in a world where we hold ourselves to the highest standard, self love can be difficult when our expectations are extremely high. the thing is we can still maintain a positive mindset towards ourselves even while working to improve certain areas 🙂 self love is so key for mental health, and we’re diving into all the ways you can be kinder to yourself.
1. practice self-compassion
this means treating yourself with the same level of care and concern you would show your best friend. do this by acknowledging your mistakes and shortcomings without negativity, but using them as lessons learned to help you improve in the future. remember that making mistakes is part of the learning process, and perfection isn’t always possible. treat yourself with understanding.
2. set realistic expectations
when things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to spiral into negative thought patterns. setting unrealistic expectations for yourself can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure. it's important to set realistic expectations and if things don’t go as planned, reflect in a positive way instead of talking down on yourself. progress takes time and setbacks are a natural part of the process! set small, achievable goals, and celebrate your successes along the way.
3. practice gratitude
gratitude is a powerful way to cultivate positivity and kindness towards yourself. take time each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for, such as good health, supportive relationships, or fulfillment at work. it could even be as small as your morning cup of coffee or a day of sunshine. this practice can help shift your focus from negative to positive self-talk.
4. surround yourself with positive influences
the people you surround yourself with can have a significant impact on self-esteem and well-being. they say “you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up and encourage you to be your best self. seek out relationships that nourish and inspire you, and let go of those that drain your energy or bring you down.
5. practice self care
this doesn’t have to be facials or shopping sprees. self care can also mean fueling your body with nutrients and moving through exercise! here are some ideas to help:
- going for a walk outside every morning
- journaling
- trying a new workout class
- baking a fun dessert (click here for some recipe inspo from beam)
use these tools to strengthen your relationship with yourself and let us know your favorites 🙂