Every once in a while, I find myself needing a reminder on how to best practice self love. In this article, we are going to talk about some of my favorite ways to prioritize yourself during a season that demands so much of us. From talking to a therapist or a<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/"> peer counselor</a> to just getting yourself a little treat, there are so many ways to join the self love club.&nbsp;The BasicsI am sure you’ve heard this a million times before. Taking care of yourself is super important. That may seem like a simple sentiment. But, it can be so hard to do the little things sometimes. Below, I made you a little checklist for basic things you can do every day to show yourself you are worth the time.&nbsp;<h2>Self Love Checklist: The Basics</h2><ul><li>I brushed my teeth this morning!</li><li>I washed my face!</li><li>I drank a glass of water when I woke up!</li><li>I made my bed!</li><li>I took the time to make myself a nourishing meal!</li><li>I went outside!</li><li>I went to bed at a time that will let my body and mind recover!</li></ul><h3>Why Does This Matter</h3>Beyond just maintaining your health, the basics make a HUGE difference. One of my favorite podcasters and scientists, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hubermanlab.com/">Andrew Huberman</a>, emphasizes how important it is to get outside for 5-10 minutes every day to activate the dopamine system in your brain. Drinking water <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cnet.com/health/mental/heres-why-drinking-water-is-the-key-to-good-mental-health/">boosts serotonin production and mood</a>. Making your bed gives you a sense of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/brain-candy/201208/make-your-bed-change-your-life">control and order</a>. The little things have a major impact on your mental wellness.&nbsp;I know these seem like simple things, and to read them in a checklist may feel a little patronizing. But there are days when I don’t do these things, either because I don’t have time or I don’t have the motivation. I end up feeling absolutely terrible! There is no shame in taking stock in what you’re actually doing to maintain your health and wellness and reap the benefits right away.&nbsp;Some of my favorite habit tracking apps are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://streaksapp.com/">Streaks</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dailyhabits.xyz/habit-tracker-app/habit-tracker-simple-goal-app">DailyHabit,</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/habit-tracker-simple-goal-app/id6451455552">Habit Tracker</a>. These can help you integrate the basics into your daily routine.&nbsp;Self Love MaintenanceNow that we have covered the basics, we will discuss two more ways I maintain self love: caring for my physical and mental health.&nbsp;<h2>Cultivating Self Love By Staying Active</h2>One of the items on our basic self love checklist is getting outside. As a basic item, this could be anything from going for a walk to standing outside in the&nbsp; sun. To take our self-love practices to the next level, we find time to move, especially outside. This shows our body how much we love and care for it.&nbsp;Going for a walk is the most accessible form of outdoor activity. Even a short 20 minute walk has major benefits. But what if going for a walk isn’t cutting it? Here are a few more ideas on how to stay active outdoors.<ul><li>Winter Exercise: In the darker season, this includes skiing or snowboarding. And to take outdoor walks to the next level, snowshoeing too. In snowy areas, it seems hard to get outside sometimes. But enjoying the brisk air and beautiful snow can feel amazing.</li><li>Hiking: Summer hikes, obviously, take the cake. But your favorite hike outside looks completely different in the winter than in the summer. This new perspective can make worn out trails seem completely new. </li><li>Blue light exercise: No, this is not the blue light from your laptop that I am sure you’re getting plenty of. This type of blue light is the lighting just before the sun comes up (which is, upsettingly, pretty late into the morning during the winter). Exercising in the blue light makes a special occasion out of dark mornings. During the summer, enjoying the early sunrise can start your day on the right foot.</li></ul>When I stop being active, whether it be because I feel depressed or because I don’t have the time, I feel way worse. Being active is such a powerful form of self love and gives us those sweet sweet endorphins. Our bodies deserve all the love we can give them. Getting outside and moving is one of my favorite ways to honor all that my body can do.&nbsp;<h2>Taking Stock of Our Mental Health as a Self Love Practice</h2>You may be thinking to yourself “everyone I know is a little depressed right now, so how I feel is normal.” Fair enough- I have those thoughts too. But taking care of our mental health is a huge piece of self love. From when we are feeling “a little depressed right now” to when we are completely happy.Below, I’ve outlined some ways that I look after my mental health. If you’re interested in any of these, I’ve added some links where you can learn more!<ul><li>Therapy: This has helped my mental health journey so much. To be honest, it took me a little too long to start therapy but now I am so happy I go. I was lucky to find a great therapist in my insurance network, too. To find a therapist in your network, you can<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mhanational.org/finding-therapy"> click here</a>! To read more therapy resources, our resource list is<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.peers.net/resource-links/"> here</a>.&nbsp; </li><li>Certified Peer Support Specialist: I also talk to a peer support specialist about my mental health. I LOVE peer support. Peer support connects me with another 20-something who has experienced a similar mental health journey to me. Therapy is amazing, but it is so nice to talk with someone who I can actually relate to. You can learn more and browse amazing supporter options<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/"> here</a>!</li><li>Limit Screen Time: This has been a huge one for me recently. It is so easy, especially when you’re not feeling mentally or physically well, to sit and scroll on your phone. I’ve noticed that this makes me feel a lot worse because of the social media comparison spiral. I now have tried to replace social media with a new hobby (where are my crocheters in the room!) and I feel so much better. </li><li>Mindfulness and Meditation: I am new to meditation, but it has been such a great tool in my mental health toolbox. I love<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.headspace.com/"> headspace,</a> but there are so many great options out there. If you’re just starting out, remember that meditation is a practice. It may take a few repeated sessions to feel a difference. Try to stick with it!</li></ul>The Extra MileOnce I know I have my basics and my mental and physical health in a good place, I like to treat myself. Below, I’ve added my favorite self love activities.&nbsp;<ul><li>The Solo Date: I love taking myself out on a date. If there is a new coffee shop or restaurant I’ve been wanting to try, I get dressed up and go on a little adventure. This makes me feel intentional about my time alone and really enjoy it. It’s also a great opportunity to self love journal or read, which are two of my favorite little self love activities.</li><li>The DIY Day: As I mentioned before, I may or may not have picked up a crochet obsession to help me get through some rough patches. This hobby has shown me how fun it is to make something with your hands. This could be anything from painting to crochet to jewelry making, it is so fun to get messy and make something new.</li><li>The Spa Night: This is a tried and true classic that helps me feel a little extra loved. For me, a spa night includes taking a long bath or shower and using all my favorite products. Then, I relax with a face mask. Spa night doesn’t have to be expensive. You can use products you already have. You can also make a face mask using ingredients already in your kitchen. Have fun with it!</li></ul>Self Love as a JourneyThe road to loving yourself is different for everyone. For me, I know if I am completing my basics and know my mental, physical, and emotional health is in check, I am on the right track. When I sprinkle in fun activities like a solo date or a spa night, I appreciate how I am taking the time for just myself. In doing that, I feel closer to loving myself even during a tough period.&nbsp;The good news? Winter or summer,&nbsp; you can love yourself in every season.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hannah Johns

How to Practice Self Love When You’re Feeling A Little Rough

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