10 Steps to Practice the Art of Self Love

I think we should all practice the art of self love as it will ultimately make us a better person…

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, divorced, or anything in between, Valentines day (and any other day) should be also about loving yourself!

To quote a fellow boudoir photographer, Christa Meola:

“Loving yourself can seem like a vague idea, indulgent or even unnecessary. But it’s vital. Putting self love into practice and creating habits that fill you up is key to a fulfilled life. Daily self love will make you a better human, mother, wife… a better you”

We should all do little things that make us feel powerful, motivated and inspired every day. Being a boudoir and portrait photographer motivates me to inspire and empower women into feeling good about themselves, and that’s what my Gorgeous You shoots are all about. Wear what you want to wear, be who you want to be, as long as it makes you feel good!

Here are some tips on how to practice some self love and be a happier you…

1. Book time for yourself in your diary

I’m the sort of person who has to book stuff in the diary for everything, otherwise it doesn’t often get done as life gets in the way. Things like going to the gym, having half an hour of ‘you time’ to read a book or have a relaxing bath.

2. Talk to yourself in your mind like you would talk to a friend out loud

It’s so easy to think negative thoughts about ourselves, like when we look in the mirror and tell ourselves “ugh I look so ugly today” or “I look so fat in this top” – you’d never say that to a friend would you?! So start telling yourself the good things that a friend would say about you. Get rid of those bad thoughts!

3. Make a dream board

Make a collage of positive images and dreams / goals that motivate you and inspire you. Put it somewhere you’ll see it before going to bed and when you wake up, like in your bedroom or bathroom.

4. If at first you don’t succeed, keep going until you do

I’m a firm believer in practice makes perfect, and there’s nothing more satisfying than overcoming your fears or doubts and succeeding in something you’ve put a lot of time and effort in to doing until you get it right. If others can do it, I can! You can do anything you put your mind to if you want it badly enough.

5. Read the Goddess revolution by Mel Wells

Mel’s book, The Goddess Revolution, is all about learning to love your body enough to feed it nourishing good food that makes you feel good and look good. Mel talks about how you can have a healthy, satisfying and guilt-free relationship with your body without any dieting or strict regimes. If you have an unhealthy relationship with food, it’s well worth a read.

We are the experts of our own health, and we’re choosing to love yourselves right now – not 10lbs from now– Mel Wells

6. Don’t apologise for being yourself or the things you love

How many times have you called something a ‘guilty pleasure’? You shouldn’t feel guilty about little things in life that you love, whether it’s a trashy tv program, a yummy treat or preferring something a certain way. That’s what makes us all unique! We should be who we want to be and not worry about what other people think.

7. Do things that make you feel powerful and motivated

For me, it’s listening to some good music (that I think is good, not what others think is good!) – I have a ‘feel good’ playlist for these times, and I’m listening to it right now. Also going to a good class at the gym, like body combat, makes me feel powerful and motivated because it’s a group of mostly women all kicking and punching thin air to a great playlist! Great to let off some steam and get the adrenaline flowing! Or it could be simply reading an inspirational quote of the day.

8. Take a look at every day rituals and give them new meaning

What do you already do in life that you don’t give much thought to? Things like taking a bath… instead of having a bath because that’s what you do before bed, actually put some thought into making it a nice relaxing experience, like lighting some candles and putting some music on. Also cooking dinner… you do it because you have to eat, right? But why not put some music on while cooking, take some time to present the food nicely on your place, and savour every mouthful instead of just shovelling it down.

9. Be ok with saying no sometimes

Some people I know are people pleasers – we say yes to people just to please them, when in reality, we don’t really want to. Now don’t just start getting all selfish, but sometimes it’s ok to do what’s right for you instead of sacrificing your own happiness just to please other people. What’s the point of doing things that are going to make you unhappy? And don’t feel guilty for saying no, tell yourself it’s for your own good and that’s ok!

10. Reward yourself for reaching your goals

Even if it’s just for completing your to-do list today – when you write a to-do list, also add what your reward will be if you complete it all. A reward for getting a promotion at work might be a little bigger, like going on holiday… A reward for getting to your goal weight / fitness might be to book one of my Gorgeous You photo shoots! You should always try and balance out work with pleasure.

Do you have any other tips for practicing self love? If so I’d love to hear them! Please send me a little message on Facebook or contact me through the website and I may add them to this blog or create a new one!

Thank you so much for reading, I hope it’s helped you 🙂 Please share with anyone else you know who might benefit from a few self love tips!

Ginny x