Just take a moment and ask yourself “do I love myself?” For most people that is a difficult question to answer. It is a lot easier to focus on the things we don’t like about ourselves, instead of celebrating the things we do.
Often it is the fear that we aren’t good enough, or don’t deserve something that is holding us back – but “loving yourself” is essential for personal growth, developing healthy relationships, and fulfilling your potential.
But “loving yourself” is often easier said than done.
Why “learning to love yourself” is important
“Loving yourself” can feel like arrogance or over-confidence, and while most of us would rather spend our time helping others, there is nothing wrong with taking the time to appreciate who you are and how far you have come.
Making the decision to love and accept yourself will impact all areas of your life; your work, love life, diet, future etc. But just like anything worth having, it will take a little work.
Below are 10 self-love tips and tricks so you can start showing yourself a little love!
1. Enjoy your own company
It’s always nice to have a few days to yourself, so you can do something fun without having to rely on other people. Watch a movie, read a book, eat dinner by yourself or try something new!
2. Travel somewhere new
You will learn new things about yourself, your environment, and you never know you might meet some interesting people along the way. Grab a friend, jump on a train and head out into the world!
3. Forgive yourself
We all make mistakes, but learning to forgive yourself is the key to moving forward. Learning to love yourself despite the mistakes you’ve made in the past is essential for your self-worth.
4. Don’t be so hard on yourself
Everyone is hard on themselves from time to time, it’s only natural, but you need to give yourself a break. No one is perfect, and sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, so don’t be so hard on yourself!
5. Start saying no
Sometimes we do too much for other people, it’s human nature to want to help others, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about taking care of ourselves. Learn to say no and focus on yourself if and when you can.
6. Make a list of your achievements
It is easy to focus on negative things and forget about the positives. Make a list of all your achievements – this is a great way to remind yourself of what you have achieved, no matter how small.
7. Try something new
As the old saying goes, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. If you’ve been putting something off, or too scared to give it a go, now is the time!
8. Challenge yourself
Any challenge you face is an opportunity to learn more about who you are and what you can achieve. Just go for it, you never know what might happen – get out there and challenge yourself!
9. Trust yourself
You know what is good for you, and a little self-trust is the first step to self-love. After all, if you can’t trust yourself, how are you meant to trust anyone else?
10. Take care of yourself
This one seems obvious, but most people don’t see it as a priority – if you take care of yourself you will be better equipped to help the people around you. If you are in need of a few self-care ideas check out our recent blog “Self-Care: 6 ways to look after yourself in 2019.”
Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy? Show yourself some love by trying our Increasing Pleasurable Activities module.
My Possible Self is a clinically-backed mental health app that is designed to help people tackle early symptoms of stress, anxiety, and low mood. Download the app or sign up online, and try our FREE ‘Building Happiness and Wellbeing’ module today!
