging inner dialogue that is either contributing to self-love or hindering it.

This might not be common knowledge but the way you talk to yourself is not necessarily who you are.

This means you can make it more self-loving if it isn’t yet.

Start changing the way you see yourself by changing your inner dialogue.

Speak to yourself more kindly by talking to yourself as a child.

Undoubtedly, you are more compassionate, loving, and forgiving when you see yourself as a child rather than your adult self.

You can also carry a picture of you as a child in your wallet so are constantly reminded to treat yourself more kindly. 

Self-Love Idea 3: Forgive Yourself

One of the most common hinders to self-love is holding onto the things you have done in the past.

Perhaps it was an embarrassing moment that haunted you to this day or maybe a mistake that you have allowed to define you for years.

If you can recall every single embarrassing moment you have experienced since you were a kid, you might be reinforcing the belief that you are not lovable.

Rather than focusing on those mistakes, focus on how much you have changed.

Realise that those mistakes (and embarrassing moments) have made you kinder, stronger, and better.

For instance, if your previous relationship did not fail, you wouldn’t be with the person you are with now.

If you have not been fired, you still won’t have the strength to start that new business.

Bottom line: start seeing yourself as you truly are—a growing human being, not a combination of your past mistakes.

Self-Love Idea 4: Play More

When was the last time you did something for fun?

If you can’t recall the last time, it is likely that your stressful life has taken over one key aspect of your life—having fun.

Constant self-judgment or lack of self-love can happen if you take your life too seriously.

That said, consider incorporating regular “playtime” into your life.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of fun things you can do like painting, dancing, cooking, watching movies with friends, etc.

Self-Love Idea 5: Keep the Promises You Make to Yourself

Here’s something that’s common among many people: they only think they would be happy once they find a loving relationship, get their dream job, or lose that excess weight.

But self-love is not conditional.

It is a skill that gets better with practice.

And how do you practice?

Start by keeping the promises you have made to yourself.

You develop self-respect and integrity when you stay true to your word.

When you say you are going to do something, you go do it.

This can mean cooking dinner rather than dining outside, waking up early to workout rather than sleeping in, and working on yourself rather than getting back with an ex just because you are feeling lonely.

It is important to remember that following through with whatever it is that you have promised yourself also helps build self-trust and self-confidence, two traits that can help you develop self-love.

Over to You

If you are struggling with self-love, you are not alone. However, this year might be the best time to start working on you and building that self-love. After all, it is only when you truly love yourself that others are able to fully enjoy you in all your fullness and glory.