a lack of self love can cause you to rely overly on others' opinions for validation. take the time to slow down, chill out, and take care of yourself today.

replace negative self conceptions with positive thoughts.

Criticism perpetuates negativity. Being kind and gentle to yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health. try repeating positive affirmations daily to remind yourself of your worth and silence your inner critic. you can find some really great lists of positive affirmations here, here, and here, but to make it easier, i've also listed some of my favorites:

May I achieve my dreams and live in happiness and peace.
May I love others with my whole heart.
I wish for myself and my family to be protected from harm.
I wish for a life of heath for myself, my family, and my friends.
May I learn to forgive myself and others.

take care of your body

Your emotional health is directly dependent on your physical health. Give your body the nutrients it needs, get enough sleep, and try to not become dependent on alcohol or drugs to make you feel better. If you chose to exercise, do so because you love and appreciate your body, not because you want to change it.

let go of perfectionism

focus on the effort you put in rather than the perceived quality of the final product. on the other hand, try not to sell yourself short. assuming the worst of your abilities will cause the worst to manifest. be realistic and try to look at your abilities objectively - you might not be THE best, but you're probably a lot better than you give yourself credit for.

notice your strengths

make a super specific list about things you love about yourself. put this list somewhere easily accessible. read and reflect on it daily.

spend time with yourself

learning to enjoy your own company is one of the most valuable things you can learn. do things that make you feel your best, like cooking and eating your favorite meal, making music, playing a sport, or reading a good book.

ask for help if you need it

don't be afraid to seek help when you're having a particularly hard time appreciating yourself. Whether it be from a friend, a family member, or a professional, seek the help you need no matter what. If you decide to do therapy (I've found it to be extremely helpful in the past!), make sure to ask for what you need. Don't let yourself get pushed into a treatment decision that isn't right for you.

hotlines:

depression/suicide - (866) 488 7386

dating abuse/domestic violence - (800) 799 7233

rape/sexual assault - (800) 656 4673

addiction - (800) 622 2255

lgb hotline - (888) 843 4564

eating disorders - (352) 771 2700

runaway safeline - (800) 786 2929

trans lifeline - (877) 565 8860

*article adapted from my original odyssey article

how to love yourself