“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

   – Buddha

 

Tis the month of love! Come February and all we see around ourselves is hearts, flowers, the colour red, and all-things-love. While it is an immensely beautiful feeling to express our love to others, what we seldom pay attention to is our own self.  Loving ourselves is the first step towards true growth and happiness. 

So what is self-love? Is it just lighting scented candles on a Sunday evening? Is it watching your favourite movie with your friends? Is it an extra day off from work? Well, the answer is Yes and No. While these are some ways to show yourself some love, it is essential to understand that self-love isn’t just about pampering yourself. It doesn’t begin and end with a self-care activity and is certainly not just an aesthetic physical process.

What does self-love mean to you?

The fact that every individual needs to be loved and cared for in different ways, stands true for self-love too. Thus, it is a must that you understand what self-love means to you. For some, it means doing things for themselves, spending me-time, practicing hobbies, setting boundaries, taking breaks from work, etc. 

Essentially, self-love is putting yourself first. It means giving yourself the care, affection, and warmth you deserve. It is understanding that sometimes, it is all about you, and that is OK. Self-love requires you to accept, acknowledge and appreciate yourself for all that you are and have been through. It enables you to be the best version of yourself. 

 

How to practice self-love?

Although this step may look different for all, here are some important tips that can help you get started on this journey. 

1. Acceptance is key – We’ve heard this phrase a lot, but what does it really mean? Acceptance is perhaps the most crucial step in self-love. Accept yourself for who you are, for your strengths, your weaknesses, and your mistakes. If you are not in alignment with who and what you are, loving yourself can be challenging. 

2. Be kind to yourself– In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with opinions and judgments, given by others, being kind to ourselves is the least we can do. Understand that it is okay to feel low, that nobody is perfect and we all have bad days. It’s time to show the compassion we have for others, to ourselves. 

3. Spotlight your strengths – Focus on your positive qualities. Admire your strengths and acknowledge them. Be proud of how far you’ve come. When you realize your worth, it becomes easier to cope with criticism and hate. 

4. Gratitude does help! – The reason why gratitude and service are so highly talked about in self-care is that research says they do make a difference. When you start expressing gratitude, you are bound to focus on the positives and appreciate the little things. It makes you realize that things aren’t so bad after all. 

5. Make room for healthy habits– When you start loving yourself, you will only want the best for you. Make time to do things that truly support your physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Start with eating healthy, exercising, reading, and doing what’s best for you.

6. Here comes self-care– And along with it comes fancy meals, lavender teas, and all things you love. Spend active time practicing self-care. Do the things that make you feel happy, calm, and at peace. Some ways include pursuing hobbies, cooking delicious meals, decluttering your space, and more. While you’re at it, make it a habit to practice mindfulness, devote some time to meditation, and repeat positive affirmations. 

Loving yourself can actually lead you to love others better. When you love and connect with yourself, you will not only embrace your true potential but will also be able to build happier, healthier relationships with those around you. 

Love Yourself. Be A Super You.