When you look back at the end of the day, how many times did you show yourself some love and kindness?
Your relationship with yourself is fundamental to your wellbeing. However, it’s easy to overlook it when you’re busy with responsibilities at work and home.
You may not have much free time or extra cash for fancy spas and complicated projects. Fortunately, many of the most effective self-care routines are free and straightforward.
Cherish yourself today. Try these 12 easy ways to increase your health and happiness.
Developing Your Self-Awareness
To value yourself, you need to understand yourself first.
Self-awareness is a crucial aspect of personal growth and development. It requires actively reflecting on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.
These strategies can help you become more self-aware:
1. Take time to reflect daily
Stay in touch with your thoughts and feelings
Find a quiet space to sit down and observe what’s on your mind without making judgements. Even a few minutes of contemplation can be helpful.
You could also practice journaling. Writing down our thoughts and experiences allows us to step outside of our own minds and evaluate them from a different perspective. It also allows us to track patterns and identify areas where we may need to make changes.
2. Ask for feedback
Others may sometimes notice things you miss.
Listen with an open mind and search for relevant information even if you disagree with some points. Apply what you learn.
Additionally, seeking feedback from others and being open to constructive criticism can also help us gain insight into our blind spots and areas for improvement.
3. Take personality tests
Although most personality assessments have their limits, you still may gain some insights, especially if you notice patterns over time.
Two highly-recommended tests that can help you learn more about yourself are the character strengths survey and the personal values assessment.
The character strengths survey is an evidence-based scientific test that identifies the positive parts of your personality. Research shows that understanding and applying your character strengths can increase happiness, strengthen relationships and help you accomplish your goals.
4. Be honest.
Examining yourself can take courage. Accept yourself as you are.
It’s not always easy to take a step back and examine ourselves, but it’s a necessary part of personal growth. We must learn to accept ourselves, flaws and all, in order to truly understand our desires and goals in life.
And once we have a clear sense of direction, it’s up to us to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions. It may not be the easiest path, but the journey of self-discovery and improvement can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
So take that leap of courage and look within yourself – the results may surprise you.
Protecting Your Health
Positive habits can help protect you from obesity, diabetes, and other serious issues. Instead of viewing your choices as sacrifices, think of them as signs that you care about yourself.
By incorporating positive habits into your daily routine, you are not only making a conscious effort to protect your physical health, but also your mental and emotional well-being.
Try these techniques:
1. Eat healthy
Nourish yourself with delicious whole foods. Enjoy your favorite dishes and snacks in moderation. Recognize that these actions are a reflection of your self-love and respect.
Set the table and use your fine china even when you’re eating alone. There’s no better time than the present to show yourself more love and attention.
2. Sleep well
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of high-quality rest each night. Create soothing bedtime rituals like reading classic novels, sipping chamomile tea, taking a warm bath and wearing soft pajamas. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet.
Avoid screens before bedtime and try some breathing exercises. Inhale counting to four and exhale counting to four, relax your mind until you fall asleep.
3. Exercise regularly
Does working out feel like a chore? Have more fun with your fitness program.
Invite a friend to join you or take group classes. Join a yoga or dance class, or use apps that gamify your exercise activities.
If working out is definitely not your thing, then try some gentle movements throughout the day or go out for a relaxing walk. The goal is to be consistent.
4. Manage stress
Release tension by finding enjoyable activities that allow you to disconnect from the stress and focus on something else.
This could be anything from gardening to sketching to simply playing with your kids or snuggling with your pet.
The key is to find activities that bring you joy and help you relax, as this can have a lasting impact on your overall stress levels.
Boosting Your Happiness
Most of your feelings are under your control. According to research, just believing that you have power over your happiness tends to make you much happier.
Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor at the University of California, has discovered that our genetics are responsible for only about 50% of our happiness, life circumstances affect about 10%, and the remaining 40% is completely under our control.
Happiness can be determined by your habits, attitude, and outlook on life.
Keep these tips in mind:
1. Cultivate close relationships
Loving others brings you more love in return. Make your family and friends a top priority, and address any conflicts with care and understanding.
Practice generosity and forgiveness, as these virtues not only strengthen your relationships but also bring more love into your life.
By cultivating close relationships, you not only create a fulfilling support system, but you also radiate positivity and kindness to those around you.
2. Laugh and play
Humor is an important life skill. Try to see the funny side of difficult situations. Share a joke with a coworker, watch movies that make you laugh, visit a comedy club on your next date night, or follow comedians on social media.
Not only does humor provide a much-needed break from the seriousness of daily life, but it can also help us cope with challenging situations. After all, laughter truly is the best medicine.
3. Live with purpose
It’s important to set goals that are both realistic and meaningful to you, rather than simply follow what society or others expect of you.
Also, make decisions that align with your personal values and connect with something greater than you.
By connecting with something greater than ourselves, whether it be a cause, a community, or a personal mission, we can find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in our actions.
4. Think positive
Shift your mindset towards positivity by actively training yourself to be more optimistic.
Instead of focusing on the negative, make a conscious effort to notice the small, fortunate things that occur each day. Take the time to savor small pleasures, like sipping a good cup of coffee or watching a sunrise.
By shifting your attention to the positive elements of your day, you can cultivate a more optimistic outlook.
Final Thoughts
Self-love is an ongoing practice and something that you can do anywhere and anytime. Treating yourself with kindness and compassion builds the foundation for a fulfilling life and healthy relationships with others.
By consistently showing ourselves love and practicing self-care, we not only benefit ourselves but also those around us as we are better equipped to give and receive love in a healthy and sustainable way.
So, let’s make self-love a non-negotiable in our lives and watch as it positively impacts all aspects of our wellbeing.
