5 Ways To Improve Your Relationship With Yourself

Having a positive and nurturing relationship with yourself is essential for our well-being. Here are five ways to start improving your relationship with yourself.

1. Practice Self-Compassion

 We can be our harshest critic. In my previous blog post I wrote about the ‘good time friend’ analogy. Notice when this may be coming up and practice responding to yourself with the same understanding that you would offer a friend. Replace harsh words with kindness and remind yourself that it's okay to not be ok all the time.

2. Set Boundaries

 Setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary are crucial for your mental health. You cannot live up to everyone’s expectation and perception of you, especially if it does not align with how you see yourself. It’s not selfish to prioritize your needs; it is self-care. Saying no can feel uncomfortable, but so does resentment! Having clear boundaries will bring out the best version of you.

3. Engage in Activities You Love

 Take time to discover what brings you joy. Whether it’s painting, hiking, reading, or dancing, find what you love and make time for it. Having a hobby is a great way to reconnect with your inner child.

4. Meditate

 Meditation is a great way to begin a deeper connection with yourself. It can help you become more aware of your inner world and it’s free! You do not have to change your life to meditate, but it will change your life. Just 5-10mins a day can help reduce stress. Give it a try.

5. Celebrate Yourself

 Most of the work we do for ourselves will not be seen by others. You must celebrate yourself. Take time to celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Reflecting on your accomplishments help motivate you to keep pushing forward. Journal 5 things you love about yourself, vision boards are also a great way of being your own cheerleader too.

Remember that improving your relationship with yourself requires patience, practice, and a lot of self-love. As the saying goes, ‘growth is a dance not a light switch’. Just keep moving.