When we make friends or connect with people, it’s like building bridges and creating bonds. As we navigate through life, balancing connections with family, friends, colleagues, and romantic partners becomes difficult and often in the middle of managing these relationships, there’s one vital relationship that often gets overlooked – the one with ourselves. 

As we go about our lives, seeking approval from others and meeting expectations, we can lose sight of the importance of looking within, appreciating ourselves, and building self-love. This oversight can impact our external relationships. If we don’t value ourselves, we might rely too much on what others think of us, and our connections can become shaky.

Self-love is a profound practice encompassing the appreciation of one’s intrinsic worth and virtues. It entails accepting oneself in entirety, embracing both strengths and imperfections. Central to this concept is the prioritization of personal needs without guilt, acknowledging that setting healthy boundaries is not only permissible but essential for maintaining emotional and mental well-being.

A key facet of self-love is the art of forgiveness, allowing oneself the grace to learn and grow from mistakes rather than dwelling on shortcomings. This self-compassion becomes a cornerstone for emotional resilience, fostering an environment of continual self-improvement and understanding.

Treating oneself with kindness and respect is an active commitment to holistic well-being. It involves listening to the needs of both the body and mind, engaging in self-care activities that bring joy, and recognizing the importance of rest and rejuvenation. The pursuit of self-love thus becomes a journey towards cultivating a positive and supportive relationship with oneself, laying the groundwork for a life rich in fulfilment and happiness.

Self-love fosters happiness, self-acceptance, self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-forgiveness. Notably, it not only enhances the relationship with oneself but also positively influences interactions with others, fostering empathy, compassion, and patience. Overall, cultivating self-love is a transformative journey that profoundly impacts mental well-being and interpersonal relationships.

Here are some ways to self love practices that one must practice on a daily basis:

1. Simple Acts of Self-Care: Cultivating self-love doesn’t have to involve extravagant activities. Taking short breaks to disconnect, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to and caring for your needs are small steps you can take towards your self-care.
2. Gratitude Journaling: Stay present by keeping a gratitude journal. Reflecting on what you’re thankful for can ground you in the present, promoting healthy habits, boosting self-esteem, and increasing overall happiness.
3. Self-Compliments: Boost self-confidence by giving yourself compliments regularly. This small yet effective practice shifts your mindset, training yourself to focus on the positives and fostering a more positive self-image.
4. Positive Self-Talk: Combat negative self-talk by imagining how you would speak to a friend facing the same challenges. It is important to show ourselves compassion when things don’t go as planned, promoting acceptance and motivation.
5. Mindful Awareness: Practice mindfulness to enhance self-love. Being fully present, non-judgmental, and aware of your thoughts and feelings helps you better understand yourself and your needs.
6. Celebrate Small Wins: Setting realistic expectations aligned with personal needs and values contributes to a sense of accomplishment and motivation. By acknowledging and appreciating minor achievements, individuals build momentum, fostering feelings of self-love and progressing towards larger goals.

These practical self-love tips, ranging from gratitude journaling to positive affirmations, contribute to a holistic approach to self-love, making it accessible in day-to-day life. If you haven’t grown up learning to self-love, practicing it might seem unnatural at first. Therapy is a great place to start. A mental health professional can work with you on increasing awareness of your body’s needs and making positive lifestyle changes.

The above article is written by Shirsha, who has extensive experience in the digital marketing and branding field. Combining a passion for mental health advocacy with expertise in digital marketing, she strives to create a meaningful impact in everything she does.