8 commandments for loving yourself
If you’re looking for the magic bullet to happiness, it can be found within. By loving yourself unconditionally, many of life’s problems fall away.
Sound too simple? Maybe it is, but it works. Many people find that when they give themselves a break and take time to look after themselves, they find they have enough money, they are surrounded by good people, and they start achieving whatever they set their mind to. Here’s how it’s done.
1. Turn off the negative inner voice
If you give yourself a hard time about the state of your thighs, or you keep telling yourself that you don’t deserve the job you have or the happiness that you enjoy – you will start to believe that you aren’t worthy. Turn this around by flipping the negative voice on its head. You are enough. You are strong and capable. Then you can start to believe it.
2. Let go of past hurts
Holding onto pain from the past doesn’t get you anywhere. Accept that you made the best of your situation and know that with your greater knowledge from the experience you have become a better person.
3. Stop worrying
If you lie awake at night worrying about all the terrible things that could happen, you are wasting precious time. Worrying doesn’t solve any problems, it only creates more. So spend time thinking about your life and what you need to do to improve it, but don’t agonise over the small details.
4. Treat yourself like a friend
You wouldn’t tell your friend that they were hopeless or incompetent, so don’t say it to yourself either. Being patient and kind with yourself is a gentle way towards loving yourself.
5. Accept help and support
We can accomplish so much more as a group, so don’t be shy about reaching out to others to seek (and offer) help. It shows that you are strong enough to know your own weaknesses.
6. Be aware of old habits
So much of what we do each day is based on habit. But just because you’ve always eaten junk food or smoked too much doesn’t mean it needs to continue. Give yourself time to work on kicking any bad habits to put you in a healthier state.
7. Start moving
Find an activity that you enjoy that will encourage you to exercise regularly without it becoming a chore. Learn to see exercise as a way to improve your mental health as well as your physical self.
8. Add some fun to your life
Think about the things that make you happy, and compare this to a list of things that you do regularly. Be sure that your life includes some fun as this keeps you young at heart and in a positive frame of mind. When you smile, you bring love and warmth into your life.
Have you got any more tips for Over60 readers who want to enjoy the benefits that come from self-love? We would love to hear your ideas in the comments.
Related links:
25 ways to be happier (and why your relationship depends on it)
How to tell people about your divorce
Why some people take breakups harder than others