When we think about wellness, the first things that come to mind are usually things like eating right and working out. But the truth is, wellness isn’t just about taking care of our bodies – it’s about taking care of our minds and souls too. That’s why building a healthy relationship with yourself is so important.
It might seem simple, but loving and accepting yourself for who you are is actually a pretty tough job. It takes time and effort, and a lot of self-reflection. But the payoff is huge: when you have a healthy relationship with yourself, you’ll be able to thrive in all areas of your life.
If you’ve been neglecting your relationship with yourself, it’s time to invest in it. Sometimes, we can feel guilty or selfish for prioritizing ourselves, but having a healthy self-relationship can ultimately reduce selfish behavior. It allows you to work through your needs and problems in healthy ways, which can enhance your ability to bring your best strengths, such as compassion, to your relationships with others.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for your well-being. By investing in your relationship with yourself, you’ll be better equipped to create and maintain healthy relationships with others.
So, if you’re ready to start prioritizing your mental and emotional health, keep reading! I’ve got 10 tips to help you build a better relationship with yourself.
1. Recognize Your Inner Critic
If you’re battling your inner critic, the first thing you need to do is recognize it. You may not even realize that you’re engaging in negative self-talk. Take a step back and listen to the thoughts that go through your head. Are they uplifting and positive, or do they bring you down?
Once you recognize the negative dialogue, replace it with positive self-talk. For example, instead of saying “I’m not good enough,” try saying “I’m doing the best I can.”
2. Make Decisions for Yourself
Many of us make decisions to please others, rather than ourselves. It’s easy to get caught up in what others want for us, that we forget what we want for ourselves. Making small decisions for yourself is an excellent way to reconnect with your own desires.
Choose a movie you want to watch or take a short vacation alone. When you step away from the people who influence you the most, it’s easier to make choices that are solely for you. Remember, making decisions for yourself can bring immense satisfaction and happiness.
3. Practice Gratitude for Your Physical Self
We often take our bodies for granted until something goes wrong. However, taking time to appreciate our bodies and what they do for us can help us build a healthy relationship with ourselves.
Practicing gratitude for your physical self doesn’t just involve maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. It also means taking time to appreciate the amazing systems that make up our bodies, such as our respiratory and digestive systems.
To cultivate a sense of gratitude for your physical self, consider incorporating meditation into your daily routine. Also, try using natural body care products, eating a balanced diet, and establishing a regular exercise routine.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
It’s easy to be our own worst critic. We often judge ourselves harshly and engage in negative self-talk. However, treating ourselves with the same compassion and kindness we would show a friend is crucial to building a healthy relationship with ourselves.
Next time you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk, take a step back and imagine what you would say to a friend in the same situation. You’d probably be more compassionate and supportive towards them than you are to yourself. So, why not extend the same kindness to yourself? Remember, you can’t have a good relationship with yourself if you’re constantly criticizing and judging yourself.
5. Don’t Judge Others
Let’s be honest, we all have judgmental thoughts from time to time, but it’s not something to be ashamed of. However, it’s important to understand that judging others may negatively impact your own wellbeing. It’s often an attempt to cover up your own insecurity.
Instead, try practicing kindness, including kind thoughts, towards yourself and others. This will help you become more mindful of your own thoughts and actions, and in turn, improve your relationship with yourself.
6. Spend Time Alone to Connect with Yourself
Just like you connect with your loved ones, you can also connect with yourself. Spending some alone time is a great way to cut out the noise and connect with yourself on a deeper level. You don’t have to take a solo vacation, but even a short trip or a walk in nature can be beneficial.
Try taking a drive, going on a road trip or find a nearby trail with beautiful scenery. When you’re alone, you can focus on working on your relationship with yourself, which is crucial for leading a healthy and happy life.
7. Set Boundaries and Prioritize Your Needs
Sometimes saying “no” to certain activities or requests can be challenging, especially if you’re used to prioritizing others’ needs over your own. However, checking in with yourself first and taking the time to consider your time, energy levels, and interests can help you make better decisions for yourself.
For instance, if your friends ask you to go out every day after work, and you’re exhausted from work, it’s okay to take a minute and decide whether you want to go out or stay in and rest. Setting boundaries around your time and energy, tending to your needs, and cultivating self-acceptance can help you show up fully in your relationships with others and avoid resentment.
8. Try Journaling
Journaling is an effective way to learn more about yourself and build a stronger relationship with yourself. By writing down your thoughts and emotions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your inner world. If you’re new to journaling, start by experimenting with free writing.
Simply write down whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. This can help you access your subconscious and uncover hidden thoughts and feelings. If you find it challenging to write freely, try using journal prompts to guide you. You can find plenty of prompts online, such as “What am I grateful for today?” or “What challenges am I currently facing?”
9. Practice Self-Affirmations
Self-affirmations are positive statements that help you focus on your strengths and achievements. It may feel strange at first to compliment yourself or talk about what you like about yourself, but it’s essential to building a healthy relationship with yourself. Take a few moments each day to name something you did well or something you’re proud of.
By doing this regularly, you train your brain to recognize your strengths and accomplishments, rather than your weaknesses and failures. This can have a significant impact on your self-esteem and overall sense of self-worth. You can check out our list of positive affirmations to motivate yourself every day.
