5 Ways to love yourself more this year!

It is extremely important to love the most important person in your life. Who did come into your mind when I said the most important person? Mom, Spouse, Kids? Then you are like most of the people in the world who always put them and their choices behind family and relationships. Yes, it is necessary to shower your close ones with care and love. But it is tremendously important that you should top your own priority list.

Before starting to love myself I used to put people's opinions and necessities before mine. I noticed that when I started pleasing others needs my confidence level dropped down, I went into depression and was always anxious. I was no longer the happy go lucky person I used to be. That’s when I started practicing self-love daily. There are a lot of ways in which you can boost self-love.  Below are the five major practices that helped me to get back.

 1. Stand up for yourself

                       

             I decided to never give up on me. Whenever someone judged me based on my interests I stood up for what I like. Standing up for yourself means prioritizing you and your life. After all, it is you who is going to live your life. Your decisions and interests are more important than any other person in the world. Take advice but never follow someone/something against your interests. When I started making myself a priority I realized how much life had to offer.

2. Let go of toxic things

         Whatever it maybe if it is disturbing your peace of mind it is not worth your time. Once you prioritize yourself over others you will notice how many things have affected you. You know that you deserve more happiness and peace of mind in your life. When you understand this you will not stand any toxic people or place in your life. Just let go and live a happy life!

3. Have your 'me' time frequently

         I am an Ambivert. I love people and socializing but I run out of energy if I socialize a lot. I need my 'me' time to recharge me. This is the happiest time for me because I love being with me. Just sitting there with all the connections to the outer world cut off enjoying a sip of tea with my favorite book in hand is like being in heaven. And, the most important thing is to understand that alone and loneliness are two different things. Being Alone doesn’t mean that you are unhappy, it means that you are happy and content with you and you alone.

4. Talk to yourself like you would talk to someone you love

         The only person who knows you in and out, your all positive and negative sides is you. So, whenever you have any doubt, confusion or you need the motivation to search it within you. Talk with yourself before jumping into any conclusion. And again it is good that you can take advice from anyone but in the end, it should be your decision based on your interest.

5. Practice Affirmations

        When I started my self-love journey, Affirmations were the most important part of it. I trained my mind to recite positive affirmations about me all the time. Every time I feel low I would always chant "I am strong", "I am capable", "I am the best" within me. I also had an Affirmation poster posted on my wall and on my mirror so that I frequently reminded myself of how much I am worthy of. Practicing Affirmations will hike your confidence level and boost your level of optimism. Affirmations should be a part of you always and forever!