Seven Ways to Love Yourself

Did you know that you are the most important person in the world? It's true! If you aren't loving yourself every day, there's no better time to begin than now.

1. Stop being critical. Do you criticize yourself and almost everything you do? Do you berate yourself so much that you often don't even realize you're doing it? The first step to loving yourself is to stop being critical with yourself.

2. Be patient and kind. Are you more kind to others than you are to yourself? Why? Practice that kindness and patience on yourself. When you mess up, or your day just isn't going quite the way you planned, slow down. Forgive yourself. Sit in the quiet and find your calming center.

3. Practice praise. Sure, it's easier to praise yourself when things are going great. When you're in a slump though and that critical inner voice starts whispering in your ear, it gets a little harder. Ignore that voice and praise yourself instead. Make a list of all the ways you are wonderful, all the good things you are and do. Then praise yourself for being the fantastic person you are.

4. Encourage yourself. Let's face it, encouraging yourself is not easy, but it is doable. Part of self-encouragement is practicing praise, which we just discussed. Sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader. Get out your invisible pom-poms and shout out a cheer for yourself.

5. Drink 6 glasses of water. Your body is your vehicles on this earth. If you aren't diligent in taking proper care of your body, you will feel run down and worn out. Just like a car needs frequent oil changes and tire rotations, your body needs proper maintenance, too. Remember to drink your water daily to keep yourself hydrated.

6. Say, "I love you." Do you frequently tell your family and loved ones that you love them? Of course you do. So why not express that same feeling of love to yourself? Look yourself square in the eye in a mirror and say, "I love you!"

7. Feed your mind and spirit. A crucial part to loving yourself is the care and feeding of your mind and spirit. Read a book, relax in a hot, soothing bath, listen to calming music or go for a thirty-minute walk.

Loving yourself means taking care of yourself. Give back to yourself daily, to replenish and restore the pieces of you that are given away every day. You'll be a much happier and healthier person for it!