How To Practice Self Love

How do you begin to love yourself?

That’s a big question. But I think the key to loving yourself is to simply start valuing yourself more. Of course, one aspect of loving yourself is making time for a “Netflix and ice cream” session on a Friday night. But there’s more to it. Don’t get me wrong – there are health benefits to regular Netflix and chill, but those benefits are mostly mental not physical. How could we all start to love ourselves a little more mentally and physically? Here are some of my ideas and tips

Take Care Of Your Body.

You’re probably groaning because you know that means you have to exercise 🙈🙊. But before you exit out, exercising doesn’t have to be a horrible chore. It takes a lot but trust me it’s worth it? You don’t have to hate physical activity. You just need to find a fun way to keep your body active every day.

Don’t like the gym? That’s cool. Find some other way to work out your muscles and get in some cardio. You might find the treadmill boring, so you could run in the park instead; that’s more scenic and you won’t have to endure judgmental looks. There is also the option of taking on a sport for exercise and social networking. Take on a paid class like dance or karate class if you want to take up a more intriguing form of physical activity. Think outside the box.

You might be a little self conscious and not want to exercise in public because you don’t like your current weight. Everyone has been there even myself. That’s why I work out at home majority of the time. I turn on my TV/Laptop and YouTube workout videos. It makes me happier to think I can achieve my body by working out instead of getting one of those Kardashian treatments where they freeze your fat off. Listen I won’t lie, if I had disposable income to waste, why not! But I honestly think Self Love is about YOU and that is achieved when YOU fall in love with YOURSELF.

Of course, exercise is only one aspect of living a healthier lifestyle and the road to self love. But you also have to think about your sleeping habits. UGH don’t get me started I suck at this!!! But it’s true, your workout routine won’t give you the results you want if you don’t get enough rest. Sleep is the most essential part to repairing your muscles. It also keeps you looking young, healthy and your metabolism working smoothly👌🏼. But these are only some of the benefits to sleeping properly. It’ll also keep your brain healthy, protect the well being of your heart and even strengthen your immune system. If you want to practice self love I highly recommend you start prioritizing a good night’s rest. UGh yes I keep telling myself this every day 😭😓. It’s recommended you get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep every night. I swear I need more like 10 or 11 hours LOL. But you will know whether you’re sleep deprived or not.

Switch up your look.

If you’re unhappy with your style/look then why not change it? The answer is that you’re probably scared or lacking the courage or confident to do it. But honey!!!! It’s all a matter of perception. You know that saying? “Fake it ‘til you make it”. Do you really think a Kardashians hasn’t laid in bed watching Netflix eating pizza because they weren’t feeling good? Everybody has doubts and insecurities about their appearance from time to time. But you gotta put on a smile and believe in yourself, your fashion choices and own it! I used to think wearing heels was only a formal thing. Guess what? If I wake up one day and feel like wearing heels then I will. (Okay please make sure you’re not walking miles). But aside from that, wear what makes you comfortable and then start exploring and take fashion and style risks.

Take a look at some of my most recent risk taking looks. I felt completely comfortable in my own skin in these photos. But I also know, this is my personal style. Not everyone is going to like it, but I love it and I love myself.

A big part of your appearance comes down to fashion choices. But if you strive more to hide away under clothes, then you’re approaching it the wrong way. Obviously, I am not saying you have to wear revealing clothing, but you should figure out what is flattering for your body type. For example, you could get a belt for that baggy dress you own so that it hugs your body and looks nicer. Take a look at my grey Star Wars looking poncho below. I totally felt like a Jedi but I loved the outfit. Another big fashion tip of mine is getting well fitted jeans. If jeans fit too tight or too loose, I personally think it ruins your entire look.

Hey while we’re at it, why not try out a. new hairstyle? That can be a scary thing to do, but the transformation to your appearance could give you a fresh perspective. Trying something new is always exciting and fun. Don’t let change be the reason why you won’t try something new. Hairstyles can always be changed back. Hair grows back and if you dye it, you can always re-dye it.

Make time for relaxation.

Now we’re getting to the exciting suggestions, amirite? LOL. As I mentioned earlier, there are many benefits to making time for relaxation in your daily lifestyle. Something simple as sitting down with friends, a significant other, or your family to watch some TV. You just can’t beat quality time with your loved ones. But obviously, you should set aside time for yourself too.

You could relax in the bath with a good book and some delicious bath bombs. Start a new skincare routine and make it your me-time. Maybe even start up a new video game for funsies (ahem…PokemonGo😅). The key to everything is having a balanced lifestyle. You don’t want to spend an entire weekend on the couch. Yes sometimes it’s needed but you cannot live that way for years. Practicing self love is a way of looking after your physical and mental wellbeing.

Tell me how you practice self love
XO Andie