#7 Overwhelmed? Self-Love Hacks to Win the War in Your Head
Over It: Ditch the Fluff, Find the Fire in Self-Love
Let's be honest, self-care can feel like a chore. Therapist says it, and articles preach it, but when your brain feels like a warzone, who's got time for bubble baths and meditation? Been there, rolled my eyes, and bought the oversized t-shirt.
But here's the thing: self-love isn't fluffy bunnies and scented candles (although, those can be awesome too). It's the secret weapon that equips you to handle the inevitable curveballs life throws. Think of it as building a fortress of resilience, not a spa day.
From Skeptic to Self-Love Warrior: My Journey (and Yours!)
I was a self-care skeptic too. But by tracking my progress (hello, checklist girl here!), celebrating tiny wins (five deep breaths, anyone?), and forgiving myself for stumbles, I found myself calmer, stronger.
Here's how you can ditch the self-care fluff and ignite your own self-love fire:
Small Steps, Big Wins: Don't try to overhaul your life overnight. Start with micro-practices: a calming song, a glass of water, those deep breaths. These tiny acts build a foundation, and celebrating them is key!
Self-Compassion over Perfection: We all mess up. When you do, ditch the guilt and practice self-compassion. Learn, forgive, and move on. That sneaky inner critic? Catch it in the act and reframe those negative thoughts into fierce affirmations. You are strong, you are resilient.
Build Your Self-Love Fortress:
Create a Routine: Schedule self-care, just like you would a meeting. Exercise, reading, nature walks – find what nourishes you and stick to it, even when things get tough.
Boundaries are Your Best Friend: Learn to say no! Protect your energy and time for things that matter.
Squad Up for Self-Love Support:
Connect with Your Crew: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist (My mom's been my therapist for life (free of charge!).
Celebrate Others' Journeys: Seeing others prioritize self-care is inspiring! Share stories, swap tips, and keep each other motivated.
Real Talk from Real People:
Sarah Vee, founder of Women of Hong Kong says, “One way I express self-love is by consciously quieting the inner voice that criticizes my productivity. Instead, I choose to prioritize my peace and tranquillity, even on days when I feel the urge to constantly respond to messages and be available to others. I recognize that taking time for myself is essential for my well-being, and by doing so, I am embracing self-love in its truest form.
Ghazala, a teacher who is on a self-love break for a year is pursuing things she loves and healing from a busy life. She has been travelling, reading, learning more about soft skills and developing courses around soft skills to help our youth learn skills that may not always be available in traditional education.
Muskaan, Financial advisor. Emcee. Broadcaster and Cricketor says the best self-love tip she followed was to get all devices out of her room every night before going to bed. Acknowledging how unproductive and meaningless that so-called "relaxing me time" was, and acting on it in a way that reflects how she prioritizes herself when no one is watching was a game-changer!
Anushka Purohit, founder of Breer & Ssome Cosmetics says getting in a good workout and making a bowl of Indomie from scratch all by herself is her definition of self-love. This shows that self-love can be as simple and indulgent as you want it to be!
Other tips from members were following an enjoyable morning routine, meditation, spending time with their dog and their non-negotiable dance class.
Remember: Self-love is a journey, not a destination. There will be bumps in the road, but by incorporating these practices, you can build a foundation for consistent self-love that will help you navigate life's challenges.
Ready to build your self-love fortress? Share your tips and wins in the comments!
