With all that’s been going in the world, it’s easy to experience anxiety and struggle with mental health issues.
While it can be challenging to stay grounded (and sane!), it is reassuring to know there are many ways you can feel happy and well and develop that seemingly elusive self-love.
Below are some revolutionary and straightforward self-love practices you can look into—all easy to practice yet the benefits are multifaceted:
Don’t compare yourself with others.
Most people are taught to be competitive so comparing oneself with others has been normalised.
However, this habit can be dangerous.
If anything, there really is no point comparing yourself with others.
You are unique and there is only one you on this planet.
Comparing yourself with others can do more harm than good.
Ideally, your focus should be on yourself and your own journey.
The shift of energy and mindset will help you love yourself more and make you feel more free.
Don’t worry about what others think of you.
Don’t worry about what others or society expects of you.
The truth is you won’t be able to please everyone.
That said, it would be a total waste of time worrying about what others think or what their opinion is of you.
Worrying about what others think will only slow down your journey and hinder you from becoming the best person you can be.
Allow yourself to make mistakes.
The older most people get, the more they are pressured to not commit many mistakes.
However, making mistakes is a crucial part of your growth and evolution.
It is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
Don’t listen to that voice in your head that tells you you need to be perfect.
There is no such thing as perfection.
Allow yourself to make mistakes.
It means you are growing. It means you are trying. It means you are evolving.
Don’t tie your value to your physical appearance.
This is an essential and powerful truth many forget.
It is important to remember that you are special because you are you and not because of your body.
So do what you think is best for you.
Take care of yourself and your body.
Wear whatever makes you feel good, happy, and comfortable.
Let toxic people go.
While unfortunate to note, not everyone is responsible for the energy they put out.
If you have someone in your life who is toxic and won’t take responsibility for it, don’t think twice about letting them go or taking yourself out of the narrative.
It can be scary, sure.
However, it can also be quite liberating.
Make it a point to protect your energy at all times.
Contrary to what most people believe, it is not wrong or rude to remove yourself from company or situations that are draining you.
Process your fears.
Just like making mistakes, feeling afraid is a common human trait.
Rather than rejecting your fears, try to understand them.
Understanding your fears can do wonders for your mental health.
Evaluating and exploring your fears can also help you unmask any issues and gain clarity as to what your real issues are.
This can also help alleviate most, if not all of your fears or anxieties.
Put yourself first.
Sadly, many feel bad about putting themselves first.
However, putting yourself first always gets a bad rep.
It is considered selfish.
However, nothing can be farther from the truth.
You should avoid putting others first at the expense of your emotional or mental well-being.
Find time to decompress and recharge.
Without decompressing and recharging, you will be putting serious strain on yourself.
Always schedule me time where you do things you enjoy.
Whether it’s spending time with friends or staying at home reading your favorite book, find an activity that can help you decompress and devote time to it.
Be kind to yourself.
Being critical of yourself will not do you any good.
Speak kindly to yourself and don’t call yourself any mean names.
Celebrate yourself everyday.
You might not be aware of it but you have evolved and grown so much.
Give yourself the credit you deserve.
Over to You
Even if you don’t feel that powerful yet, think about how far you have evolved and how far you have come.
Be patient with yourself.
It is important to realise that self-love will not happen overnight.
But with effort, time, and the steps above, you can achieve self-love before you know it.