Being kind to yourself: Self-love

Do you feel like you no longer love yourself?

Treating yourself with loving-kindness is not about self-indulgence or a form of narcissism; it’s the importance of taking care of yourself every day and recognising that you have value, and a contribution to make in this world. Self-regard is where you have the possibility of working self-love into your everyday.

Social media

Our modern world presents a continuous stream and noise of digital and social media that can affect our feelings and sense of self. An environment where we feel judged as well as judging ourselves harshly by comparing ourselves and feeling a need to compete. When we feel that we are indeed good enough, our levels of stress and anxiety reduce.

Work and life balance

Regularly checking in with yourself is a straightforward way of assessing your balance, setting aside time for you; perhaps putting your thoughts and feelings into writing (journaling). Focusing on what you would like it to look like is a crucial step in the change process.

Both inside and outside of work, people benefit from setting boundaries and learning to say no. Carving out these boundaries is an ability we can all learn. Valuing yourself and your time is a helpful first step.

Health coaching

Prioritising yourself helps to put the focus on your health, both physical and mental. True ‘healthy friendships’ bring value and joy; conversely recognising and acknowledging unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of self-care. Having everyday, supporting and loving relationships around you can help with positive self-regard.

Life coaching

There is a growing understanding that our mental health and physical well-being are intrinsically connected. Developing good eating habits, as well as sleeping well, have positive benefits in both short and long-term self-care. Life and health coaching can help explore the changes that you look for on the path to a healthier and happier you.

Setting aside time for physical activity, when and what works well for you, is an essential element of self-care. Good routines and habits in your every day present more relaxation and social opportunities, bringing self-love into your 'you' time.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about being in the moment and not distracted by past events or potential future scenarios. Presenting you with an opportunity for calm and relaxation, treating yourself with loving kindness and an opportunity to reduce feelings of stress/anxiety.

Being compassionate and kind to yourself, appreciating that being human requires self-love.

Cognitive therapy

Having positive thoughts and mindset enables us to identify greater possibilities.

Releasing and letting go of any feelings of resentment (grudges) reduces the possible impacts on our emotional and mental well-being. Take steps to appreciate your own worth and value, for example:

• Be honest with who you are, forgive yourself, and do not ruminate on mistakes and regrets.
• Accept that sometimes you may carry negative emotions.
• Learn to embrace the silence when you need it.

Appreciating your self-worth is an important first step to taking greater care of yourself, creating greater resilience and a sense of calm in today’s frantic world. 

Feeling in control, and setting your barriers offers feelings of being valued and regarded. Health and life coaching conversations are one way of exploring these feelings.

Developing a daily mindfulness practice and skills is known to reduce feelings of anxiety and help improve mood. You can explore further through a variety of online tools, as well as classes.

The way we think affects the way we feel. Thinking positively about ourselves and our options over time can help our self-regard and self-love.