KARACHI: Ever thought about nurturing the longest relationship you’ve ever been in? Yes, I’m talking about the one you have with yourself. Self-love is important and here is how you can achieve it.
We spend our lives caring about the bonds we share with other people. Be it with a significant other, your parents, siblings or friends. We’re constantly trying to plant, water and grow relationships that more than often take a toll on us, unknowingly. But stop to think about it for a second: What is the point of anything in your life if it’s not bringing you joy and peace? You may have read several motivational quotes about not depending on others for your own emotional well-being. And if you ask me, I think truer words have never been spoken. And that doesn’t mean you shut people out because God knows that’s not healthy either. Humans were meant to co-exist. What it means, however, is to take a step back from time to time and think about yourself.
It’s not narcissism or selfishness, it’s called self-love. Because if you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
Here are some tips for one of those days when you just have to make yourself feel loved:
1. Go easy on yourself
This is the same as giving someone else space in a relationship. Try applying this to yourself for visible results. Let go of urgency and fear. Don’t unnecessarily push yourself into things you know aren’t meant for you at a certain point in time. Give yourself space to relax by not stressing over little things so you can then use that energy to do something else.
2. Take yourself to breakfast/lunch/dinner once in a while
You may feel nervous about doing this because you think it’s stupid to be sitting in a cafe all alone. But trust me, this is exactly the kind of nervousness you need to overcome. Go have lunch alone, carry a book with yourself to keep you company. The point is to be able to enjoy your own company and be comfortable by yourself. It will do wonders for you.
3. Live in appreciation, not awe, of yourself
Condition yourself to be grateful for your beauty, brains and brilliance. Don’t fall into the trap of being in awe of your perfect self but be realistic so you can accept and appreciate your imperfect self.
4. Treat yourself to a spa day every now and then
Make it a point to pamper yourself. Not because of any insecurities but just to feel better.
5. Maintain an idea-development journal
Just like your outer self needs pampering so does your inner self. Take five to 10 minutes everyday to meditate and be in unison with your soul.
These things may sound really out there but they’re really not that hard to. Practice them from time to time and be at peace with yourself.
This story is part of a series, Young Love, which is updated weekly. Read the previous entry here