Spring Cleaning: Learning to Love Yourself

The shift between seasons is the perfect time to do some “spring cleaning,” both in our homes and our bodies. If you developed some less-than-desirable habits over the winter, now’s the time to reset your routines.

Mental clarity correlates with the tidiness of the space around us. Maintaining a clean home can improve wellbeing; similarly, when we take care of our minds, it’s easier to take care of our space. By shifting our focus to self-love and care, we can move into spring with healthier minds and bodies—as well as cleaner closets!

What does it mean to love yourself? (+ ten ways to do it)

What is self-love and why is it crucial to personal growth and wellness?

While not always easy, with some practice you can begin to appreciate the unique things that make you –you! Loving yourself should come naturally, but it often takes practice and a shift in perspective.  While not always easy, with some work you can begin to appreciate the unique things that make you you! Here are our top ten suggestions for ways to explore self-care:

1. Accept yourself. Everyone is different, and the variances that come with each person make the world an interesting and stimulating place. Think about what makes you stand out and embrace your unique interests, characteristics, and assets.
2. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has different strengths. Lean into yours to access your innate power, and explore the challenges associated with your weaknesses to learn more about yourself.
3. Treat yourself…with kindness, compassion, and respect. You may benefit from a spa day, but prioritizing yourself every day in small, meaningful ways is more important to your overall wellbeing. End the night with an aromatherapy bath, and thank your body for carrying you through each stressful day—stretch marks, sore feet, and all.
4. Set healthy boundaries. If you give your all in one-sided relationships, there won’t be anything left of you. Engage with people who want to fill your cup, too. Here are 14 ways to say “no” politely.
5. Be true to yourself. When you make commitments to yourself, be accountable. If you don’t prioritize you, odds are, no one else will, either. Being there for yourself teaches others how to be there for you, too.
6. Achieve self-fulfillment. No, you don’t have to be a Buddha or master this concept completely. Just take time to ponder the importance of finding peace within, rather than needing constant external validation. While other people do play a role in our happiness, the key is to rely first on yourself.
7. Prioritize your health—physical and mental. As they say on an airplane, you must put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. To ensure you’re ready and able to serve in your roles of parent, caregiver, employee, friend, etc., engage in daily activities and habits that support your physical and mental wellbeing. *Reminder—it’s probably time to schedule that dental checkup!
8. Strive for personal growth. If you’re not learning or experiencing something new, are you really alive? Move closer to your full potential—-professionally and personally. Sign up for a class, go on a retreat, or journal about your dreams and desires for the future.
9. Seek joy. Run, jump, play, and do whatever makes you feel happy and alive. Go outdoors, move your body, clear your mind. Research shows that green space, whether a park, a garden, or a forest hike, lowers stress and is good for mental health.^[1]
10. Practice affirmations. Yes, they actually work. According to this study, positive self-affirmations can restore self-competence, help you reflect on self-worth, and identify your core values.^[2]

Related Content: 5 OUT-OF-THE-BOX SELF CARE IDEAS

How Can You Learn to Love Yourself?

Unfortunately, self-love is not a skill we’re all proficient in. The good news is that with some dedication and practice, you can honor and respect yourself from the inside out. Using the “housekeeping” ideas above, you can learn to take better care of and truly love yourself.

Remember to keep your health and wellness at the forefront of your daily routine. Stay hydrated, get restful sleep, fill your body with nutrient-dense whole foods, and get some exercise. Meet with your integrative doctor and discuss which dietary supplements might be best for your unique needs and lifestyle.

Nip the negative self-talk in the bud. Reframe old ways of thinking into new, positive statements. Change “I don’t have time to cook at home” to “I’m excited to prioritize my family’s health by learning to cook with whole foods.”

Work on setting boundaries, particularly with friends or family members who may feel draining to be around. Limit the time and energy you spend on difficult relationships and on ones that feel more balanced.

If you don’t follow our top ten list perfectly, don’t worry! It’s okay to stumble, fall, and even relax on the ground for a bit before getting back up and facing the day. Any progress is worthwhile, and the benefits of simply trying will edge you closer to the future of your dreams.

Takeaway

If you think self-care is a luxury, think again. If you don’t make time for your health, you will be forced to address potential health issues later. By prioritizing your own physical and mental wellness each day, you can enjoy the journey with more energy and better moods.

Spring promises new beginnings, and this optimistic, hopeful time of year is the perfect moment to release toxic, negative ways of being and create fresh, healthy habits instead. Are you ready? Let’s get cleaning.