Self-love and care are the way to happiness

Lifestyle

11th October 2021

10 Simple Ways To Practice Self-Love

In honour of yesterday being World Mental Health Day, here are some of the ways we can show ourselves a little bit of love every single day through practising self-care and self-love. With all the surrounding pressures of draining stress, lack of time, busy work schedules, complicated relationships and more, it is easy to neglect our self-care, however, our mental health should always be our number one priority. Little things like maintaining a morning routine, having a bath in the evenings or even lighting a candle are essential to our happiness. When we realise that the little things are in actuality the big things, we will find abundance and joy in our lives. Self-love and care is a beautiful journey that we can all embark upon to find true happiness.

1. Journalling 

Jotting down your thoughts on a page will help release anxiety and stress and by following this with writing down words of affirmation you will help rewire your brain and erase negative thought patterns. Think of your journal as your best friend or your very own therapist. Reflective writing on a piece of paper will cathartically calm your mind and give you headspace for the day ahead. I use my Five-Minute Journal and The Positive Wellness Journal to help nourish my mind and soul every morning and night.

Photo by Claire Morgan from Pexels

2. Words of affirmation 

I love myself! This should be so easy to say out loud however many of us won’t say this simple statement out of fear of judgement. Self-love and confidence are pure and should be celebrated every day. Here are some more words of affirmation to empower your thoughts and create magic in your life. 

  • My life is overflowing with joy 
  • I am proud of the woman I am becoming 
  • I am choosing to prioritise my mental health 
  • I accomplish everything I want in life
  • When I am happy I attract good things in my life 

Words of affirmation are so powerful and help you believe in yourself and attract everything you want. Focusing on the good can only ever help us spread positivity and kindness and feel happy. Loving yourself is contagious! 

3. Self-Care Sundays 

No, it doesn’t have to be on a Sunday… Pick any day of the week to spend time purely on yourself.  Take a hot bath, light your favourite candle, listen to some calming music, nourish your hair and skin with a moisturising mask, get your nails done, clean your space, practice some gentle stretching and just slow down. The immediacy of the world can have damaging effects on our wellbeing if we don’t stop for a moment and ground ourselves. Our mental health and headspace are so easy to forget about when we are constantly on the go moving from A-B in a hurry, so dedicate one day a week to put you first. How can you be kind and supportive to those around you if you are stressed and neglecting your own needs? Start within and then spreading happiness and good vibes will become second nature. 

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4. Meditation 

Cliche, right? I am yet to master the act of meditation due to my embarrassing lack of patience, though I am making a conscious effort to ground myself throughout the day when I get a few moments of silence to myself. Whether that is practising gratitude or a few moments of deep breathing, everything, large or small counts. It is recommended that you spend 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening meditating. Use apps like Headspace and Calm to help you get into your groove of meditation, shift your state of consciousness and breathe. 

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5. Spending time with loved ones 

Surrounding yourself with people who care about you and love you is so amazing for your mental wellbeing. Rather than spending time with people who drain you of your energy and vibrancy, focus on those who are there for you regardless. They will uplift you and help you truly value love and friendship. 

6. Connect to nature 

Take a walk around your neighbourhood and feel the fresh air on your skin. This will benefit both your physical and mental health and will give you the space and quiet to reflect and relax.

Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

7. Listen to a podcast 

I love to listen to self-help podcasts while I’m on the go. Music can get a little repetitive sometimes so listening to a podcast is a great alternative and feels as though you are having a chat or a catch up with your friends!

Some Shows I Love: 

  • The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast 
  • Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain 
  • The Girls Bathroom 
  • Happy Hour with Gretchen Geraghty 
  • Gals on the Go 

8. Move your body 

Everyone knows the benefits that moving your body has; from endorphins to increased energy, you will never regret a workout. 

9. Take yourself for a coffee date 

Go and get yourself a cup of kaawwwfeeeee and romanticise your life. You are the main character so sip on your iced macchiato and take a moment to be grateful for that warming cup of goodness. Take a book with you and just chill for a couple of hours and get lost in the story. 

Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels

10. Read a book

So many people say they don’t have time to read a book. Make time! Every evening 30 minutes before you go to sleep just read a couple of pages. Whether it’s educational or fictional, the art of reading will inspire creativity and will help reduce stress levels. 

Photo by Kseniya Budko from Pexels

Featured Image Credit: Photo by KoolShooters from Pexels