10 Top Tips For Self-Love

In a world where we're constantly bombarded with ridiculous and unrealistic beauty standards, it can be hard to feel beautiful. 

Being able to self-love is fundamental to being comfortable in your own skin – and after all, how can you expect other people to love you if you can't love yourself? 

Low self-esteem comes in many shapes and sizes, and it isn't always about the way we look.  It's about confidence, self-belief, positivity, our outlook and so much more. 

Read on to learn our top-tips for some serious self-loving, confidence boosting changes you should be making today!

1. Eat well 

They say you are what you eat.  So think about what you're putting into your body.  Have you ever gorged on pizza and cake, and it seemed like such a great idea at the time, but left you lay on the sofa in a state of food coma? We're not suggesting you give up all your treats, but try sticking to a balanced diet as best as you can, fill yourself up on nutrient rich foods including fresh vegetables and lean protein – fuel your body right, and you'll notice a difference to your energy levels and your mood.

2. Stop comparing yourself to others 

That girl you work with has just landed herself her dream job, your best friend has just got engaged, that girl at the gym is drop dead gorgeous!  We're all guilty of measuring ourselves against other people, but it's so important to be your own benchmark.  There is no one size fits all approach to life, there is no single right path for everyone.  We are the creators of our own success and we carve out our own destinies.  Stop chasing an ideal that doesn't exist, and concentrate on your own goals.

3. Exercise 

We all know someone on a gruelling training schedule that they detest, but they persevere with it because they hate their bodies.  Don't be that girl.  Exercise is fantastic for keeping our bodies in check, but it's also a fantastic mood and energy booster, so enjoy it!  Explore different exercises and find something you love – be it swimming, climbing, hula hooping, dog walking – your options are endless.  Exercise is a real stress buster, and doing it regularly will help to make you feel fitter, stronger and more powerful – you may even surprise yourself at what your amazing body is capable of.  Find something you enjoy and you won't find it a chore.

4. You define beauty 

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Ask around and you'll find that no one person defines beauty in the same way.  Check out #OurPinkStories on Instagram where our friends share their stories about the beautiful people in their lives.  It's a cliché, but beauty isn't all about looks.  It's can be about confidence, kindness, happiness.  Pick three people in your life and ask yourself why they're beautiful to YOU.

5. Give yourself a pat on the back 

Maybe you reached your goal weight, you saved up enough money for that holiday – or maybe you got out of bed on time, or plucked up the courage to go for that promotion.  Recognise your accomplishments, take pride in your achievements, and you'll see your confidence soar in no time!

6. YES YOU CAN! 

Think positive.  Rid yourself of that nagging negative niggle at the back of your mind.  Go for that job, ask that person out.  What's the worst that can happen?  If you think more positive, you'll put more energy into your actions, you'll be more confident - if you're more confident, people will believe in your abilities.  If you don't get it this time, learn from it, and try again next time - but if you don't try you'll never know!

7. Be kind 

It should really go without saying, but be kind. Kindness is contagious, be nice to people and they'll be nice to you.  Being a nice and kind person will make you feel more positive about yourself happiness shines don't you know!

8. Preparation is key 

Got an exam coming up?  An interview?  A competition?  If you go in fully prepared you'll feel so much more confident about it.  Keep calm, be prepared and always stay positive.  Follow that mantra and you can't go wrong.

9. Surround yourself with love 

It's easy to feel bad about yourself when you spend your time with people who treat you badly.   Make an effort to spend time with people who love you and treat you how you deserve to be treated.

10. Write a list 

Take some time to think about you.  What do you love about yourself?  What are you good at?  What do people compliment you on?  If you struggle, why not ask a friend to help you – you may be surprised; sometimes the things we dislike about ourselves are the quirks people love us for. 

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