Often we find ourselves forgetting the importance of self love. We find it a bit cheesy and embarrassing. But learning to love yourself is one of the most powerful and important things you can do in life. The love you have for yourself changes your whole outlook on life. Your relationships, your mental health, your day to day life.. they all flourish when you start to love yourself.

To kick off #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we’re publishing this lovely article by Hajara on self love and care! It may be that if you’ve struggled with your mental health, self love is something you’ve struggled with too. In this article, Hajara gives her tips on how best to put yourself first. Be sure to leave a comment below on what you think! We’d love to hear from you. – The OPC team

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance”.

Oscar Wilde

So how do we start that romance? How do we learn to love ourselves? Here’s a few steps I believe are vital for having self love:

1. Look after your body 🥰

Every day you look into the mirror. Every day you analyse your body. Every day you find something negative about yourself. – It’s a normal human thing we do. Your body is the most basic form of loving yourself, so become mindful of what you put in your body – don’t eat junk food all day long. Start your day with a smoothie instead of a coffee, and instead of snacking on chocolates, snack on fruits and nuts. The way we feed ourselves reflects how we love ourselves.

2. Take yourself out on a date 🌹

Spend quality time with yourself and do something you love. Treat yourself not for anybody else (like you always do) but do it for you. Be selfish and think of your own needs and wants. Give yourself the love and attention you’d normally only give out to others.

3. Start a gratitude journal 📔

It has been proven that just by writing down 5 things that you’re grateful for each day, you can train your brain to be more positive. It is a key tool when it comes to practicing self-love because it has us step into an attitude of gratitude, love and abundance. So, write down 5 things you’re grateful for and see how good it feels to end your day this way. As well as this, find at least one thing you can thank yourself for each day and you’ll see your relationship with yourself shift into a loving place.

4. Write a loving letter to yourself ✉

Pick up a pen and with the same love you’d write to a dear friend, write a letter to yourself. Write about the things in your life right now that make you happy and the people in your life that bring you joy. Reflect on how you’re feeling, give yourself a pep talk if you’re in need of one and document your dreams and wishes for the future. If there’s something in your life that you’re struggling with, see what advice and encouragement you can give to yourself, celebrate your achievements and sign your letter off with love. Then pop that letter in the post and enjoy receiving it a few days later!

5. Be kind to yourself 👑

Often there are people in your life that you’ll put before yourself. Their happiness is more important to you than your own. You’ll go out of your way for them but will they do the same for you? Teach yourself how to start putting YOU first. Maybe you’ve been thinking of buying a gift for someone you love. But is there something you’ve been wanting for a while now? Why not treat yourself. Spoilt yourself rotten.

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