Over the last few years, I’ve thought a lot about practical ways to practice self love. It hasn’t always been easy for me to love myself. And all those times I’ve recognized a need to slow down and give myself some love, I haven’t always known how. Should I go to the spa? Plan a girl’s weekend, or maybe read a book? Many of the suggestions that I’d heard of for self-care and self-love felt too superficial. Also, I don’t love the idea of having to spend a lot of money on self-love.
With all that in mind, I’ve created a list of 8 ways that you can start practicing self love. These are real-life practical things you can do today, if you want to!
8 Practical Ways to Practice Self Love Today
[wc_row] [wc_column size=”one-half” position=”first”][wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Delegate or Delete
Right now, at this very moment, pick 3 things on your to-do list & delegate them to someone else, or just delete them. We all have more things than time on our to-do list, and we know that not everything is getting done. Stop making yourself feel bad by starting at that list, cross off a few things. Don’t even try to tell me that no one else can do them as well as you. Letting go of your perfectionism and A-type tendencies is also self love.
[wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Purge Clothes that Don’t Fit
There is no reason to keep a piece of clothing in your closet that doesn’t fit you or make you feel good about yourself. If you are actively on a weight loss plan, put those items in a box in your garage. Otherwise, proceed directly to the donation bin. You will not be happier when you are a smaller size, you will be happier and love yourself more when you stop trying to squeeze into old clothes.
[wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Buy a Good Pillow
Most people are sleeping on awful pillows that they got on sale this one time. Spend some time researching pillows, and then choose one that will work the best for you. The right pillow can improve your sleep, and you’ll wake up feeling less aches and pains. Prioritizing your sleep is a beautiful and often over-looked way to practice self-love.
[wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Turn off Notifications for a Day (or a Few Hours)
This one is particularly hard for me since my job includes managing social media accounts for clients, but it is so important! We live in a world that is so connected, and we are often responding to other peoples needs and notifications before our own. Just for one day, or for a few hours, turn off your notifications and ringer, and for bonus points hide your phone and don’t look at social media. Stopping your mindless scroll and give yourself the gift of the present moment.
[wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Apply a Really Nice Face Mask
A high quality face mask can have an instant effect on your skin, and it can be pretty relaxing. Splurge on something fresh from Lush and then just put your feet up and close your eyes for 20 minutes.
[wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Meditate
I hesitated a little to include this in my list because meditation can seem a bit hockey, but it’s such a powerful tool for self-love. I’ve always been a believer in meditation, but anytime I get into a solid practice of doing it daily, and focusing on myself, I feel so much calmer. It controls my anxiety and negative thoughts, and just makes me happier in general.
[wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Get Fitted for a Good Bra
I’m going out on a limb and assuming that most of my readers are women here. It might seem strange to list undergarments and self-love together, but it’s so important. So many women I know haven’t had a bra fitting in years, or even never, and they are just walking around wearing the wrong size or shape. Your back will feel better with the right bra, and your clothes will fit better giving some oomph to your selfies. We wear a bra every single day, it should make us feel good about ourselves!
[wc_fa icon=”heart-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”” class=””][/wc_fa] Take a Day Off and Rest Intentionally
We’ve all had a day when we were so exhausted that we just crash. Be good to yourself and rest before you get to that point. Plan to give your body and your brain a break at least once a month. If you want to take your resting to a new level, try out this intentional resting technique I learned from Sarah Wilson, it’s pretty amazing.
Those are my easy and practical ways to practice self-love, what are some of yours? Leave me a comment and share your tips and ideas too.