With the commotion of responsibilities, deadlines, and well, the holidays, I’ve lost track of my own self-love and self-care. I misplaced it in the habits of 10 minutes mindlessly shuffling through Instagram instead of stretching, meditating, or praying. The voice in my head spits out words of disappointment as opposed to encouragement and recognition of the everyday successes. After weeks of wear, my mind finds its place to recenter and refocus on implementing bits of love and care in the everyday.

So what’s the difference between self-love and self-care and how can we strengthen it in our everyday lives?

Self-Love

Self-love is a believing that you are worthy and valuable. Examples of this can be confidence in who you are or your place in the world. The escape of self-judgement or judgment from others. Shifting that voice in your head to speak of positivity and kindness and project that to others around you.

Self-Care

Self-care is any activity or action that you do self-voluntarily that helps you maintain your physical, mental or emotional health. Examples of this can be taking a warm bath after a long day or going out for a walk with a friend or run on your own. To compliment yourself and others around you. Write a “to-do” list and pick one thing to accomplish.

Here are some more ways you can strengthen your self-love and self-care...

Dance like no-one's watching

Journal or Read

Be kind to others

Meditate

Enjoy a good cry

Minimize people pleasing

Give back through volunteering, research, or activism

Take another route to class or work

Unplug for an hour

Take a nap (A personal favorite of mine!)

Play with a puppy

Try a local workout class… Yoga, Belly Dancing, oh my!

Remind yourself of qualities you like about yourself

Don’t forget to give yourself a self-five!