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Practicing Self-Love (4 Tips that Changed My Life)
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Self-love can sometimes feel like an abstract concept, especially when life gets busy or overwhelming. But the truth is, self-love is essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
It’s not just about pampering yourself occasionally, it’s about showing up for yourself every day, in small but meaningful ways. For me, the journey to practicing self-love was gradual. It wasn’t something that clicked overnight. instead, it’s been a constant process of learning, growing, and adjusting my habits to prioritize myself.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to self-love, but I’ve found four core practices that have made a lasting impact on how I treat myself. I’ll share these tips and why they’ve become essential to my routine. I hope they resonate with you and inspire you to take your own steps toward self-love.
1. Exercise and Healthy Eating
Exercise and healthy eating are the foundation of how I show myself love. These habits are not about reaching a certain body image or following the latest fitness trends but about how I feel inside. For me, moving my body has become a form of self-care that helps me clear my mind, boost my mood, and stay energized throughout the day.
What I’ve realized is that it doesn’t take an intense workout to feel the benefits. Sometimes, all I need is a 30-minute walk or a gentle yoga session to reset my mind and body. On days when I don’t have much time or energy, I might just stretch or take a few deep breaths to ground myself. Over time, I’ve learned to listen to my body’s cues when it needs movement, rest, or something in between.
“The groundwork for all happiness is good health.” — Leigh Hunt
Eating healthily is another key part of my self-love practice. I used to view food as something to control or restrict, but I’ve shifted my mindset to focus on balance and nourishment. Instead of following rigid diets, I’ve started tuning into what makes me feel good physically and mentally. That means enjoying nutrient-dense meals that fuel me and, yes, having treats without guilt when I want them (my guilty pleasure is rice crispy squares!). It’s all about creating a relationship with food that’s kind and sustainable.
The biggest change I’ve noticed since adopting this approach is in my mood. I feel more energized, less anxious, and more in tune with my body. It’s empowering to take care of myself in a way that’s not driven by external standards but by how I want to feel every day. I also found that when I’m consistent with exercise and balanced eating, I’m better equipped to handle stress and life’s challenges. It’s a form of self-love that gives back tenfold.
My Advice to you
If you’re just starting on this journey, my advice is to begin small. Find movements you enjoy, whether that’s dancing, swimming, or simply walking. Focus on how exercise makes you feel rather than the results, and the same goes for food. Choose meals that satisfy you and give you energy. Over time, these small steps will lead to big shifts in your overall well-being.
Here are some excellent resources to help you on your journey to eating better and getting active. Stay informed and stay positive.
- 25 Simple Tips to Make your Diet Healthier – Healthline
- Healthy Eating Tips – CDC
- 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity – Mayo Clinic
- How to Start Working Out – Clevland Clinic
2. Journaling
Journaling has been an incredible tool for practicing self-love. It’s a simple, no-cost way for me to process my emotions, set goals, and reflect on what’s happening in my life. I didn’t always think of journaling as a form of self-love, but now it’s become a vital part of my routine. It allows me to check in with myself and create a space where I can be completely honest.
When I first started journaling, I was inconsistent. Some days, I’d write pages, and other days I wouldn’t journal at all. But as I kept at it, I began to notice how much better I felt after getting my thoughts down on paper. It became my outlet—a place to let go of stress, clarify my thoughts, and find solutions to problems I didn’t even know I had.
One of the most transformative journaling practices for me has been gratitude journaling. Every evening, I take a few minutes to write down three things I’m grateful for that day. This simple act of focusing on the positive has helped me shift my mindset. Instead of dwelling on what didn’t go right, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things that bring joy. It could be something as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee in peace or getting a text from a friend that brightened my day. Over time, this practice has helped me cultivate a more positive outlook and greater self-compassion.
“Talk to yourself like someone you love.” — Brené Brown
I also use journaling to identify areas where I need to show myself more love. Whether it’s setting boundaries with others or acknowledging that I need rest, journaling gives me the space to reflect and make those decisions. Sometimes, I even write letters to myself, offering kindness and encouragement when I’m going through a tough time. It may sound a little cheesy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways I’ve learned to be gentler with myself.
If you’ve never tried journaling, start with just five minutes a day. Write about how you’re feeling, what’s on your mind, or what you’re grateful for. You don’t need a fancy notebook or a specific format, just give yourself the freedom to express whatever comes up. You might be surprised at how much clarity and peace it can bring.
If you’re on the hunt for a simple journal I love the 5-minute journal. It’s simple, and concise and can help you keep on track. Here are my tips for using it effectively.
Be Consistent – Make journaling a daily habit for the best results.
Be Honest and Specific – Write genuinely and with detail to make reflections more meaningful.
Focus on Gratitude – Use the journal to shift your mindset toward positive things, no matter how small.
Set Daily Intentions – Write out achievable goals or plans for the day to create focus and direction.
Reflect Before Sleep – End your day by acknowledging small wins and positive moments.
3. Reading Self-Help Books
When I first started reading self-help books, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure if they would resonate with me or feel too “preachy.” But once I found the right books, they became one of my go-to ways to practice self-love. Self-help books offer insights and perspectives that have helped me understand myself better and find practical solutions to life’s challenges.
There’s something powerful about reading a book that speaks directly to what you’re going through. I’ve read books on everything from overcoming self-doubt to building healthier habits, and each one has provided me with tools and strategies that I can apply to my life.
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” — Joseph Addison
What I love most about these books is that they remind me I’m not alone in my struggles. It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re going through something tough, but reading about others who have faced similar challenges and overcome them gives me hope and motivation. It’s like having a conversation with someone who’s been there and wants to help you grow.
My advice
Pick a book that resonates with where you are right now. Self-help books can offer the guidance you need at just the right moment Whether you’re managing stress, building confidence, or finding more joy in life.
If you’re looking for a place to start, some of my favorite self-help books focus on personal growth, mindfulness, and building resilience. The more I read, the more I realize that self-love is not a destination but a continuous practice. Every book has given me a new tool to add to my self-care toolkit.
My top self-help books you might enjoy as well. I hope they bring you the motivation and courage you need to live a more positive life.
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book offers a simple yet profound framework for personal freedom and happiness, based on ancient Toltec wisdom. It focuses on four key principles to transform your life.
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
A guide to mindfulness and living in the present moment, helping readers reduce stress, overcome negative thoughts, and find peace by focusing on the power of now.
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book offers a simple yet profound framework for personal freedom and happiness, based on ancient Toltec wisdom. It focuses on four key principles to transform your life.
4. Taking Time for Myself
We often underestimate the importance of slowing down and simply being with ourselves. For me, learning to take time for myself has been a crucial part of practicing self-love. With life’s constant demands, it can feel indulgent or even lazy to take breaks, but I’ve learned that rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Whether it’s reading a book, soaking in a warm bath, or spending time in nature, I make sure to carve out moments of peace in my day. These quiet times allow me to recharge and reconnect with myself. Before I started doing this regularly, I used to push myself to the point of burnout, always feeling like I had to be productive. But now, I see rest as a vital part of my well-being.
Self-love isn’t just about the things we do, it’s also about the things we don’t do. I’ve gotten better at saying no to things that drain my energy or don’t align with my values. It’s taken time, but I’ve learned to recognize when I need to step back, set boundaries, or take a break. By doing so, I’m honoring my needs and prioritizing my mental and emotional health.
Taking time for myself also means checking in with how I’m feeling. It’s about asking myself, “What do I need right now?” and then giving myself permission to meet those needs, whether that’s more rest, more movement, or just some quiet time to reflect.
My Advice
Start small. Even if you only have 10 minutes a day, use that time to recharge. Set boundaries, say no when you need to, and remember that rest is just as important as productivity. Listening to your body and your mind’s needs will help you stay balanced, energized, and more present for everything else in your life.
Conclusion
Practicing self-love has been an ongoing journey for me, and it’s something I continue to work on every day. Exercise, healthy eating, journaling, reading self-help books, and taking time for myself are the foundation of my routine. They help me stay connected to myself, feel more grounded, and show up as the best version of me.
Remember, self-love isn’t selfish, it’s essential. By taking care of ourselves, we’re better able to show up for the people and things we care about. I hope these tips inspire you to start your own journey of self-love and find what works best for you.
I wish you the best of wishes on your journey and as Buddha said so perfectly:
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha
