Your relationship with yourself is the most important relationship you will ever have. I have been thinking and talking a lot about speaking kinder to ourselves and living our daily lives nurturing our needs.
However I know first hand that it's easier said than done. We tend to (especially as women) take care of everyone and everything else before we take care of ourselves. We neglect our self care and needs. It's time we put ourselves first because if we burn out-- the whole operation crumbles. ;)
Any relationship requires time, effort and a commitment. If nurturing yourself the way you do with others doesn’t come naturally, try these five easy tip and give yourself some love.
Stop comparing yourself to others. You are enough.
I feel, in this world of social media, it is so easy to fall down a rabbit hole of comparison. We scroll through photos and videos of people with seemingly perfect hair, children, lives. We need to stop the scroll - remind ourselves this is a snippet of someone's life.
Try to be aware when these feeling of comparison or self criticism occur. When those thoughts come up, stop what you are doing. Repeat a self love affirmation - my favorite for self criticism is "I am enough. " I am enough in this moment. I love and respect my body and mind. Take is a step further and name something you love about yourself- give yourself a compliment.
Speak kindly to yourself - You are loved.
The way we speak to ourselves has a huge impact on we feel about ourselves. I always go back to the practice of speak to yourself the way you would someone you love. We are very careful of not hurting others feelings- those that we love, care about and admire- so why do we do it to ourselves?
Repeat I am loved to yourself to serve as a reminder. You are worthy of kindness, positivity and self love.
Set Boundaries, it's okay to say no- You are worthy.
The demands of all the things can be so overwhelming; work, family, school, kids activities, housework and so on. Sometimes we need to decline and say no to avoid putting added stress on ourselves. We can't take care of others if we don't take care of ourselves first! Remind yourself you are worthy.
Practice Self Care-- Your self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
Learn to spend quality time with yourself. Do things that make you happy, whether it is picking up a new hobby or sitting quietly reading a book by candlelight.
I suggest creating a private sanctuary in your home- someplace that feels comfortable and brings you happiness. Hang some art work on the walls, play your favorite music and light a scented candle. Make this a place you go to when you need a little escape.
Repeat, repeat, repeat
Self-love and self care are hard! It is a skill we need learn and practice. The best way to get comfortable is to practice these daily. Set your intentions and speak daily affirmations. The more you practice self-love the easier it will become. If you are consistent you will see a positive change in your overall well-being. It can help live a happier life developing great confidence and self esteem.
It's time we treat ourselves the way we treat others- with kindness and love.
