Self-love, at its core, is knowing your own worth. In a world that glorifies external validation, it is hard to find the love and confidence that comes from within. We are constantly trying to get other people to like us—basing our happiness on social media views, relationship status, the size of our social circles. How do we adjust our mindsets to not rely on these kinds of things?
Self-love does not mean being selfish or cocky; rather, it is accepting yourself and being okay on your own. Taking care of yourself is one of the first steps to achieve this. The fact that we are constantly at school or work or sports makes it hard for people to find time for themselves, but this is vital to our livelihoods. There are small things we can do for self-care. Getting a good amount of sleep, eating healthy and sustainable meals, and exercising regularly can really change a person’s happiness throughout the day. Sleep allows one’s body and mind to recharge for the next day, and the more you do throughout the day, the more sleep you will need. Eating sustainably is different for each person, but food makes a huge impact on daily energy. To love yourself will take a ton of energy and commitment at first but will become so much easier when you habitually invest in yourself. Any type of exercise boosts endorphins, hormones that improve mood and well-being. There are also some bigger tasks like taking days off, putting effort into your appearance, and practicing mindfulness. Days off are necessary to avoid burnout. Putting effort into your appearance does not mean fitting the newest beauty standards but just being confident in yourself and how you look. Finally, practicing mindfulness just creates a balance in your reality.
If we focus more on the “connections with others” aspect of self-love, each person has so much improvement to do, but there are things an individual can do to make it easier. Setting boundaries is such an important thing that lots of people tend to overlook. Saying “no” is not hateful or pushy, and we need to engrave that into our minds.
When something asked of you does not serve your well-being, you do not ever have to feel bad for not agreeing to it. If you know your worth, do not settle for less than that. Choosing people that respect you and your boundaries is equally important. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding, so do not be afraid to distance yourself from those who drain your energy or bring negativity into your life. Advocating for your needs and prioritizing your peace will not only strengthen your sense of self but also teach others how to treat you.
By fostering self-respect, you create space for authentic connections that align with your values and support your journey toward self-love.