Self-love is about the positive relationship you have and maintain with yourself. Self-love is the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life, and it allows us to be more resilient in dealing with the challenges life presents us. In a world that often revolves around fulfilling expectations and chasing external approval, it is essential to cultivate your self-love.

Self-love goes beyond self-care. It is a deep and lasting commitment to yourself. It means appreciating yourself regardless of your shortcomings and understanding that you are worthy of experiencing love and happiness. It is an inner compass that guides you toward self-acceptance and a positive view of yourself regardless of circumstances.

How do you increase self-love?

Increasing self-love begins first with self-awareness, then self-care, self-acceptance, guarding boundaries and developing a positive inner voice.

• Self-awareness: is about learning valuable skills that help you better understand yourself, your emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
• Self-care: Listen to the needs of your body and mind. Get adequate rest, nutrition and exercise. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Self-acceptance: Accept yourself without conditions. It's not about perfection. It's about making mistakes as a natural part of life. The times you make mistakes are opportunities for growth rather than a cause for self-criticism.
• Guarding Boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries that protect you from overload. It's okay to stand up for yourself and put your own well-being first.
• Positive inner voice: Speak to yourself as you would to a close friend or to your children. Be kind and encouraging and avoid self-criticism.

 

Here are a few more suggestions to train your self-awareness:

• Awareness of your thoughts and feelings: Observe your negative inner voice and work on transforming the words into positive affirmations.
• Practicing Mindfulness: Take regular time to be in the moment and be aware of your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. This can be accomplished through meditation, breathing exercises or simply by focusing your attention on your present experiences.
• Keep a journal: Write regularly in a journal to express your thoughts and feelings. Reflecting on your experiences will help you notice patterns and trends in your behavior and emotions.
• Ask for feedback: Ask friends, family members or colleagues for honest feedback about your behavior and how they perceive you. This can help you identify blind spots and get a better idea of how others see you.
• Ask yourself questions: Take regular time to think deeply about who you are, what your values are, what drives you and what your goals are in life. Ask yourself questions such as "What makes me truly happy?" and "What are my greatest strengths and weaknesses?"
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind and accepting toward yourself, even when you fall short or make mistakes. Self-compassion allows you to look at yourself with more openness and honesty, without judging yourself.
• Learn from difficult experiences: Use setbacks and challenges as learning moments. Ask yourself what you can learn from these experiences and how you can respond differently in the future.
• Be open to change: Be open to new ideas, perspectives and experiences. Self-awareness includes the ability to open yourself to growth and change.
• Seek professional guidance: If you find that you are struggling with self-awareness training or struggling with deep emotional issues, consider seeking professional help from a (hypno)therapist or Brain Balance coach. They can help you explore your thoughts and feelings on a deeper level. By practicing regularly and being aware of yourself, you can gradually increase your self-awareness and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. 

Self-love is an ongoing process that takes time and dedication. It begins with small steps and grows as you become more aware of your own needs and desires. By increasing self-love, you lay a solid foundation for a life full of joy, fulfillment and resilience. Start building the positive relationship with yourself today. You deserve this!