No matter what age or gender you are, we all struggle with self doubt. Sometimes it's hard to love yourself, and we forget that it's okay to be selfish sometimes. Loving and accepting who you are is a long, hard journey, but it's possible. Taking baby steps, or giant leaps, it's all a part of growing and being content with your own self.
1. Make fruit smoothies.
There's nothing better than having nature's candy in a healthy drink for you to enjoy. It gives you a chance to love yourself nutritiously.
2. Take a bubble bath and listen to jazz music.
This is such a mental life saver. Just taking time for yourself to relax and listen to music in the tub, allows you to forget about your troubles for a while and focus on the moment.
3. Morning mellow yoga.
A nice morning stretch to get your blood flowing and release some endorphins, to give yourself a great start to the day. Do some quick Sun Salutations, go to a class, or even look up a free class on YouTube. (I suggest Fightmaster Yoga)
4. Lots of water.
This may sound silly, but you don't realize how many people I come across that haven't had a glass of water that day. If something feels off, it's probably because you haven't had enough water.
5. Spoil yourself.
Go buy some things you have had your eye on. And don't feel bad about it. Do this every once in a while to reward yourself for working hard.
6. Go out to a cafe, restaurant, bookstore, art museum, movies, etc, by yourself.
Taking time to enjoy the world alone puts you in the "now" and allows you to center yourself and be happy with just you.
7. Have a guilty food day.
Eat whatever you want and try not to worry about one day's worth of all junk food. It's okay once in a while.
8. Give love but also accept it.
Spread compliments, smiles and hugs, but also don't forget to accept them as well. It's hard to take compliments or accept love. As easy as it sounds, it's harder for some than it is for others. Start receiving love at full force, it'll make a very significant change.
9. Super clean your room/house.
Turn on some really loud music, and spend a day every so often cleaning out the clutter of life. It really makes all the difference to come into a clean space.
10. Stop being so hard on yourself.
Mistakes are lessons learned, without mistakes how do you ever expect to learn and grow as a person? Stop trying to be perfect in general, it's not a tangible ideal. Perfection doesn't exist, so stop pretending you aren't good enough because you're real, and not the contrived idea of perfection.
11. Give yourself a yearly goal.
Try to read 30 books this year, or start learning a new language. Even if you don't complete your goal that's okay, giving the effort is for your self-interest and that's the important part.
12. Don't filter yourself if you really have something to say.
This is a hard one, but respecting yourself means you say the things you need to say (of course don't be discriminatory by any means). But if you really have something weighing on you, (maybe you want to tell someone you have feelings for them but won't) just let the person know. Just do it. If the outcome isn't what you wanted at least you know rather than making things linger. It allows you to either move forward or let go some something that is hindering you emotionally.
13. Stop being so serious, when you can.
Stop analyzing everything and taking things to heart. Made a mistake? Laugh it off, everything will be okay. Sometimes you have to be serious but don't let your face turn to stone.
14. Become intuitive with yourself.
Start listening to what your body needs. Nourish and be gentle with yourself. Do what you know is best for you and you will become more honed in to your true self.
15. Appreciate the people in your life, but don't settle for toxic relationships.
This goes for friendships, family, significant others, you may love them but there comes a point when someone isn't good for you anymore. And don't settle for someone that brings you down more often than rising you up. Let them go, as hard as it is, you will be doing yourself an incredible favor.
