We’re often told to practice self-love and self-care, but it’s rare that we’re given practical advice on how to actually do it.
1. Set an intention for the day.
- When you wake up in the morning, write your intention down or say it to yourself first thing.
2. Meditate, just for two minutes.
- Spend just two or 10 minutes a day in a calm space, quiet your mind, and notice your breath.
3. Use mantras and affirmations
- You can recenter yourself with mantras and affirmations during any moment of the day when you start to feel “off.” Make sure that what you’re saying feels true to you – telling yourself a lie in hopes it will make you feel better never works!
4. Hone a 10-second breathing routine.
- Instantly calm, re-center, and ground yourself by breathing in for 10 full seconds, holding your breath for next 10 seconds, and slowly exhaling for 10 seconds.
5. Start gratitude journaling
- Every morning or evening, take the time to simply write down one to five things you’re grateful for that day.
6. Write down one thing you love about you.
- Once you finish your gratitude post, record a few things your appreciate about yourself and your body that day.
7. Set an intention for your meal.
- How do you want to show up for your meal? With grace? With the intention to honor your hunger and fullness? With the ability to simply taste your food and stop worrying about calories? Whatever comes up to you, sen an intention for it.
8. Find ways to move your body that you actually enjoy.
- If you’re having a hard time with this, think about what you used to do as a child and brainstorm how you can bring those moves into your life now.
9. Tune into the way you talk to yourself.
- If you wouldn’t talk to a friend the way you speak to yourself, don’t speak that to you.
10. Close your eyes and see yourself living your best life.
- Once you do, think about how you feel when you’re there. Another way to bring this to life is vision boards.
11. Change your space.
- Whether you’re completing a difficult task, feeling tired and bored with your surroundings, or just need to change your energy, change you space. Do something different!
12. Practice forgiveness.
- Are you directing anger at someone or beating yourself up? Let it go, forgive and move on.
13. Recall the positive.
- When you feel like you’ve failed, it’s easy to label yourself a failure. recognize that this is just a feeling and it’ll pass. Recall the amazing things you’ve accomplished and contributed to.