What is loving yourself

Rather, focus on yourself and your journey. The shift of energy, alone, will help you feel free. Cut yourself some slack! Make mistakes so you can learn and grow from them. Embrace your past. So, forget about that voice in your head that says you need to be perfect.

Make mistakes — lots of them! This is fundamental! So many things in the world want to distract you from this powerful truth. Sometimes even your own internalized sexism affirms your thoughts of inadequacy.

You are valuable because you are you , not because of your body. So, wear what makes you feel good. Not everybody takes responsibility for the energy they put out into the world. Remember: Protect your energy.

Like erring, feeling afraid is natural and human. This healthy exercise can really help with your mental health. Interrogating and evaluating your fears helps you to gain clarity and unmask issues in your life that were causing you anxiety. That, in turn, can help alleviate some — if not all — of your anxiety. Remember that your feelings are valid. You know yourself better than anyone else, so be your best advocate. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world.

Explore Classes. Co-Founder of Inner Bonding. Margaret Paul, Ph. Last updated on February 26, Step 1: Be willing to feel pain and take responsibility for your feelings. Step 2: Move into the intent to learn. Step 3: Learn about your false beliefs. Step 4: Start a dialogue with your higher self. Step 5: Take loving action. Step 6: Evaluate your action and begin again as needed. She has counseled individuals and couples since More On This Topic Spirituality.

Sarah Regan. Personal Growth. Jason Wachob. It's freakin' hard to to love yourself , especially since our culture seems to conflate the idea of self-love with buying expensive face creams — because you deserve it — and posting selfies. These types of things don't necessarily foster a deep sense of connectedness and self-acceptance. Part of the frustration of the "need to love oneself" is that it's impossible to do it if you don't actually know how, or what that means, or what it should feel like.

Smith says that self-love is a verb, and a continual commitment to showing up for yourself every day, even when you feel that you don't deserve it.

This does not, by the way, mean that you always feel good, or that making supportive choices for yourself is easy. It does not mean that you don't feel insecure or have doubts.

There are questions you can ask yourself to give some kind of measure to this, Smith says. Are you continuing to date people who aren't a good fit for you? Are you believing all the negative thoughts about yourself without question? You can write out your frustrations and disappointments as well. Sometimes putting our thoughts to paper can be one of the most healing things we can do.

Your tub can be another great place to bring in some mindfulness. For some people, social media can become a time suck and source of constant frustration.

For others, it can be an escape from the world and a few moments of mindless entertainment. On the other hand, if you find yourself frustrated every time you log on, consider pausing or shutting down your social media accounts — temporarily or for good.

Quality time with the people we love can be truly regenerative. Plan a night out with friends or your significant other and focus on talking and enjoying that time together.

Writing, painting, taking photos, completing puzzles — whatever your hobbies are, consider setting aside a block of time just for them. With one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest, feel the breath moving through your body. You can do this for just a few breaths or several minutes at a time.

We all have things we want to accomplish, but sometimes writing those things down and considering the steps necessary to achieve them can make those things suddenly seem more achievable and possible in our minds. For some people, following the steps perhaps with a beverage of your choice without the pressure of needing to feed others can be fun. For many people, spirituality is about what gives life meaning. To nurture your spiritual side, you might pick up a book on a spiritual topic that resonates with you or find a set of friends who share your spiritual views — whatever they may be.

It turns out, crying can even come with some benefits. Better emotion regulation and helping us bond with loved ones are just some of the ways crying can be good for us. Perhaps one of the most important forms of self-care, allowing yourself to get the sleep you need can help you feel your best.