Show Yourself Some Love

It's Valentine’s Day this week-end and, whilst you may be celebrating with a special someone, it's also a time when we can focus on some self care. After all, do we not need to love ourselves first to love others fully?

You can't fill from an empty cup .... and that's why I'm sharing a list of things you can do to pamper yourself this weekend, or at any time of the year!

TEN Ways to Love Your Body Today .... and Every Day

When you do any of these things with intention and purpose, they will help you feel better in your mind, your body, and your spirit. And, let's be honest, you absolutely deserve that!

1. Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.

Being outdoors helps you relax, lightens your mood, boosts your vitamin D (if you're lucky enough to get some sunshine), and even helps with healing.

Better again: find a park or other tree-filled area, and spend at least 15 minutes enjoying nature to guarantee some soul calming.

2. Read a book.

Let us count the ways reading a book is good for you: it strengthens your brain and prevents cognitive decline, builds empathy, improves your vocabulary, reduces stress, fights depression, and helps you sleep better.

Plus, it’s linked to a longer lifespan!

If you're seeking some book inspiration,

check out Jay Shetty, Think Like a Monk.

3. Get in your workout.

You already know why! It helps lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It lifts your mood, helps reduce depression and stress, and is great for your brain too.

Plus … it strengthens your bones and muscles and can keep you feeling active and strong. It helps you sleep better; it’s linked with a better sex life, and it boosts your chances of living longer.

4. Put your hand on your heart and tell yourself, “I love you!”

Seriously, try it. Put your hand on the left side of your chest and feel your heart beating. It’s working so hard to keep you strong and alive.

Take a moment to feel gratitude for that. Then tell yourself, “I love you!” (Do it even if it feels weird!)

5. Make time for a 10-minute stretch session.

Stretching helps you feel better in so many different ways: it improves your circulation, activates the part of your body’s nervous system that helps controls rest & relaxation; and triggers the release of feel-good endorphins.

6. Listen to your favourite music.

Music has a powerful influence on our bodies AND our moods - which is why it’s important to choose upbeat songs that make you FEEL good.

For many people, music can lead to better learning, it can improve your memory, help you focus, boost your mood, ease depression and anxiety, up your energy, and help you workout longer/harder!

7. Treat yourself to a warm bath.

Studies show that a warm (not hot) bath can help you relax by reducing stress hormones in your body. Plus it’s great to help you get to sleep afterwards.

But that’s just the start of it. A warm bath also can help reduce tension in your muscles and relieve aches & pains (try adding 300 grams of Epsom salts for even more benefit).

Care: a hot soak sounds appealing but it can actually leave some people feeling dizzy, weak and mildly dehydrated. This is NOT what we are aiming for.

8. Moisturise and Massage.

A massage is a great way to reduce stress, improve circulation, energy, and even boost your immune system. And it doesn't need to be a full-on professional massage to reap the benefits. . Search out your favourite moisturiser or scented oil and set aside some time to show your body a little TLC.

9. Look through old pics that make you smile.

A little visual walk down memory lane can give you perspective and help you feel gratitude for all the amazing people you’ve met along the way not to mention all the adventures you’ve had.

10. Cook a delicious dinner of your healthy favourites.

When was the last time you treated yourself to your favourite meal? If you’re the cook in your household, chances are you usually choose foods that other people will enjoy. Tonight, choose something YOU want.

We should all take a little time, anytime, to remind ourselves how fabulous we are and just how much we LOVE our bodies!