The simplest and best ways to build self-love

Self-love – this is the type of mindset you need in order to physically change your body to become the healthiest version of yourself! That’s easier said than done in a world full of advertisements focused on giving us low self-esteem and pointing out everything that’s “wrong” with us. Many of us spend time focusing on changing ourselves physically and we do this through a position of disliking – or even hating – different parts of our bodies. This is why it’s so important to block out the negativity and self-hate, and instead focus on loving yourself from the inside out.

Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend

Have you ever noticed how you speak more kindly and encouraging to your friends and loved ones than you do to yourself? We tend to try to build others up and tear ourselves down. Take an outside perspective and speak to yourself like you’re your own best friend. Removing that negative, critical voice in your head will create so much more room for positivity and self-love.

Stop comparing yourself to others

With social media as big as it is, it’s hard not to have a window into almost everyone’s life, which makes it easy to compare ourselves to everyone on our social feeds. We spend so much time wishing we could look like someone else or have their career or relationship that we start feeling excruciatingly inadequate. It’s okay to look at other people’s lives, but you have to acknowledge that we are all on our own journeys accomplishing different things at different times and one life is incomparable to another. There’s only one of you, so focus on being that best at who you are instead of being the best version of someone else.

Make a list of all of the things you love about yourself

This list could be short at first, but you’ll be surprised by how long it grows as you delve into the practice of self-love and appreciation. It can be hard to compliment ourselves, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Then, whenever you are criticizing yourself, you can look at your list of love and know that you are worth so much more than any “negative” quality you believe you have.

Celebrate the qualities that make you different

Being unique is actually a lovely quality! Instead of looking at your differences as something negative, look at them as the attributes that make you special. It’s okay to not be like everyone else. If we were all the same, the world would be a boring place. So always dance joyfully to the beat of your own drummer and be proud of the ways you stray from the norm.

Take time for self-care

So often we spend our time on other people and their needs instead of taking time to do the things that make us feel good. It’s so important to set aside regular time to do something just for yourself, even if it’s only 20 minutes a day. Take a bath, read a book, watch your favorite TV show, take a workout class, or get a manicure. Do anything that will leave you with a feeling of happiness and peace. By taking time to focus on something just for you, you are telling yourself that you are important and worthy of being happy.

Begin a meditation practice

On top of being extremely relaxing, meditation is a wonderful way to get in touch with your inner self. You really get to know every part of your body and explore your different thoughts. It’s a great way to get to fall in love with your true self. If you’re struggling, there are guided meditations that actually focus on self-love. So all you have to do is lay there, close your eyes, and follow along. You’ll be feeling better about yourself in no time!

Live according to your truth

Once you get to know yourself through meditation, it’s time to live according to your truth. That means living life in a way that feels right in your heart no matter what other people claim you should be doing. Ignore those who tell you that you are living your life the wrong way just because it doesn’t suit their vision for you. Living in a way that feels best to you will bring you the peace and self-confidence of knowing that you are in control of your life.

Remove toxic people from your life

Stay away from anyone who criticizes you and lowers your self-esteem and your self-love. If someone is telling you negative things about yourself, it is difficult to ignore those words and not take them in as truth. If someone can’t speak to you respectfully and constructively, then you need to remove them from your life. Just like blocking out your own critical voice, you have to be able to do the same with others to allow more room for the positive, loving voices in your life.

Reward yourself for your accomplishments

Have you ever heard the phrase “be your own cheerleader”? To build self-love, you have to do just that. Celebrate any positive changes you make in your life and reward yourself for them. If you get a promotion, treat yourself to a spa day. If you hit a weight loss goal, buy yourself a new outfit. If you made your bed every day for a week, go out for ice cream. Whether the accomplishment is big or small, do something to recognize that you are doing great things in your life.

Accept compliments from others

Many of us have a hard time accepting compliments from other people and actually feel uncomfortable receiving them, mostly because we don’t believe the compliments to be true. Accept that if someone is taking the time to compliment you, it is because it is true and you are worthy of the praise. Whole-heartedly believing compliments from others will help you start complimenting yourself, too. The more praise you openly receive from others and give to yourself, the less time there is for negative thoughts.

Smile at yourself in the mirror

This is the simplest step of them all, but it makes the biggest difference. Think about that warm, fuzzy, joyful feeling you get when someone genuinely smiles at you! Now imagine giving that feeling to yourself. All you have to do is look in the mirror, shine those bright, pearly whites and you’ll feel better about yourself instantly! A smile is a simple way to tell yourself that you are deserving of kindness and love. Plus, seeing yourself smiling back through the reflection will show a picture of cheerful, happy you and that is a positive picture of yourself to carry with you throughout the day. Don’t forget to spread the love and smile at others, too!