Self-love sounds so simple yet is so difficult. We encounter so much turmoil in our lives and we tend to internalize and think that we are the problem. It takes away from our self-love and self-worth. Here are 9 tips to help lift your spirits and increase self-love:

1. Spend time with yourself: You may think “ I don’t like to be a lone, it’s boring to spend time with myself”. I’m here to remind you that spending time alone doesn’t have to be spending endless hours by yourself. It could be as little as spending 10 minutes everyday listening to your favorite music or taking a short walk and enjoying nature.
2. Pick a hobby: Have you been wanting to start a hobby and kept saying “I don’t have the time or the money”. It’s time to invest in yourself and find something you have been wanting to do. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. It could be as simple as learning to cook a new meal or practicing 15-20 minutes of yoga.
3. Be kind to yourself: We often become so critical of ourselves and set unrealistic expectations. Be kind to yourself like you would toward your friends or strangers. Be the best friend you wish you had.
4. Nourish your body: Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Try to be mindful of what you put in your body and remember to keep hydrated.
5. Pamper yourself: Taking yourself out on a date is never a bad idea. You might enjoy fishing, getting a massage, a facial, manicure and a pedicure. Whatever it is that you find exhilarating. If none of that is appealing to you, there is nothing wrong with asking a friend to join you.
6. It’s okay to make mistakes: It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. The hardest lessons tend to be the most valuable. Scrutinizing yourself will only bring you down. Remind yourself that you’re a human and it’s totally okay to make mistakes.
7. Volunteer in your community: Giving back is another way to express gratitude and discover great qualities about yourself to love and cherish.
8. It’s okay to say “no”: We all want to be liked and it gets really hard to disappoint others. However, sometimes you need to say “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to do this but maybe next time”. Remember you cannot pour from an empty cup.
9. Compliment yourself: There is a misconception out there that if you compliment yourself, you are arrogant or conceited. Using words of affirmation towards yourself is appreciating your qualities. So, take a moment to compliment yourself everyday.