If you are separated, divorced or bereaved, you may feel like you are going to feel a whirlwind of emotions for the rest of your life. However, that’s not the truth because I’ll teach you how to love yourself!
It is extremely important to hold on to hope and stay positive as we all continue to manage our lives’ difficult times. It is vital to note that both the body and brain need to feel safe in order to cope with the challenges. I'm here to share what helped me to feel better during the worst time of my life, when my 34 year old relationship came to an end.
How to Love Yourself? Make Yourself a Priority!
It is easy to forget about your own needs and feelings when you are focused on everything else around you, especially if you have children to care for. While putting others before you can be a great virtue, how can you help others if you don't put the oxygen mask on yourself first?
If you are losing sight of your own aspirations, compromising your own happiness, and taking up less space, you are ultimately losing sight of who you are. What can be more disheartening than realising you have lost your own self while making others comfortable?
Selfcare is not selfish. Rather, it’s the most important aspect of learning how to love yourself. All of your feelings and actions are valid as long as it’s not hurting anyone else. Prioritising yourself involves devoting time and energy to your goals, interests, needs, and dreams.
Show yourself the very same kindness and empathy that you show others. In fact, go a little longer for yourself!
You never know unless you stay true to yourself and stand your ground. It is important to let go of things that are weighing you down. It implies pushing yourself to do the things you really want in life. When you love yourself, you grow self-respect and confidence, and it is only then that you can be completely selfless.
Do what makes you feel happy
We all can become so preoccupied with the past, the disappointment, day-to-day activities, and moving on with the next thing that we forget to enjoy the moment. However, when you're doing something you enjoy every day, you will feel more motivated.
Having something that you will look forward to, particularly on the not-so-great days, will provide you with a dose of encouragement to get through the tough times. Finding time to do the things we enjoy is important – not just for our short-term gratification, but also for our emotional and psychological well-being.
Whether it’s cooking up a hearty meal or going for a walk in the park with your dog, or a friend, aim to schedule in the time for the things you love. There is no guilt in indulging in the things you like.
Without Health you have nothing
One of the most important things to do is to take care of your body when you are learning how to love yourself. If you don’t feel the best physically, you won’t be able to perform well in any circumstances.
Let’s a quick look at some health tips that helped me love myself more.
Eat healthily, don’t skip meals
Eating a balanced healthy diet is extremely important. This ensures you are getting the proper nutrients to fuel your mind and body. Eating nutritious foods stimulates the development of “good” bacteria in your gut, which has a beneficial impact on neurotransmission. Staying hydrated is important as well.
Exercise
Regular exercise will improve your self-esteem as well as your ability to focus, sleep, and relieve stress. Exercise not only keeps your brain and other internal organs healthy, but it also has a huge impact on your mental health. Doctors believe that exercise allows the brain to release chemicals that help you relieve stress and feel great.
I experienced a significant difference in my mood after I started walking every day with my two dogs and practising pilates or yoga. I wasn’t as anxious as before and I felt less irritated as well!
Get Enough Sleep
How to love yourself? Get more sleep!
Sleep and well-being are closely intertwined. Poor sleep increases the likelihood of psychological distress. Depression and anxiety, two of the most common mental health issues can often be the result of not getting enough sleep.
Getting a good night’s sleep is necessary for maintaining good mental health. Sleeping allows you to heal from both emotional and physical exertion.
Choose Who You Spend Your Time With
Making time as a family together can be challenging, particularly when everybody has various working hours. However, planning to spend time with family at the cost of other activities helps you to fully concentrate on being there for the people that matter the most. And it goes a long way in learning how to love yourself. If you don't have family, make sure you spend time with friends.
Spending quality time with your family and friends decreases the symptoms of stress, anxiety, as well as other mental illnesses substantially. Being fully available to your loved ones provides a powerful emotional support system to help you get through the challenges in life.
We often struggle to cope with life's painful struggles, such as a chronic illness, the death of loved ones, breakup, or work struggles. You may think you have to deal with these painful things yourself, but sharing with others does help significantly.
Regain Balance
Let’s be honest to ourselves here. We all like to stay at the top of our game, especially when it comes to our careers. Whether it’s the next big project or meeting a deadline, we tend to focus on the result. Often, we get so occupied that we don’t even realise how much time we are spending behind it. And that does not work well when you want to know how to love yourself.
Work overload reduces your level of fitness, messes up your routine, and impacts negatively on your mind and the body. There aren't many positives to overworking yourself. Instead, you may end up gaining weight, cardiac problems, fatigue, tiredness, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, depression, and so forth. Your mental and physical well-being should be at the very top of the priority list.
Be Clear On Boundaries
We can feel drained, exploited or feel like we are taken for granted when there are no boundaries. Weak boundaries, be it at the workplace or in our relationships, can lead to frustration, pain, rage, and emotional exhaustion.
It’s okay to say no to things just because you don’t feel like it. Why do you have to give up on things that make you feel good to make others feel better? You can have a good time while making sure others are having a great time as well.
Don’t want to go out for drinks with your friends? You can listen to your heart and say no, good friends will understand. You and your friends might even decide on a place that suits all of your preferences.
It is important that you identify your limits and do not do anything that you are uncomfortable with. Listen to yourself, respect your own space.
Ask For Help
Opening up to others about our struggles can be very difficult. Being vulnerable can be scary. However, sometimes it is extremely important to seek help when we are not feeling our best. It’s one of the best things you can do to master the art of how to love yourself.
t can be daunting to seek professional help, especially given the stigma around mental health problems in our society.
Sometimes we are not the nicest to ourselves. We can be our worst critics. It can be very hard when you have intrusive thoughts, emotions, or habits, particularly when they are interfering with your interactions, functionality, or sense of health. When you are angry or sad, never be afraid to ask for support. There can be times when you conclude that there is no point in living, you need to seek help when you feel that way.
Having your emotional difficulties addressed would help you live a fulfilling life. Life can be difficult at times, but receiving adequate care will make it much more pleasant, helping you to experience all life has to offer!
Heather Prince is the Founder of The Fearlessly Moving Forwards Method.
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