eight ways to practice self love.

It can be so hard sometimes. Especially when you’re in the trenches or feeling low. It’s hard to do the thing that might make you feel a little better. It’s hard to get up and be proactive about doing something good for your soul or body.

But practicing self love is so crucial to being okay. Maybe it’s a good day, and you feel like going outside for a walk while listening to music or cooking yourself a yummy meal with a book.

But what if it’s not a good day. Practicing self love consistently always seems to make me feel a little better in the moment and long term. Here’s eight ways I like to practice self love in my life:

1. Take yourself on a solo date.

This is the best. It’s scary at first, but it’s truly so rewarding and fun. It could be grabbing a latte at a coffee shop, making a trip to the movies, taking yourself out to lunch or even a little solo trip. All things I’ve done! Spending time with yourself, doing something fun to you that you love, is such a great way to practice self love.

2. Journal.

Journaling is such a sweet way to pour out your heart. When I can get myself to, it’s such a relief. Even if I’m crying about a situation or writing down updates in my life, it just feels so personal and a good way to get it all out. Plus I love looking back and seeing where I’m at, what I was going through in the past and how I’ve grown.

3. Prioritize yourself.

It’s so important to make yourself the priority in your life. I sometimes struggle with putting other people’s needs or wants ahead of mine. Sometimes it just makes things easier in the moment or I value their happiness more. But it’s such a disservice to yourself. It can be the little things too. Maybe it’s saying no to going out when you want to have a solo night, or maybe it’s ending a friendship that no longer makes you happy.

4. Go outside and get some fresh air.

Yes, I promise it helps. For me, the sunny with wind days are my favorite. There truly is something refreshing about the air outside of your place. Be intentional about it, and go for a walk or take the scenic route doing that errand you’ve been putting off. Again, it helps more than I thought it would.

5. Read self love & gratitude books & poems.

This may or may not be cheesy, but I owe some of my confidence and (somewhat) ability to get over past men to it. There’s some cheesy ones out there, but seriously the words in these books can be really inspiring and helpful. Pair this with journaling and chef’s kiss! Extra points for a sunrise or candle with this combo.

6. Drink water & eat.

Not to sound like your mom, but please do drink water & eat! It’s fuel, and it’s sooo easy to forget about it when you’re not doing well or feeling down in any way. I feel like food is such a sensitive topic in society, and it can be easy to neglect your body even if it’s on accident. So yes, please eat & drink water.

7. Get dressed up.

I love dressing up, so this might be more personal. BUT I know how much I can’t be bothered with dressing up or even the bare minimum when I’m not feeling self confident or mentally well. Sometimes putting on fresh clothes is the dressed up we can handle at the moment, and that’s a win.

8. Spend time with others who love you.

This is probably the hardest one for me to do when I’m not at my best. I just want to self isolate and feel bad about myself. But be better than me! When I finally do hang out with people who love me and have my best interest in heart, it just makes me want to love myself harder. And unfortunately, vice versa.

Let me know which way you plan on practicing self love. :)

- S