50 Ways To Start Practicing Self Love Right Now

Self love is a hot topic during the month of February. There is a lot of focus on Valentine’s Day which is great because it’s such a fun day to celebrate. However, I know it can be a hard day/ month for some. I like to think of Valentine’s Day as a day of love. Not necessarily *just* a day to celebrate with your significant other. It’s a time to show your love for whoever is in your life (spouse, parents, friends, children, pets, yourself). Remember: love is not just romantic. All love should be celebrated. That is why I think it’s important to practice self love and NOT just in February!

What is self love? 

I have asked myself this question many times in the past. I didn’t really understand the concept to be honest. It has taken practice to understand and to implement it into my life. Am I also perfect? Nope. Some days I am practicing the opposite of self love… but that’s okay. Part of loving yourself is accepting yourself for who you are, flaws and all. 

Simply put – self love is the regard for one’s well being and happiness. When you love yourself you are putting yourself first, you care about how you’re doing mentally and physically, you accept yourself, and just overall see yourself in a positive light. It is all easier said than done. We all have good days and bad days. Sometimes the self-talk is downright mean and there is no love to be found. No one is perfect when it comes to love whether it’s with someone else or yourself. Be patient and kind to yourself (practice helps). 

What is the difference between self love and self care?

When looking at the surface, it seems that self love and self care are basically the same. Self care is all about taking care of yourself which in theory, self love is all about. However, self love is more about the thoughts and feelings we have about ourselves and self care is about actions. There is overlap of course and really it is up to you what feels right and fills your cup. 

Practicing self care is a really important step to increasing self love. By prioritizing self care you are taking time to care for yourself and fulfill your needs and wants. Participating in consistent self care shows that you are not neglecting yourself. The more you take care of yourself the more you see your worth and continue to love and care for yourself. It’s really quite simple when it’s put that way, but still easier said than done!

Below there is a list of 50 ways you can start practicing self love (and self care) right now. Not just for February but for the whole year! 

50 ways to practice self love

Make a list of things you love about yourself

Treat your body to a healthy meal

Treat yourself to your favorite meal

Dance to your favorite songs

Get outside in nature 

Listen to a new audiobook 

Have a stay at home spa day

Unplug for social media for a full 24 hours

Write down your feelings and acknowledge them

Wear your fav outfit and take pictures 

Bake yourself something yummy 

Buy yourself flowers 

Write yourself a love letter 

Move your body in a way that feels good for you

Read a good book

Rewatch your fav movie 

Spend 10 minutes meditating 

Have a bubble bath 

Forgive yourself for something you’ve been holding onto

Practice positive self talk

Start a new hobby 

Clean up the spaces you live and work in

Set a new goal 

Head to a new coffee shop alone 

Get a massage 

Limit your screen time 

Drink more water 

Say no to the things you don’t want to do (at least for a day or two)

Allow yourself down time without guilt 

Set healthy boundaries with others

Learn a new recipe and make for yourself

Go to sleep a little earlier 

Create a playlist of all your fav songs

Buy cozy pj’s and have a fun night in

Treat yourself to a manicure 

Practice yoga at home or in a class

Turn off your phone notifications 

Write 10 things you are grateful for 

Put on some really pretty make up just for you

Go on a picnic 

Wake up early and watch the sunrise 

Take a selfie and name one thing you love about yourself 

Make yourself a gourmet breakfast

Catch up with a friend 

Listen to a motivational podcast 

Wash your bedsheets 

Put on a face mask 

Try a brand new workout 

Listen to your body and give it what it needs 

Take time everyday to tell yourself you’re doing a good job

As you can see, there are so many ways you can start practicing self love today. Some things can be done inside your head like self talk and others involve a little more planning like going for a picnic. I hope you find some new ways to incorporate self love into your daily life. It would be a fun challenge to do one thing a week! Let me know if you try it 😊

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Let’s chat!

Do you practice self love?