10 Easy Ways to Practice Self Love (Even When You Feel Like Shit)

Show a Little (Self) Love

Have you guys watched Bo Burnham’s recent Netflix special, Inside yet? If not, you really, really need to. It’s pure comedy gold, but in it Bo also expresses some serious self-deprecating feelings along with an honest peek into his own depression issues.

One song in particular really stands out to me, the aptly titled “Shit,” in which Bo sings:

Wake up at 11:30
Feeling like a bag of shit (oh no!)
All my clothes are dirty, so I'm smelling like a bag of shit
Go to pour my coffee, and I miss my cup
OMG, that is just my luck
Look in the mirror say: "What's up you useless fuck?"

If you haven’t seen the special, then just reading the lyrics in black and white probably makes it seem much less funny than it really is (and, good god is it catchy!)

But I think part of the reason that it’s stuck with me so much (besides the fact that it can easily gets stuck in your head after hearing it) is just how damn relatable it is.

I think we’ve all experienced moments in life where we just straight up feel like a ‘bag of shit.’ And while having a sense of humor about our own shortcomings can be helpful, it’s also important to make sure and practice self love, especially on days when it’s hard.

So, with that in mind, here are some easy ways to practice self love everyday.

10 Easy Ways To Practice Self Love Today

I know you’ve probably seen a whole bunch of blog posts about the topic of self love – and, as much as I love these kinds of posts, a lot of them say the same things: Get better sleep, Eat healthier, Exercise more.

All great tips, of course, but when you’re in the midst of feeling depressed and unmotivated, it can be really difficult to try and hit the gym or eat something other than chips and ice cream.

Instead, here are 10 easy things you can do to practice self love today.

Related Read: On the Importance of Finding Self-Love: A Guest Post

1. List 10 Things You Love About Yourself

Take out a piece of paper and literally write down 10 things you love about yourself. These can be physical traits, personality characteristics, achievements – anything you can think of that makes you feel good about yourself.

Personally, I love my lips, my sense of humor, and my writing skills. Now, it’s your turn!

2. Practice Forgiveness to Yourself

I’m in my 30’s, divorced, and I’m not nearly as professionally successful as I’d hoped to be by now. But that’s perfectly fine! It’s all part of the journey.

So, forgive yourself for your past mistakes, for not being where you want to be in life, or for your perceived flaws. While it can be healthy to recognize your faults, it’s also really important not to dwell on them.

3. Give Yourself Permission to be Selfish

Definitely don’t do this all the time (otherwise you’re sure to piss off some friends and family members), but if you need a mental health day, it’s perfectly fine to take one every so often.

4. Accept Compliments

How many of you instantly demure when you get a compliment? 🙋‍♀️ Someone tells you that you look really pretty today and the first thing you say is, “Ugh, no I really need a haircut.”

STOP doing that! Just smile and accept the compliment (and better yet – allow yourself to actually believe it!)

5. Take a Day off Social Media

I recently went on a week-long vacation, which meant I also had a week-long hiatus from social media. And while I wasn’t totally off the grid (I may have checked twitter a time or two), the break was incredibly refreshing and noticeably lifted my mood.

The problem with social media is that it’s all too easy to start comparing yourself negatively to other people – as a blogger, this has been even worse because I’m constantly comparing my likes/comments/follows to that of my peers.

Also a big problem with social media? Exes – because, let’s face it, they’re still out there with an Instagram account that’s just begging to be looked at. And as much as we know we shouldn’t, most of us are only human (but, see this post on the dangers of orbiting after a breakup for a pep talk!)

6. Treat Yourself

Other ways to treat yourself can include watching a favorite movie, taking a bubble bath, buying a cute new outfit. Whatever it is you’re into – go ahead and let yourself indulge a little!

7. Set Goals for Yourself

It’s perfectly fine to give yourself a break for not being where you want to be in life, but it’s also a good idea to set goals for yourself. Just the act of planning out what you want to accomplish can help give you some motivation.

And if you’re struggling right now, go ahead and start small with simple goals like, I will take a short walk today, or, I will read a chapter of a book today.

8. Learn Something New

This doesn’t need to be anything HUGE like learning a new language, but aim to learn something new as a quick mood booster.

Read a new blog, google something you’ve been curious about but haven’t gotten around to yet, or just watch the local news.

9. Practice Journaling

If you’re not sure where to start, try writing down how you feel about this blog post. Do you think these tips are helpful? Which one(s) will you try?

10. Allow Yourself to be Proud of Your Achievements

Whether they’re big – like graduating from college or getting that new job you wanted – or small, be proud of whatever it is you’ve accomplished.

Even if you just gave yourself a goal of going for a walk today, if you’ve done it, let yourself feel proud! No achievement is too minor to celebrate.

Conclusion: Practice Self Love Daily

It’s easy to show yourself love on the days when you feel great – the days when everything seems to fall right into place – but, on those days, it can be equally easy to forget to actively put it into practice. By trying to make practicing self love a daily habit, it’ll be easier to do on the days when you really need it.

What do you like to do to practice self love? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

xx
Katie

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