6 Tips for Self Love

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! Seriously. Who isn’t excited that it’s Friday?!

Anyhoo, remember how we did that blog swap on Wednesday and Allison shared her tips on physical therapy? Well today I wanted to share with you what I posted on Allison’s blog! I cut out a bit since it had come from a previous post, but I wanted to share tips on self love with you all!

Something I’ve learned over the past few years is that, personally, I used to have a really hard time loving myself. I’d put myself down, tell myself I wasn’t good enough, that I needed to be better, to be “perfect.” Well, I also realized that I wasn’t the only one, far from it. So many women struggle with loving themselves and end up putting themselves down like I did.

We can certainly be our own worst enemy, but we can also be our own greatest supporter. By changing our own thoughts, little by little, we can change our entire mindset. It might feel awkward at first, but force yourself and eventually it will come naturally.

1. Tell yourself how great you are. Every time you catch your reflection in the mirror, give yourself a compliment. You are gorgeous! You’re pretty amazing. Great hair today! Whatever it is, make it a habit.

2. Dance. Dance freely, like no one is watching. Dance to your favorite song from middle school, dance to a holiday song, dance to hip hop or classical. Whatever you’re feeling! Just moving to music without worrying about how you look always makes you feel better!

photo courtesy of Carissa G Photography

3. Smile. Having a bad day? Getting frustrated by work, a workout, standing in line at the grocery store? Take a deep breath and smile. Trust me, it really does improve your mood!

4. Say yes. When you get out of your comfort zone and get out there and socialize, you tend to forget about all the things you’re worrying about. And remember, if you’re self conscious about something, I can almost guarantee that no one else notices or cares as much as you do. Taking a risk and going out on a limb is always better than doing nothing.

5. Be nice. Helping other people, or even just complimenting them, not only improves their day, but it improves yours and your own self-image. Make giving back to others a part of your routine, whether it’s volunteering or just holding the door open for someone, and soon you’ll see more value in yourself.

6. Surround yourself with uplifting people. Last but not least, you have to love yourself but if the people around you are bringing you down then it’s just not helping. Be sure that the people who you keep close, whose opinions you value, are the kind of people who love and support you no matter what.

Do you worry too much about what others think of you?

What self-love advice would you give?