Many of us made resolutions at the start of this new year that involved taking better care of ourselves. For many reasons, it is around this time of the year that we begin to drop our resolutions and commitments we made. This can bring about feelings of failure or apathy toward your intended goal. I propose that we use this Valentine’s Day as a day of renewal for the commitments we made to loving ourselves. If you did not make any New Year’s resolutions, then let this day be the kick-off day for your commitment to loving yourself.
What is self-love?
Self-love is putting yourself first and taking care of your individual needs to live your life to the fullest. It is giving yourself the proper care and nourishment you need to feel good and live a vibrant life. Self-love is understanding your value in this world and acknowledging your worth.
How do you love yourself?
Self-love comes in many forms depending on what feels good to you. Some of you may enjoy a great day at one of our fabulous Austin spas. A manicure and pedicure may be your avenue of love. Other ways you may express love are massages or warm baths with aromatherapy. These are great ways to pamper your body and a great opportunity to nourish the soul. Pampering is important; however, there is necessary self-care and love that we all need to live healthy balanced lives.
Self-love through Exercise
It is extremely important that we exercise our bodies, minds and spirits. This does not have to consist of running miles every day or lifting heavy weights. Brisk walks through your neighborhood, yoga, or a game of basketball with friends are great ways to show your body love. Your body will show you love in return by looking and feeling better. Take about twenty minutes each day to show self-love through physical exercise.
Exercising the mind involves changing the messages you tell yourself each day. Most messages that run through our minds are usually negative self-talk that does not allow us to be and feel our best. Daily affirmations work well, but also try choosing to drop the negative messages and focus your thoughts on the things you love. We must take time to quiet our minds by using five to ten minutes each day to meditate. This does not have to take the form of the pretzel-leg formation with deep breathing. Meditation can be a slow walk through nature, listening to music, cooking foods you love, or knitting a blanket. Anything that helps us quiet our minds is a healthy form of meditation.
Exercising the soul requires doing the things you love. Each day you should engage in something that makes you feel good. This may be dancing, singing, eating chocolate (in moderation), giving back to your community, laughing, or playing with your children. Love yourself by finding what you love. Together, let us renew our commitment to loving ourselves each and every day.
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