As a human being, it is really difficult to love and appreciate yourself, especially as a girl. How often do you see a picture of photoshopped super models with the perfect body and think, “I wish I was that fit” or “I wish I was that pretty”?
I find myself saying those things maybe once a day, maybe even more than once. But I’ve had enough. I’m drawing a line, and so should you. I am tired of not loving myself like I should, I am tired of having a negative image of myself. It’s time to accept who you are and move on. So, here’s some healthy advice on how to start loving yourself.
1. Stop the negative thinking.
Stop telling yourself you look ugly today, or you look fat. If you get a bad test grade, it doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you should try harder. It is so important to be your biggest fan in life because you are always going to be with yourself.
2. Stay off social media
Stop going on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter constantly. You’re only seeing the best part of people’s lives, so stop comparing your life to theirs through social media Personally, I find myself looking through Instagram seeing all these pretty girls in selfies and feeling awful about myself, but it’s not worth it! Those girls take maybe over 100 selfies to get the perfect one, then slap on filters, change a few settings and voilà, anyone can look like a supermodel with the right lighting and the right filters.
3. Stop comparing yourself
If you live your life comparing yourself to others you won’t feel good enough and you won’t appreciate yourself. It’s really hard living in the shadow of someone else and trying to live up to what they are. Realize that you are yourself and not them!
3. Admire yourself
Make sure you are giving yourself credit when needed. If you do well on a test, treat yourself and admire your hard work!
4. Compliment yourself
This may seem a little weird at first, but it goes a long way if you tell yourself you are pretty, or you are strong and beautiful. If you say it enough, you will start to believe it.
5. Accept that everyone is different
Someone may be incredibly skinny and be able to eat an entire pizza, while someone else may eat one slice of cheese and gain a pound. Everyone’s different, so accept who you are and embrace it.
6. Don’t listen to others
If you’re like me you dwell on the bad things others may say about us. But in the long run does it really matter? Who cares what others say, are they you? No. Does their opinion matter? NO!
7. Spend ME time
Get to know who you really are, away from other people. Listen to what your heart is asking for and acknowledge it. You can really learn a lot about yourself when you spend some time away from others, and you really get to know what YOU want.
8. Exercise
Exercising releases a natural high, and makes you feel accomplished. Working hard and suffering through a tough workout helps to make you feel good, and hey, when you’re done you can admire your hard work!
9. Allow yourself to feel
When you are feeling down, let yourself feel down. Accept whatever it is that is happening and then eventually move on. Don’t bottle up the emotions of whatever is happening, everything will build up until it all hits a breaking point.
10. Laugh it off
If you do something silly or maybe even kind of stupid, laugh at it. Don’t get down on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes!
11. Rid yourself of the bad friends
Friends who put you down aren’t exactly the best friends to make you feel better about yourself. It’s this simple, drop them and you will most likely see a huge improvement on your self worth.
12. Appreciate the small things
In our world people are constantly moving a million miles an hour and our minds are moving twice as fast! Sometimes the small things, like if it’s a beautiful day, or the color of the leaves, can be overlooked. Stop and take a breath. Look around and find the small details in life. It can be extremely relaxing when you just take a moment to look around.
13. Live for the now
This may be one of the hardest things. A majority of people are working for the “future”. Then when they get there, they’re working for the future again! How can you be happy and love yourself if you are working like a dog for something so far away? Live NOW and see how different you feel.
Believe me, I know how hard it can be to love yourself because you are your biggest critic. It seems easier to bully yourself around then put in the work of a healthy relationship with yourself. But honestly, it’s time to believe in who you are and allow yourself to feel happy, and the first step to ultimate happiness is loving and accepting yourself. So, stop the negative thinking. Stop comparing yourself. Stop being your biggest critic, and start being your number one fan.
