Love isn't just something we give to others—it's also a gift we can give ourselves every day!
Self-love opens up our hearts and minds. Studies show that people who practice self-compassion have lower stress levels, bounce back faster from adversity, and feel happier with their bodies compared to people who have less self-compassion.
According to leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff, we don't do better when we compare ourselves to others. Constant competition makes us feel insecure. We're quick to criticize ourselves when we fail.
But self-love stops that negative self-talk in its tracks. It empowers us to be kind to ourselves. When you motivate yourself by feeling positive about your opportunities—and compassion for your challenges—you're more productive and less stressed.
Some people associate self-love and self-care with acai bowls and spa days. While those things do help you de-stress, the act of sincerely loving yourself requires much more than that.
It's a process that involves reflecting on your thoughts and feelings as you nurture a more positive inner voice and outlook on life. It takes time, honesty, and commitment to yourself.
To help you get started, here's a guide on how to love yourself. You'll learn the four stages of your self-love journey and practical tips you can use straightaway.
Get started loving yourself more every day!
Kiana is a content creator with a passion for writing and all things creative. She loves exploring a diverse collection of topics, including self-love, decor and floral trends, travel, and everything in between! When she's not writing, you can find her traveling, going for runs along the San Diego coastline, and performing music. Her post originally appeared on Pro Flowers.