Self-love is important in so many ways that I can’t even count. The more you love yourself, the better you’ll take care of yourself. Self-love impacts your health, self-esteem, self-confidence, and success.

When you love yourself, you make yourself a priority. You deserve nothing less. And you know what they say, self-love is the best love.

I’ve struggled with self-love tremendously during my childhood up through high school. Some things are better left unsaid but for the most part, the troubling events I’ve gone through have helped me become the person I am today.

I honestly think if I haven’t gone through half of the things I’ve gone through, then I’d still be a complete mess. So I’m grateful for my past.

I finally learned the true value of self-love and you must do too.

So. How can you practice self-love?

1. Remember your victories.

View yourself in a positive light more often rather than in a negative one. One of the easiest ways to do this is to remember your achievements. These achievements can be anything from graduation day, receiving a promotion on the job, winning a basketball game, receiving an award, etc.

Most people spend plenty of time remembering their failures. Try doing the opposite for a while and see what happens! I say this because when you focus on your failures, you are only shadowing yourself with pure negativity. That will make you feel the opposite of loving yourself.

2. Be a good friend.

You know how to be a good friend, but there are times that you’re not. I even been there and done that so let’s not act innocent here. Sometimes life gets in the way of things that affect our behaviors in friendships. But don’t be afraid to patch things up if things get a little rocky in a friendship.

When you are a good friend to someone, you are more than likely to feel good about yourself. This will also improve the way your friends view and treat you, too. Everyone wins when you decide to be a good friend.

3. Forgive yourself.

You’ve made a few mistakes. Who hasn’t? However, it’s time to forgive yourself. Give yourself a break. You would do the same for someone you care about, so do it for yourself. Don’t you agree? That’s what self-love is all about. When you’re too hard on yourself, you are not opening yourself to self-love.

Love yourself enough to forgive yourself for your mistakes and move on.

For my overachievers out there, I know this is a hard task for you to do. Note to self. Just give yourself a break and be gentle because no one on this earth is perfect, not even you.

4. Pursue what you need rather than what you want.

What you want is rarely what you need. Once you’ve taken care of your needs, you’ll be in a better position to acquire what you want. Satisfying your needs is a prime example of self-love. I say this because you’re putting yourself and your needs first and this is key to practicing self-love.

5. Get in shape.

Take care of your body. When you’re eating poorly and not getting enough exercise, you’re harming yourself. This isn’t a good example of self-love. Show yourself that you take your health seriously. You’re loving yourself every time you eat a healthy meal or exercise your body.

I recently started walking again and I already feel better on the inside. It’s the little things that count.

6. Appreciate your uniqueness.

We tend to be embarrassed about our qualities, skills, or abilities that are unique. However, the most valuable parts of you are those that are different from others. With that being said, appreciate who you are.

And remember, being unique is like being different. That’s good because it establishes an identity that no one else has.

You are beautiful inside and out, my friend!

7. Practice gratitude.

Be grateful for your body, mind, and uniqueness. Be grateful for everything in your life. Your life is better than you think. You are better than you think. Be grateful, and you’ll start to believe that you deserve more love from yourself.

A gratitude journal is a great way to help you practice self-love and cultivate positivity. It can help you focus on being grateful and returning kindness. This journal also comes with beautifully printed quotes inside.

Once you are in a routine of practicing gratitude and finding joy in everything, you will want to spread that joy and pay it forward to others!

8. Be as kind to yourself as you would be to anyone else.

To be kinder to others than you are to yourself is just showing everyone, including yourself, that you don’t respect yourself. At the end of the day, there’s no one looking out for you. You’ll have to take on this responsibility yourself.

Why would you be kind to others but treat yourself like crap? By the way, how you speak to yourself matters.

Incorporate Self-Love Into Your Daily Life

Self-love is an important part of your self-development. Without self-love, your success and happiness face a huge obstacle. Self-love is also key for mental health and well-being, keeping your anxiety and depression at ease.

Self-love is a skill that can be developed. It’s also the result of an effective set of habits. Set aside some time each day to build your self-esteem and self-love. Your life will be better for it.