Be Kinder to Yourself: 8 Ways to Practice Self-Love
There’s a good chance you’re familiar with the phrase, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” It’s an age-old mantra many people still uphold, yet it can be difficult to put into practice if we’re not offering that same kindness to ourselves first! Doing things for yourself is far from selfish — in fact, it’s actually a great way to enhance your self-esteem and keep a positive outlook on life. Check out these 8 ways you can practice self-love to start showing yourself some much-needed kindness.
Why Is Self-Love Important?
Being kind to yourself shouldn’t be a luxury or reserved for a special occasion. Just as you deserve to feel cared for by your friends and family, you should feel cared for by yourself as well. The following are eight examples of how to practice self-love and care that’ll help you invest in your mental and physical health and help you thrive in every area of your life.
1. Use daily affirmations
You may not realize it, but you have the power to generate positive feelings no matter what kind of stress you’re under. Get in the habit of using daily affirmations that speak to your self-worth. If you’re unsure of what to say, try something like, “I feel proud of myself when…” or “I trust that I’m on the right path.” It might feel silly at first, but the truth is, repeating these empowering mantras can have an amazing effect on your mental health.
2. Make a nourishing meal
If you’re new to practicing self-love, another great place to start is nourishing your body with healthy foods. Look for recipes full of healthy, whole ingredients, and visit the farmer’s market or grocery store to stock up on fresh, seasonal produce. The way we feed ourselves is truly a reflection of how we love ourselves! Try and plan a beautifully balanced meal a few times each week — and be amazed at how good you feel when you do.
3. Explore your inner artist
Expressing ourselves creatively can be a huge component of self-love. And when it comes to exploring your inner artist, Painting with a Twist has you covered! You can book a soothing zen painting event at your local Painting with a Twist studio or from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you visit in-person or participate in Twist at Home, all the supplies will be provided for you so you can sit back and let the creativity flow!
4. Get your body moving
When we’re learning to love ourselves, we can’t forget to spend time on our physical self-care! How we feel in our bodies can directly affect how we think of ourselves as a whole. To keep your body feeling its best, pick a physical activity that most appeals to you, whether that’s a jog around the neighborhood or a yoga session in your living room. Moving your body is a great way to lift your spirits, so find what works well for you and stick with it.
5. Create a relaxing environment
It’s almost too easy to slip into a frantic way of life. But when your schedule is always at capacity, it becomes easy to neglect your duties at home. After all, a cluttered space is not a peaceful one, nor does it help you unwind after a long day.
But by creating a relaxing home environment, it’s much easier to feel calm and collected. Start by tidying up your belongings, and then add fresh flowers, soft lighting, or a few candles to support a calming atmosphere.
6. Put your phone away
Putting your phone away is one of the most valuable self-care activities you can do. It can be easy to get wrapped up with emails and online distractions but don’t underestimate the importance of quieting your mind every once in a while.
Few things are as refreshing as silencing your phone and getting absorbed in a good book or enjoying a nice, long bubble bath. Your responsibilities can wait, so take a few deep breaths and cherish this time for an intentional pause or reflection.
7. Take yourself on a date
If you’ve never taken yourself on a date, make this the month where that all changes. Taking yourself out is all about doing something special just for you. If you’ve got the time, you can even make a whole day of it. Begin with breakfast in bed, visit a local museum, take a stroll around the park, watch a matinee, and splurge on a nice dinner or a decadent treat for dessert. The idea is to give yourself the love and attention you’d typically offer to others, guilt-free!
8. Find reasons to be grateful
We all walk through some tough stuff at different points in our lives. But by looking for reasons to be grateful despite difficult circumstances, you can help shift your attitude toward whatever’s happening to a positive one!
If you have a journal, take time every day to jot down a few things you’re grateful for, and include yourself in the mix. When you find at least one thing you can thank yourself for each day, you can help your relationship with yourself shift into a more loving place.
Hit the Refresh Button with Painting with a Twist
Remember that being kind to yourself doesn’t have to be an uphill battle, since even a night out can be an opportunity for self-care! And what better way to spend a night out than to join a fun and relaxing painting event at Painting with a Twist!
When you book an event at a Painting with a Twist studio, you’ll treat yourself to tons of relaxing fun. Because after all, you deserve it! Choose a painting that speaks to you, pack your favorite bottle of wine, and enjoy a date night out with yours truly — yourself!