How you feel about yourself is the foundation of everything.

The simple act of self-love and praising our bodies – the functioning of this power system that carries us – goes a long way in the pursuit of well-being.

All too often we look to the external world to validate our sense of self-worth. But the body is like an adoring puppy (go with me here), if we give it just a little recognition and love, it responds and rewards us. So just think of how much power and strength we’d gain if we gave our bodies the full attention and love they truly deserve.

I understand that the commitment to self-love is not easy, we are our worst critics. I have been there. And I hope that these techniques will help you learn to appreciate your own body’s incredible value. 

Gratitude towards your body

The greatest gift you can give your physical form is the abundance of thankfulness. Wake up and acknowledge three to five things that you love about your body every day. Perhaps even write them in your journal so that you can reflect on these points. If I were to pick one thing I am most grateful for every day? I would say, the power of movement.

Know your cycle

As women, we have an intricate cycle of hormones that shape our months and our lives. When we understand and embrace these rhythms, we can learn to work with the ebbs and flows of how we feel about ourselves. Visit my blog on Self-sabotage to understand the menstrual cycle so that you can make it work for you. 

Take part in activities you love

We all have things that bring us joy and happiness which then develops into love, appreciation and positive energy. For example, I enjoy walking – particularly nature walks with my dog. This dials up my appreciation of what my body gives me. So find your “precious”. It can be a yoga or Pilates class, time with friends, an art class – anything that you love. Positive energy reflects onto you. 

Indulge in sensory pleasures

Treat your senses. Surround yourself with things that bring you comfort and joy. It could be a diffuser of calming essential oils, your favourite flowers, your most prized books. Anything that provides a comfortable space that brings you joy. By smiling, you are already practising self-love.

Explore new experiences

Try something unexpected. Anything that takes you out of your routine. It may elevate your mood and make you feel good. Just flirting with the idea of change is half of the fun. It’s a lot like a new love! Sometimes it’s hard to put yourself out there, but make the first move, it’s the first step in the right direction. 

Mindfulness and meditation

Meditation is one of my favourite techniques to ground, centre and appreciate myself. It gives me the power to breathe within, to spend time with myself, and it has incredible wellness benefits. Together with this, being mindful of your thoughts is so important to self-love. Negative thoughts only lead to negative energy. When the “critical you” pipes up, be aware and shift that thought process. 

Rest and seek help

Rest, sleep and de-stress is so powerful when it comes to giving your body permission to slow down and take care of yourself. You can do this by simply finding a book that will motivate you to love yourself more. Or, when you feel you’re not coping, the biggest gift you can give yourself is to ask for help. 

Go for nutritional density

Nutrient-dense foods are important to building a strong foundation for a healthy life. Invest in yourself and eat the best quality foods that you can find. When you feel good on the inside – these positive feelings radiate out. Look at:

• Whole natural foods: Fresh organic vegetables and fruit.
• Good quality animal protein: Organic meat, poultry, egg and dairy products from free-range pasture-raised animals that receive no growth hormones or antibiotics.
• Healthy fats: Raw nuts and seeds, avocados, extra virgin cold-pressed olive and avocado oil and fatty wild-caught fish (not farmed).
• Avoid processed foods.
• Skip the sugar.
• Say no to all GMO.

The moment you start to know yourself a little better and find things that make you feel good – is when you start to take back your power. You will also seek less validation from the outside world and better self-love from your inward journey.  

Remember, you are the master of your life, so go out there and master it!

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