2020 has been anything but ordinary. It is understandable, even unsurprising, if you are feeling a little worse for wear.
Before you burn out just as the year comes to a close, this may be the perfect time to step back. Take a break and give yourself the time to reflect on this year’s hardships and ask yourself how 2021 can be better.
This article talks about the self-love habits you can use to make next year a better one.
What Is Self-Love. And Why Is It Important?
The term 'self-love' is quite popular these days. You’ve likely encountered it in contexts like romantic advice or work stress. But what really is self-love? What does it mean to practice it?
Self-love boils down to having a sense of reverence for yourself. It means self-respect. When you respect yourself, you choose to be around people, situations, and things that benefit your wellbeing. While it can be mistaken for selfishness or self-absorption, it is far from those things.
Practicing self-love and self-respect helps you grow into a better version of yourself. This better version can then do more for others and the wider world. Practicing self-love is about seeing yourself as an extension of the boundless universe that surrounds you—an inspiring universe.
The way you treat yourself manifests in how you relate to your surroundings. The energy you put into the world comes back to you in some form. So, it's important to practice self-love to ensure what you give to the world is positive.
Now, how do you practice self-love? Here are some basic self-love habits you can start incorporating into your daily life. They're nothing fancy—the key is to practice them consistently, and develop self-care habits that you wouldn’t mind doing for about 15 minutes or less every day.
Ask Yourself What You Need, Not What You Want
We are often raised to believe we should go for what we want. However, life frequently shows us that we can’t always get everything we desire.
As a result, many people grow up feeling frustrated and cynical. While wants and desires can drive motivation and ambition, they can also be destructive when they clash with potential disappointments.
Next time you feel disappointed because something didn't turn out the way you wanted, try asking yourself what you need instead. You may be surprised by how simple it can be to meet that need. It could be as straightforward as a hug, a call to a trusted friend, or a nice cup of tea. Needs are more aligned with what our inner selves truly long for, so take a moment to listen to them.
Know Your Boundaries And Communicate Them
Everyone has sacrificed sleep over work. Many people know what it’s like to compromise personal values to appease a friend, lover, or colleague.
It’s understandable to do this occasionally under certain circumstances. However, if you neglect your personal boundaries for too long, you risk your happiness and health.
For the New Year, try writing down your five non-negotiables. These can include leaving work on time, holding people to their word, or finishing your sentences even if someone interrupts you.
Start by practicing one or two of these non-negotiables. When you’re comfortable, try incorporating all five.
Take Care Of Your Body
Your body allows you to move and explore the world, so it deserves respect and care. The first step to take is improving your diet.
A good diet has long-lasting benefits for your health and quality of life. Invest in quality ingredients and home-cooked meals.
The second step is establishing an exercise routine. It doesn’t need to be rigorous; focus on improving your mobility and strength rather than targeting weight loss.
Also, plan for your recovery phase. Incorporate a relaxing bath to help your body unwind and reenergize after your workout. You can enhance your recovery with our Turmeric Bath Soak or aromatherapy.
Get Into Mindfulness Exercises
Mindfulness is the practice of regularly checking in with yourself to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This technique helps manage runaway thoughts, such as negative self-talk, self-doubt, and judgment of others.
By practicing mindfulness, a form of meditation, you can relieve stress and anxiety while improving your mood and overall mental health.
Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself
People can be their own worst critics. While it's good to hold yourself to a high standard, it's not helpful to be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes.
When you experience a mishap and start feeling negative emotions, try to interrupt those thoughts. Instead of dwelling on your mistake, put things into perspective.
Was the mistake really that bad? What can you do to fix it? Focus on what you can learn from this experience.
Protect Yourself
Encountering negativity—whether from family, friends, partners, or work situations—is a part of life. However, you don't need to be immersed in it all the time.
Give yourself permission to disconnect and protect yourself.
Give Yourself Time To Just Be Still
Slow down. In our increasingly hectic world, simply pausing can work wonders. Like mindfulness exercises, giving yourself moments of idleness can aid in processing your thoughts and emotions.
Balancing work, family, and community commitments is vital, yet disconnecting occasionally is equally important. Take pleasure in your own company and appreciate your thoughts and your ability to stay optimistic.
Love Yourself This 2021
Embrace self-love habits this year to cultivate a stronger, more positive you. By prioritizing your needs, respecting your boundaries, and taking care of your mind and body, you'll be well on your way to a happier and healthier 2021.
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