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How to Practice Self Love

Deepa Kartha
Self love is nothing but loving oneself unconditionally. Some people may consider self love as being selfish. However, loving oneself is not selfish. In fact, it is extremely necessary for one's physical, mental and emotional well being.

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"Loving yourself isn't vanity. It is sanity." Katrina Mayer

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Why Practicing Self Love is Important?

Human beings tend to look for happiness elsewhere; it may be with a person, an event or a situation. However, true happiness comes from within. It is impossible to be happy if one does not love oneself.

Ways to Practice Self Love
Practicing self-love may not come easily, especially if we have spent years thinking negatively about ourselves. Still, with consistence practice and efforts, it is possible to give yourself the love you truly deserve.

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While some of these practices may seem superficial, all of them are important, as the result would be true and pure love for yourself.

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“I am learning to love myself. It is the hardest thing I have ever done.” - Anonymous

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Self-Love Ritual
Even if you are leading the busiest life, take some time to pamper yourself. You can do it early in the morning or late at night.
Switch off all electronic devices and do something for yourself. It could be meditation, journaling or a skin care routine. In short, anything that gives you the chance to focus on yourself.

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Take Care of Your Body
Self-love is not just about feeding your soul, but also your body, an integral part of your being. Go for a walk, hit the gym, run around your neighborhood or sign up for a dance class, anything that makes you happy.

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Taking care of your body also means eating right. Cut out the junk and eat nutritious food: foods that nurture your body.

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Find Time for What You Love
It is easy to forget about the things you love to do when you are getting things done and taking care of others. The first step to self-love is to find time to do something that you love.

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It could be anything from reading a book to taking up a new hobby. Dedicate some time every week to do something that would satisfy your soul.

Get Rid of Negative People

People who always put you down with their words or actions do not deserve to be a part of your life. It is best to stay away from them. If this is not possible, learn to tune them off.

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Love Yourself first, and everything falls into place. - Lucille Ball

Channelize Your Inner Voice

To keep negative thoughts and the voices of negative people at bay, it is important to channelize your inner thoughts. Whenever you feel your thoughts are turning negative, just shout stop.
Once you put a stop to it, channelize your thoughts towards something that is positive. This may take time and may seem unnatural in the beginning. But with practice, it would become your natural thoughts.

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Keep Your Well-Wishers Close
Surround yourself with friends and family who only have good things to say about you. Keep them close and talk to them regularly, especially after a rough day, so that their positive thought about you enters your mind and stays with you.

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Stop Comparing Yourself

It becomes easy to compare your life with those around you. However, it is important to remember that you are a unique person, and there is no one else like you in the world. Stop comparing and competing with others.

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The concept of perfection is overrated. No one can excel in everything. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. It is necessary to accept one's flaws to love oneself unconditionally.

Accept Yourself

Forgive Yourself

It is our tendency to berate our self when we fail or make a mistake. True self love happens only when you love yourself even when things go wrong.

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“You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company." - Diane Von Furstenberg