When we think of love, we tend to think of love for others – our partners, our children, our parents, our friends. We care about their happiness, their wellbeing, their feelings and we want only good things for them. Loving someone else can be all consuming, exhilarating, passionate and life-altering. When it comes to loving ourselves however, we usually take a very different stance.
The relationship we have with ourselves can be complicated and unfortunately often negative, as Life Coach, Sam Aspinall, explains:
“For many people, the idea of being compassionate or feeling love towards themselves is unfamiliar and a little strange. Many of us are far more used to judging ourselves harshly, criticising ourselves without restraint or ruminating at length on our faults and flaws.”
We’d never dream of judging our loved ones in such a way. How many times have you told those around you ‘it’s ok, we all make mistakes’ or ‘don’t be so hard on yourself’ or ‘you look great today’ or ‘you have so much to offer’? Think honesty about whether you’ve ever said anything like that to yourself. Probably not – but it’s time to start!
Self-love and self-compassion are key for our mental health and wellbeing. Not only accepting but actually loving the person you are, will make you happier, more confident and more in control of your life.
So, this Valentine’s Day, look after you for once. Be kind and compassionate to yourself and if you’re planning on uttering those three little words, make sure you’re using a mirror!
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball
20 Easy Ways to Practice Self-Love
- Go for a long walk
- Watch your favourite film (even if it’s for the 15th time!)
- Take a long bath
- Dance to your favourite song
- Write yourself a love letter
- Do something you love
- Meet a friend for lunch
- Trust yourself
- Take a risk
- Eat your favourite meal
- Organise your wardrobe – you know you’ll feel better
- Write a note to someone – just because
- Have your friends over for a night in
- Have a lie in
- Read a great book
- Laugh out loud
- Burn that special candle you’ve been saving
- Write down what you’re grateful for
- Turn your phone off for a few hours
- Buy yourself some flowers
Please CLICK HERE to read Sam Aspinall’s previous blog ‘Love Thyself – The Gift of Self-Compassion’
If you’d like to explore the benefits of a life coach please contact sam@www.seed-yoga.co.uk