How have you been? Did anything stand out for you in last week's message? I felt like it wasn't fully complete, so I am going to share more with your today on ways to love yourself and improve your self love.
When we start with ourselves, loving ourselves fully, we begin to heal - not just emotionally and mentally, also physically. This is why it is so important to give ourselves love FIRST - care for ourselves first. Oftentimes we put others health and wellbeing before our own because we want those around us to feel loved and taken care of... The question is, what happens when we put everyone else first? Our tank begins to dry up and then maybe we begin to feel sad, depressed or even resentful. This can't happen when we choose ourselves first (not selfishly), give to ourselves first and THEN fill others' cups.
Last week I gave eight great ways on HOW self love can contribute to better physical health...and I bet you're wondering what are some WAYS you can create self love. Keep reading to learn just a few.
HUGS!!! I don't know about you, but I LOVE hugs! The longer the better. Science has shown that we need seven hugs a day AND that hugs should last for at least 30 seconds to get the most out of the benefits of them...oxytocin (the love and connection hormone) being a huge one. Hug yourself, hug others! With living in a country where most people don't hug, I have been asking for them. As humans, we also NEED physical touch to thrive. When you hug someone how do you feel? How do they feel? They always make me feel loved, connected, and safe.
AFFIRMATIONS Positive affirmations almost always support in raising a person's vibration and energy. Everything from saying "I love you" to yourself to "I am worthy/enough," "I trust myself completely," or "I am...," followed by a way of being that is empowering. What I mean when I say this is words like courageous, confident, joyful, patient, loving, compassionate, fun, generous... I think you get the picture. You want to EMBODY these ways of being, not just say it. The way you speak to yourself is the way you will present yourself to the world. Also, think to yourself, "would I ever say this to my mom, sister, daughter, friend, father, brother, son, etc?" If the answer is no, then maybe it's best not to say it to yourself either.
MEDITATION/PRAYER Both of these support with reducing stress and stress is a huge cause to prevent self love. Whichever method works for you, do it. Trust that praying or meditating will support you to create the self love you desire and allow it to shine through so others feel it as well. I use both methods and I always feel happier and more love in general when I have incorporated them in my day.
GRATITUDE When we show up with a grateful heart, love shines through. What are you grateful for? What lessons have you learned in hardships that have now resulted in gratitude? I have too many to count, so I count my blessings and know that every expereince I have I can find ways to be grateful for them.
FORGIVENESS You may ask how forgiving another supports with self love...In reality it is one of the foundations of it. Forgiving someone else isn't for them, it is for you. If you choose to hold on to hurts and pain that someone caused you, it only hurts you. By opening your heart to forgiveness, it opens your heart to love from both yourself and others. Not forgiving others leads to bitterness, resentment and a hardened heart. How can love exist in such a place? If you have been holding on to old wounds caused by someone, forgive them for yourself. They don't even have to know you have forgiven them, because again it is for YOU!
LAUGHTER I bet you didn't know this was a form of self love, did you? Well, it does! It releases dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins instead of cortisol. Considering these are three of the four "happy" hormones produces by the body, I'd say laughter is great daily medicine...and on top of that, it increases self love...so, who's got a joke they want to share?
YOU TIME Create time for yourself...whatever that looks like for you. Finding a hobby or taking one back up that you stopped years ago when "real life" set in. Getting a massage, facial, manicure - or whatever you enjoy. Spending time in nature. Reading a book. When you create time for you and do something you love, you fill your cup. You create space to be able to give to others because you have given to yourself.
There are so many more ways to increase self love, these are just a few. Remember, if you've ever been on a flight, they say to put YOUR oxygen mask on first, then help others. Do the same with self care and self love. You will thank yourself, and your loved ones will also thank you.
Share with me ways you've loved yourself recently. I'd love to hear, especially if it's not above.
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