Most people have some concept of what self-care and self-love are. However, despite knowing what these two concepts entail, everyone occasionally has bad days. You can easily forget to dedicate time for yourself as you get swept up in everyday obligations.
For those of you who need a little refresher on what it means to engage in self-care and self-love, look no further. Here are some tips that you can implement in your daily life to make you feel great inside and out.
Get some sunlight
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, commonly occurs during winter months when the sun tends to be out less. According to Psychology Today, an estimated 10 million Americans suffer from SAD. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even depression are common symptoms and can take a big toll on your mental health. To prevent getting into a mental rut due to SAD, try increasing your sun intake.
Although this can be hard due to the current state of the world, as most people are inside most of the time, you can still do simple things like taking a walk or running errands. Additionally, if you don’t want to venture outside, take advantage of the few sunny days by opening your blinds and windows to allow some sun and fresh air in. If you still feel as if you’re not getting enough sunlight, consider looking into a light therapy lamp. While it’s not actual sun rays, it can give off the same impression and improve your mood greatly.
Practice saying no
This is an important self-love tactic that people should know. Most individuals have been in a situation where they didn’t want to do something or go somewhere but did it anyway to make someone else happy. Maybe you didn’t want to disappoint a loved one or after some pleading, they finally convinced you. Whatever the case may be, sometimes you have to practice saying no. Occasionally doing something for a loved one is one thing, but if you’re constantly doing things you don’t want to or being put in uncomfortable situations, it’s time to say no. It’s not rude, and it’s not mean. You have the right to say that you don’t want to do something and select how you spend your time. The people you interact with should understand that you need time to yourself occasionally and respect your boundaries.
Treat yourself
Treating yourself can mean many things. Maybe that means buying yourself that coffee maker you’ve been eyeing or going on a mini-retreat. Whatever it is, do something nice for yourself that will make you happy. Even making an appointment with a salon or barber to get your hair or nails done can be a good self-love practice. Don’t underestimate the power of looking and feeling great as it can be a huge confidence and self-esteem booster.
Often, people may feel guilty about doing something for themselves when there’s no reason to. Occasionally indulging in something that you want isn’t selfish. It just means that you’re deciding to do something nice for yourself. This is an especially crucial tip for parents, as sometimes while tending to the needs of your children you forget that there are things you’d like as well. Don’t be afraid to splurge on yourself every now and then, you deserve it!
Love your differences
People come in all shapes and sizes. As cliche as that sounds, it’s true. No person on this earth is 100% like you, and you should take pride in that. With that being said, most people have some things that they feel insecure about. Whether that be an under-eye birthmark or a new stretch mark, individuals always seem to find something to be over-critical about. Most of the time people overthink insecurities and can easily adopt a negative view of themselves over something minute. Taking time to realize that these small insecurities are what make you unique is crucial and a big step to self-love.
Obviously, just because you acknowledge that certain insecurities make you who you are that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically start loving them. In certain cases, some of the things we may not be 100% comfortable with can be worked on. For example, if acne is something that you struggle with, then consider ways to improve your skincare routine like incorporating acne products or visiting a dermatologist. If you have thinning hair, consider altering your hair routine with products to help with your situation. For men, it may mean investing in a hair loss treatment while women can try using volumizing shampoo. With the right steps, you’ll be on your way to being confident and ready to take on the day.
Take time to breathe
It’s no secret that life can get overwhelming at times. Between your obligations to your loved ones, your job, and everything else, life can easily seem like it’s becoming too much. To boost your mental well-being, it’s important to take time to literally just breathe. Taking a few deep breaths when you’re feeling overwhelmed can help ease some of the stress you’re experiencing and help you feel grounded. Deep breathing techniques have been found to lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and much more.
If you want to take things a step further, you can try incorporating meditation into your daily routine. Meditation employs many deep breathing techniques while also serving as a light workout. It’s a healthy hobby that can have positive impacts on both your mental and physical health. If you’re a beginner, guided meditation is one of the easiest places to start. You’ll have an instructor guide you along the way, and they have many online options for those who want to stay within the comfort of their home.
Come back to this article anytime you need a reminder to love yourself always or to take some “me time.” For more information on self care, also check out this guide.
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