Self-love is a phrase that we often hear of late. Most of the time people don’t even know what it means or how to do it. I should know, because I was one of them. I used to get so overwhelmed with work, motherhood and being a wife that I forgot all about me! I was drained physically and mentally and it showed. That is until I made the conscious decision to practice self-love on a regular basis. The way that I practice self-love often changes, but I will give you an example of five ways that I practice self love:
FIVE WAYS THAT I PRACTICE SELF-LOVE
- DIY Pedicure: I don’t often get the chance to go to the nail salon and my feet show it at times! Specifically the heels of my feet , which tend to get dry and cracked no matter how much I moisturize them. So, to show myself and feet some love, I spend some time in a warm bath with candles and maybe a bath bomb to soak and relax. After about ten minutes, I use this amazing all natural lava stone I found on Amazon to exfoliate my feet! When I am done, my feet feel amazing!! I don’t have to hide them away anymore when I cuddle with hubby at night, because now they are smooth and silky.
- Feed my mind: A very important aspect of self-love is what I love to call mental maintenance. You have to take care of your mind or else you may suffer from burnout and negatively impact your mental health. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, I love to read books that help me become a better version of myself. If I don’t have the time to read, then I listen to an audio book at night while in bed before I go to sleep. The most recent book that I read taught me how to build new habits and break bad ones. It’s called Atomic Habits. My BFF actually told me about it. It was definitely a game changer! I can’t wait to read the next one.
- Play some music: Music is a powerful tool. It really has the power to change your mood. Have you ever noticed that when you’re feeling down, sad music can make you feel worse? Or that fun uplifting music can switch your mood and make feel great? Now that you are aware of it, use it to your advantage. Put together a playlist of songs that make you feel good and when you’re cleaning, cooking or in a bad mood, turn it up loud or put on some headphones and let the music feed your soul! Works every time!
- Dance/Exercise: Don’t have time to go to the gym? Me either! However, we have to stay active and get our exercise in regularly. Social distancing has caused many of us to put on some extra pounds. So, why not be committed to dancing around the house to at least 3 of the songs on your playlist? It is a great way to get your body moving and to songs that you love in the comfort of your own home. You may find that you’re sweating in no time and feeling and looking great!
- Eat healthier: Did you know that feeding your body junk food and fast-foods is the opposite of showing yourself love? From now on, when you are making decisions about what you are going to put in your mouth, think to yourself: Is this food going to harm me or help me. Self love starts from the inside out and that includes what we put into our bodies. So be purposeful and loving with the things you put in, because it will show on the outside.
So those are five of the ways that I demonstrate self-love to my body, mind and soul? How about you?
Until next time,
DREA
Conversations With Drea 