How to practice self-love (Appreciate yourself)

Last two years have been difficult for everyone due to the pandemic. People have been suffering from anxiety and depression because of the loss of job, weight gain and many other problems. With the increased spending of their free time on social media they have been comparing themselves with other people and will come to conclusion that they are worthless and just a waste of space in this whole world.

They just want to find out people who they can relate to and feel comfortable but due to the pandemic this was also not possible. If you are one of those people who is going through a rough phase of your life then here are some of the self-love recipes, that you can use in order to feel that are needed and worthy of all things that you have.

Stop with the comparisons.

From the time we are born we have been programmed to be competitive. So it is natural that we compare ourselves with other people, but this comparing can be toxic, you are unique and no one on this whole planet can be compared to you. because everyone has their own circumstances and no one can fit in others shoe.

Don’t think about people’s opinions.

Being an individual it is impossible to make everyone happy. No matter, what you do in this life you will never be able to be in everyone’s good books. There will always be your haters. So, why waste your time on other people. Focus on yourself and try to be the best version of yourself.

You can make mistakes.

From the very beginning you are told that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. But as you age you feel pressure that you should not make any mistakes. Be easy on yourself and accept that as a human you are allowed to make mistakes and it is just a part of growing as an individual.

Your body does not define you.

You are worthy because of you, not because of how you look. This continuous pressure to look good is very toxic as it stops you from being yourself and feel yourself. This pressure to look good is just an internalized sexism that make you feel less worthy.

Your stretch marks, your body rolls, your skin color and skin condition does not define you. You deserve everything. Be comfortable and wear whatever makes you happy.

Let go of toxic people.

If there is someone who brings toxicity in your life and acts manipulative you may need to take a step back from these people. Nobody should be able to make you feel bad about yourself and if they are doing that don’t be afraid to let those people go. It is important and will make you feel independent.

Put yourself first.

We have been told to put everyone else before us and try to make people happy. This is important to a certain extent but, if this is costing you your mental health then you should first do what makes you happy and then look out for other. Because if you yourself are not happy then how can you make people around you happy.

Do activities that make you happy. Go on a hike, paint if you want, run, watch a movie, cook for yourself, take a break.

Speak your mind.

Practice speaking your mind, tell people what you feel. It is alike a muscle. It gets better (grows) as you practice it more. Take space, join conversations, take autonomy and be present. Know that your opinion matters and it can make a change if you voice it properly and confidently.

Romanticize simple things.

Notice small things around you and try to find beauty in them. Be grateful that you are able to experience life, find joy in simple things. Get yourself flowers, make your bed in the morning, talk good about yourself, appreciate yourself, be proud of yourself.

some other ways are

Silent retreat.

Digital detox.

Meditate.

Exercise.

Embrace your fear.

Make time for pleasure.

Yes, you will struggle in the start but in the end you will look back on these moments and think that these were just little steps that you had to take in order to practice self-love. Note that in all of these things try not to become arrogant and a narcissist. Being proud of yourself is good but being arrogant is not appreciated by others. Love yourself but in a way that it doe not make others feel bad about themselves.