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 😊
Latest post: January 2022 Wrap Up
Related post: 20 simple ways to spark happiness in your daily life

Let’s chat!
Do you practice self love?

I like your tips on how to practice self love! I’m already practicing some of them, but you’re giving me an idea of other things I can try in the coming weeks. Thank you!
Love to hear that!! 🙂
I am really bad at self-love. Everyone around me reminds me constantly that I’m am my own worst critic. This is something I need to work on. Your first point (what do I love about myself) and last point (tell myself I’m doing good) are the hardest for me. But I will work on it.
It’s all about baby steps! It’s definitely a learned skill and takes time. Be kind to yourself ❤
I came to say you have the cutest blog! And I love all these ideas! 2022 has been a year of self-love for me. I love trying new coffee shops alone on my days off. 😊
This list feels so self-indulgent, yet that is the point. So important to take time to pamper and prioritize ourselves. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely!!
Love love this post! Self-love and learning to be kinder to yourself is so important! Fabulous reminder and how-to! xx
So glad you loved it ❤
Love this list! At-home spa day and unplugging from social media is a perfect way to focus on self-love 🙂
Such a good way to spend the day!