Feeling Great and Luvin’ It…Time for Some Self Love
Most of the time, we are too preoccupied with everything and everyone around us that we tend to look after the needs of others more and care less for ourselves. We are too hard on ourselves because we desire to be what others want us to be or at least expect us to be.
And oftentimes, we put others first that we forget to look after our own needs and the things that really matter to us. And when we finally want a piece of me-time, we feel guilty thinking that self-love is more of a luxury than a necessity.
The truth is, we need to care for ourselves and listen to our own needs too. We need self-love and compassion in order to show love and compassion to others.
Learning to love one’s self is not instant; it is a journey, especially for people who have so much in their hands and never slowed down to look after their welfare. So from now on, take a backshift; change your daily routine, and take a few steps to self-love:
Manage your time
You cannot finish everything in a day and you cannot accommodate everyone. So learn to stop for the day, after all, there is still the word “tomorrow”. Also, learn to turn down others and say “no”. Instead, make it a habit to go on vacations, no matter how short it may be. This is a good way to relax and re-energize your mind before you go back to your daily grind.
Appreciate yourself
You are good and you are more than enough! Stop criticizing yourself and accept your flaws and be proud of the things you’re good at. Talk to yourself like you would never say harsh words to others. It’s time to really love yourself.
Start the day with a positive boost
Attract positive vibes. As you wake up, face the mirror and repeatedly tell yourself “something good is going to happen today”; and say it with conviction. Manifest your heart’s desire enough for the universe to hear it.
Rest, rest, rest
Rest is not only for the tired body. Because more often than not, with all the hype, your adrenaline is kicking high to keep your going. Take a 15 minute nap mid-day and feel that boost in energy. Of course, make sure to get enough sleep at night. Sleep clears your brain so you can think and function better. And while you sleep, your body repairs its cells and restores energy so you can perform better the next day.
Meditate
Morning is often considered the best time to meditate since the mind is clear and fresh. Begin with a short gratitude devotion and inculcate a positive attitude that will stay with you throughout the day.
Some prefer to meditate after getting home from work, especially if your job is physically and mentally exhausting. Meditation is an excellent way to relieve the tension that has built up in your body during the day; and it also creates a healthy boundary between work and personal life. Meditation allows you to compartmentalize life’s issues so one doesn’t affect the other aspects of you life.
Before going to bed, take a few minutes to clear your mind and praise yourself for all your accomplishments, no matter how small. Proudly tell yourself you did well and you can do better tomorrow.
Exercise
If you feel too tired from work to exercise; doing physical activities might actually help you release those stress and anxiety. In fact, exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones and elevates your mood. Most of all, exercise is a powerful medicine that improves your endurance and help prevent or manage a wide range of health issues.
Get a massage
Go ahead! Don’t feel guilty. You deserve to spoil yourself with a good and relaxing massage once in a while. Schedule your appointment with your favorite massage therapist every week and look forward to it like a reward for all your hard work.
Take a warm bath before you sleep
Prepare and condition your body before you hit the bed. Pamper yourself with a warm shower. Nothing relaxes the body after a long day of hard work more than a warm shower. And since you take a shower in the morning and in the evening, make sure that water that touches your skin and hair is free from harmful chemicals that can cause unwanted frizzy hair and dry and itchy skin and scalp. Ever wondered why your hair and skin are always dry and itchy? Don’t always blame the weather and stress.
Water from the tap contains chlorine and other contaminants that cause itchy skin and scalp, and fuzzy hair. Gift yourself with a shower filter that effectively reduces chlorine, lead, and other harmful elements. Get an easy-to-install unit like SJ Wave Shower Filter and feel the difference from day 1.
Self-love doesn’t need to be expensive. It all starts with changing your mindset and doing small things that do big for your overall physical and mental wellbeing. Don’t wait to be overwhelmed by life’s everyday stress and issues. Learn to take a break and love yourself; and most of all, don’t feel guilty about it. With all of life’s hullabaloos, self-love is the key to your physical, emotional, and mental health. Be happy. Love yourself more and become a better you