Self Loving Activities

Megan Reynolds, Senior Business Manager|January 15, 2017

Photo+via+Flickr+under+the+Creative+Commons+license.

Photo via Flickr under the Creative Commons license.

self-love
ˈˌself ˈləv/
noun
 regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).
In a world where we’ve been raised to put others first, self-love can often feel selfish. Setting aside time for self-love causes feelings of guilt, and we struggle to maintain a dedicated self-love practice. It’s frustrating. We know we need self-love, yet we have difficulty giving ourselves permission to experience it. Ironic, isn’t it?
Self-love is our fuel; it’s the foundation for who we are. Everything builds on top of this foundation, and if it isn’t solid, life feels shaky. For those of us who have experienced the power of self-love, can agree that the effects can
often feel quite magical.
Here are some examples of activities you can partake in to strive toward a stronger appreciation and love for ones self:
  1. Shower yourself in self compliments, find what you love about yourself and applause yourself for whatever it may be.
  2. Learn to say no. If your stress stems from having far too many items on your to-do list, it’s time to stop agreeing to every project and invitation that comes your way.
  3. Laugh! Not only laughter can lower the levels of stress hormones in your body, but just the anticipation of laughter can be enough.
  4. Listen to music. Your favorite tunes can be a great escape from stress. Listening to music for thirty minutes a day may also lower your blood pressure.
  5. Allow yourself to vent. Letting your worries and issues come out helps instead of stewing on the negative experiences you’re thinking about.
  6. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Thinking positively can have a profound impact on stress reduction. Whenever you find yourself thinking negatively like “I can’t do it!” “Nobody here likes me!”, replace this with a positive counterpart of “I know I can do it!” “People here like me!”.
  7. Keep a journal. Write down whatever you’re thinking about and do a progress report on how your day is going.
  8. Practice meditation. Find a place of peace and allow your mind to be free.
  9. Breathe deeply and evenly.
  10. Walk when you feel stressed.
  11. Try going on a run or a short jog around the block.
  12. Do aerobics.
  13. Dance. You can forget all of your worries and stresses when you dance.
  14. Tighten all your muscles and then relax them.
  15. Eat well. Making sure you are eating the proper amount and getting the right nutrients is key to a successful day and overall life.
  16. Get a massage. Allow yourself to relax.
  17. Play a sport, such as football, basketball, or tennis. Try out for a sport at you school, whatever it may be, it will make you feel much better about yourself.
  18. Reduce your caffeine intake. Depending on a substance to function normally or even stay awake, can become a vicious cycle.
  19. Take a warm bath with candles surrounding you.
  20. Moisturize your body. When you moisturize yourself you are partaking in an act of appreciation and loving for your body.
  21. Stop the comparisons. There is no one on this planet like you, so you cannot fairly compare yourself to someone else. The only person you should compare yourself to is you.
  22. End all toxic relationships. Seriously. Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life.
  23. Celebrate your wins no matter how big or small. Pat yourself on the back and be proud of what you have achieved.
  24. Realize that beauty cannot be defined. It is what you see it as. Don’t let any of those Photoshopped magazines make you feel like your body isn’t perfect. Even those models don’t look like that in real life.
  25. Take your vitamins.
  26. Drink plenty of water. Make sure you’re getting enough water or liquids in your diet to prevent being dehydrated.
  27. Do Tai Chi.
  28. Take herbs, such as Valerian and Kava.
  29. Ask your doctor about anti-anxiety medication. If your anxiety levels are extremely high consult a doctor about finding means of prevention.
  30. Treat medical problems.
  31. Turn off and inwards. Grab a cup of your favorite tea whatever your choice of drink, and sit down for a few minutes on your own. No TV or distractions, just you. Think about the wonderful things that are happening in your life right now, what your big dreams are and how you can make them happen.
  32. Making goals and plans for the future can help you get through the day.
  33. Follow your passion. You know that thing that gets you so excited but scares you at the same time. The thing you really want to do but have convinced yourself it won’t work. You should go do that!
  34. Let go of past trauma and wounds. This can be a really tough one and it may be one of those times you need to turn to others for support. The truth is though, when we let go of things that have happened to us it’s almost like a weight is lifted off our shoulders. We don’t have to carry that around with us anymore. We deserve better.
  35. Do something you love. Partake in your favorite hobby.
  36. The next time you are feeling happy and on top of the world make a list of your best qualities and accomplishments. It may sound a little corny, but it can be a wonderful reminder when you are having a day that’s less than amazing.
  37. Get in touch with your inner dialogue. If it’s anything less than loving, encouraging and supportive, it’s time to make a change. You deserve to be spoken to in the same way you would speak to your best friend, sister, brother, daughter, or son.
  38. Hang out with the people you love. Surround yourself with people who love and encourage you. Let them remind you just how amazing you are.
  39. Appreciate the good things in your life by making a list.
  40. Watch your favorite movie.
  41. Be realistic. There is no person on this earth that is happy every single moment of every single day. You know why? Because we are all human. We make mistakes, we feel emotions (good and bad) and this is OK. Allow yourself to be human.
  42. Watch a cute puppy or kitten YouTube video.
  43. Clean out your closet. Cleaning out your closet will help you not only clean your room up a bit, but will positively affect your mind. Getting rid of old things will make room for new things to come in to your life!
  44. Explore your spirituality. Faith is the foundation for self-love, no matter what you believe. Believing in something opens up your soul to the beauty of belief and trust. It will build your intuition and help you make decisions based on your gut.
  45. Be kinder towards other people.

“To me, self-esteem is not self-love. It is self-acknowledgment, as in recognizing and accepting who you are.”
– Amity Gaige