1. Take Care of Yourself- This is SO important! When you take care of your body by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet you help to regulate hormones in your body which directly correlates to your mood and overall well-being. Additionally, try to create a time during they day to focus on just you. This could be taking time to watch a favorite show, observing nature, journaling, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, giving yourself an at home facial, doing a puzzle, or just simply something YOU enjoy doing.
2. Mindfulness- This means bringing awareness to your thoughts, feelings, what we are doing and why we are doing it without being overly reactive or underwhelmed. This will allow you to be aware of what you think, feel and want. Mindfulness is something that takes practice and can be improved over time.
3. Forgive Yourself- Allow yourself to be human! We all make mistakes. Next time you find yourself in a situation where you have made a mistake, take a moment to acknowledge the feeling, ask yourself what you would say to a loved one if they were in the situation-- then practice saying that to yourself. If you learn from your mistakes, that is not a failure, rather a lesson learned!
4. Positive Affirmations- We often give others compliments and recognition, but tend to forget giving ourselves the same. Try to compliment, and provide recognition to yourself each day.
5. Stop Comparing- We live in a society of "perfection". We see photo shopped ad's and social media posts promoting everything positive happening in someone's life, but we hardly see imperfection, someone's low or bad day. It is easy to slip into a wave of self comparison, which can lead to insecurity and self loathing. To combat this, practice tip # 3 mindfulness. Additionally, find gratitude in your life. Each morning and night, name at least one thing you are grateful for.