Appreciating yourself and having a positive self-image is important for your mental health and may lead to better relationships with others as well. Learning to appreciate yourself doesn’t always happen overnight, especially if it’s a new practice. Reversing negative habits and patterns of thinking may take time and feel strange at first.
With time and patience, self-appreciation is possible. Read on for some easy, everyday tips on how to grow an appreciation for yourself.
Affirm Yourself With Positive Self-Talk
Being kind to yourself whether it’s in your head or out loud can help slowly steer your mind in a more positive direction.
You can start by appreciating yourself in small ways with affirmations like “I will try my best today.”
No matter how your day goes, you can end the day knowing you tried. “I did my best today,” is also a good reminder at the end of the day. This way you honor yourself and your choices without setting up pressure-filled expectations.
You can also try other simple sayings throughout the day. Things like “I trust myself,” or “I’m capable of doing this” can give us a boost of confidence. It will also affirm to you what you can handle and how powerful you truly are.
Honor Your Mind and Body to Appreciate Yourself
Self-care is an important part of appreciating yourself. When you appreciate your body and mind, it creates a positive flow within yourself. It also acts as a reminder that your needs are always important.
Honor your body by taking care of it. This can be done by moving your body with exercise or activities. Cardio may work for you, but you can also take a scenic walk, do some yoga, or learn to dance.
You can also honor your body by eating healthy but delicious food. Incorporate more fresh vegetables and fruits into your diet to show your body how much you appreciate it.
Practicing meditation is a great way to honor your mind. You can also do other activities that allow you to express yourself and feel good. You can try painting, writing in a journal, or taking pictures outside.
Treat Yourself
One fun part of practicing self-love is treating yourself to things you enjoy “just because.”
It’s always nice to celebrate an accomplishment. But you also deserve something nice on occasion just for being yourself and getting as far as you have.
Treating yourself can be as simple as buying a meal at your favorite restaurant. It can look like scheduling a spa day, going out with a friend, or purchasing a few self love rings.
Splurging can be as small or big as you want, but just remember that it’s all about loving yourself.
How to Appreciate Yourself and More
Now you know some of the best ways to appreciate yourself. Honoring the work you have done to become your current self is crucial to continue your progress and growth.
If you’d like to read more about appreciating yourself and other health topics, make sure to visit our lifestyle page.
