5 Daily Routines to Practice Self-Love

Many of us are no stranger to loving things and other people, but when it comes to loving ourselves, we sometimes forget to take the time to bring that love back into our own hearts, minds and bodies. I believe that a large part of self-love is about consistency and intention. Each of us can cultivate inner peace and love through daily routines. Below, I will share with you 5 habits that I have been implementing into my life over the years to provide you with some inspiration. Self-love practices look different to every individual, so take some time to consider what your values are, and what you wish to incorporate in your own life.

 

1. Reading

Reading enriches our minds, broadens our horizons, and allows us to adapt to new challenges and opportunities throughout our lives.
Over the past few months, I’ve been making an active effort to listen to Audiobooks while walking, driving or taking the train. A recent non-fiction favourite has been “Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't” by Jim Collins, which is based on thorough research, shedding light on great leadership and how some companies create a culture of sustainable success over the long-term. And of course, there is nothing like a good fiction book, which can transport us to a different world, allowing for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. I usually prefer to read as opposed to listen to these, as I find this further ignites my imagination. An added benefit of reading fiction before bed is that is can improve quality of sleep!

 

2. Housekeeping & Gardening

A clean and clutter-free home can positively impact mental well-being. It creates a more relaxing and stress-free atmosphere, making it easier to unwind and maintain a positive mindset. When the living space is well-maintained, we also tend to be more productive.
My fiancé and I have recently moved into a new house together, and are now presented with many decisions on decorating, renovating, and general housekeeping practices. Having previously lived together in a downtown condo, all the additional space makes for countless possibilities. I am working on making our new space feel more like our own – furnishing it in a way that makes us feel happy, inspired and comfortable. One new addition for us is the outdoor garden. I am slowly getting acquainted with the plants that surround us, with the help of PictureThis – an amazing app for identifying plants, spotting plant diseases, and learning the appropriate care your plants need. Taking care of a garden can be such a fulfilling and therapeutic activity, giving you a chance to relieve stress and get a good dose of vitamin D.


3. Daily walks

For the past couple of years, I have gotten into the habit of going for daily walks. Whether it be to a destination, or simply to get some fresh air, a day does not feel complete until I get at least 15-20 minutes in. Whenever I feel stuck or stagnant, I try to step out to get to the blood flowing. I’m sure we’ve all heard about the countless health benefits of regular physical activity – weight management, a boosted immune system, improved mental health and cognitive function to name a few. Some days, I include more intense physical activity, but I’ve found walking to be a reliable way to get consistent movement into my daily routine. Whether it is walking, running, swimming, or anything else you can do to get your body moving, doing it consistently will inevitably lead to sustainable health benefits and improve your overall quality of life.


4. Cooking and learning new recipes

Cooking is a fundamental skill with numerous benefits beyond simply preparing meals. It gives us a chance to have full control over the ingredients that we use, so that we can rest assured that we are making healthy food choices. Pre-packaged food can have surprising amounts of additives, preservatives, salt and sugar; cooking from scratch allows us to avoid or keep these to a minimum. Cooking at home can also be more cost-effective – especially in the long term. Furthermore, preparing a delicious meal can bring a sense of accomplishment, provide a platform for experimentation, create social bonding, and reduce food waste. My fiancé and I consistently go for a major grocery run on the weekends, and try to always have some food prepared in advance. I am usually inspired by recipes that have been passed down in our families, and have recently been experimenting with new recipes from the Magnolia Table.


5. Investing in a creative outlet

Those of us who identify as creatives will relate to the need for having a creative outlet. Whether or not we use our creative skills in our careers, it’s important to take time for ourselves and explore our unique skills through side projects.
While I have always loved taking photos, it is not until earlier this year that I got the idea to take it to the next level. The idea sparked joy, and I knew it was something I had to take a leap of faith on. Photography to me is a creative outlet that allows me to express my vision and challenges me as a creator. The more I explore the possibilities that this endeavour can bring, the more I am motivated to continue.

 


 

In conclusion, we can all create a life filled with love and fulfillment by setting out clear intentions, cultivating a growth mindset, embracing lifelong learning, nurturing self-compassion, and staying consistent in your efforts. Remember, self-love is not a destination but a continuous, lifelong process. As you take these steps, you'll not only enrich your own life but also inspire and uplift those around you, fostering a ripple effect of positive change in the world.  

 

 

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