6 ways to start loving yourself the way you deserve to be loved

I know at first it’s hard to believe and you don’t want to listen to the people telling you how wonderful you are. It’s even harder when you’re not surrounded by people who tell you how loved you are. I’ve been in that spot, and it’s an incredibly dark place to be. Say hello to the sunshine though, because I’m going to give you some tips as to how to start loving yourself a little more each day!

#1 GET RID OF NEGATIVE INFLUENCES IN YOUR LIFE. The first step to loving yourself, get rid of the people that don’t love you.Love is an action, a choice—not a feeling. So anybody who claims they love you but doesn’t make time for you, doesn’t make you feel special, or treats you like you’re unimportant—they do not love you and they are a parasite. They are eating away at your self-confidence and happiness. Get rid of them. They are not good, not important, and most importantly, they are not worthy of your precious heart and time.

#2 TAKE MORE TIME TO DO THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO. If your friends call you up on your day off and they want to go to the movies, you really don’t have to say yes. If you wanted to stay inside and read your favorite book for the 233rd time, do that! Just because the people around you do one thing, it doesn’t mean you have to do it too. Next time you’re invited out or you find yourself doing something with friends or family out of obligation, ask yourself if it’s something that you really have to do. If it isn’t, is it something you genuinely want to do? If not, politely decline, and just do you.

#3 TAKE THAT STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Do you want to take a painting class? Are you interested in that yoga class at your gym? Just do it! You really won’t be sorry you did.The things you are scared to do the most are the things that you’ll regret the least! You’ll be great as long as your heart is in it!

#4 BE ACTIVE. Active doesn’t mean two grueling hours of power lifting at the gym.It could be as simple as going out for a walk around the block, jogging in place while you watch your favorite T.V. show, or doing 15 minutes of stretching when you wake up in the mornings.If doing intense workouts is your thing, or maybe long hikes—that’s great, do that! Activity is whatever you want it to mean, but it’s important for you to get up and give your body a little work out every couple days or so. Not only does this mean positive results physically, but internally too. Your body releases endorphines (the feel good stuff) when you’re active, so you’ll feel more energized, optimistic, and ready to tackle everyday situations that are otherwise frustrating.

#5 MEDITATE. Take a few minutes once a day to just breathe, to bring all your thoughts and emotions together. If it’s been a rough morning or a tough week then start taking deep breaths and start thinking positive thoughts to help reinforce confidence and security within yourself.If you're feeling good and you're ready to breathe rainbows, then still take your deep breaths and think of everything you're grateful for which really is the cherry on top when you're already in a good mood. Obviously everybody’s version of meditation will be different, but meditation in general can make the world of a difference in how you feel about yourself and your life. It also helps to clarify and organize any mixed emotions you may be dealing with.

#6 COMPLIMENT YOURSELF. I don’t care if this one sounds silly. It works. When I get ready in the mornings, I find at least one thing I genuinely like about myself that day. Now, there will be days where it’s hard, however, I challenge you to fake it till you make it. Look in the mirror and tell yourself one thing that you like about the way you look, who you are or a positive trait you have. It could be as silly as, “My teeth look really white today.” That’s awesome! Blind the world with your pearly whites! Guess what? The more you make yourself find something you like, one day you’ll look in the mirror and you’ll find something you like about yourself right away.

#selfacceptance #lifestyle