Our Wellness Depends on Our Ability to Practice Self-love

Self-love is so important. I read somewhere that we teach others how to love us through the way we love and treat ourselves. 

So, I want to ask you: Do you treat yourself with the love you deserve? Do you expect to be shown love from others? Do you treat yourself the way you want to be treated?

I’ll admit, there are many ways in which I would love people to treat me, but I rarely go out of my way to do those things for myself. I have an idea of waiting for that special person to turn up and treat me like royalty, but I should start by treating myself as best as I can.

Positive affirmations

It may feel a little cheesy at first, but once you get used to it, positive affirmations can be a game changer. The more you speak positively about yourself, the more you will start to believe what is said, and you will start acting accordingly.

I love receiving compliments from others, so why shouldn’t I say nice things about myself?

Positive affirmations have been shown to result in a wide range of benefits, such as a reduction in stress levels and better relationships, plus they boost confidence and provide a positive outlook on life.

If you don’t know where to start, try saying the following statements each day:

• “Good things are supposed to happen to me.”
• “Everything that is happening now is ultimately for my good.”
• “My life is just beginning.”
• “Today, I abandon my old habits and take up new, more positive ones.”

Another way to practice self-love is to avoid comparing yourself to others. This goes hand in hand with positive affirmations. You can’t talk positively to yourself while at the same time thinking of yourself as less because you think someone else is doing better than you. Comparing yourself with other people is unfair. The only person you should compete against and compare yourself to is yourself.

Pamper yourself

Treat yourself to a facial, manicure, or pedicure, take a bubble bath, get a massage, make a nice home-cooked meal, or get dressed up, even if you have nowhere to go. (Remember that saying, “Look good feel good”?)

Showing yourself some TLC can do wonders for your self-esteem.

Buy something nice

Don’t wait for other people to give you nice things. Feel free to treat yourself to a nice gift once in a while. I’m not telling you to break the bank and buy everything you want, but do buy that item you’ve had on your mind for a while. Make a plan to save up for it, and once you can, make the purchase. 

Do something your future self will thank you for

This can include eating a nutritious meal, exercising for 30 minutes a day, stretching, and drinking at least 3 liters of water each day. Do something that promotes a healthier lifestyle.

Have you done any of the things I mention in this column? What other things do you recommend for practicing self-love? Please share in the comments below. 

***

Note: Sickle Cell Anemia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Anemia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sickle cell anemia.