6 self-love practices to feel like a babe
We hear about self-love all the time but it doesn't always feel that actionable. Thanks a lot, random Buzzfeed article, but I don't exactly have time for a bubble bath four times a week.
That's why I wanted to write down six ways that I personally practice self-love in a way that makes sense for me and my lifestyle and then share them with my favorite humans (you!).
1. Reframe or replace your limiting beliefs
Limiting beliefs are stories we tell ourselves that keep us from being our most awesome. And we usually think them a lot. They often become a habit. And our habits of thinking produce our results.
If we're constantly calling ourselves names and comparing ourselves to other women, we will not produce positive results.
Ask yourself—what stories do I hear that make me feel like I am less than? Some examples of limiting beliefs include:
That looks great on her but I could never pull it off
I don't deserve to invest in myself
I’m not feminine enough
I’m not worthy of feeling confident
I'm not pretty or thin enough
What limiting beliefs do you carry with you? Make sure you actually write it down. By writing it down you externalize it, and then you’re free to evaluate it.
Then, reject or reframe the limiting belief. It could be a straight swap, such as: I’m not worthy → I am worth feeling confident and beautiful.
Now you can reorient yourself toward your new belief. Even if you don’t fully believe it yet, keep it right in front of you. Write it down and hang it in your closet. It might feel uncomfortable at first. It might even feel like a lie. But keep repeating it. It will become your new truth.
2. Dress your body with kindness and respect
Let's talk kindness. Be nice when you try on clothes. This is one of our favorite times to completely tear ourselves down. There’s nothing wrong with your body. Got it? Repeat after me: There is nothing wrong with my body.
You are not built wrong, your shape is not weird, your hips are not too big or too narrow, your shoulders are no too broad, your chest is not too small. Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to your friend or sister.
Now, let's talk respect. Intentionally dressing in a way that makes you feel confident is showing this vessel you have respect. Taking the time to feel beautiful for you is showing your soul respect. Dressing your body in the size it is rather than the size you think it ought to be is showing it respect.
3. Quit consuming, start curating
Curate your feed instead of just consuming without thinking.
Unfollow people who don't inspire or encourage you. Unfollow people who, intentionally or not, make you feel less than.
Seek out people who speak about your personal values. Only spend your precious brainpower on people who edify, inspire and encourage you.
4. Find the little things you love and treat yo'self
I often work with women and say to them, “That is a cute top, but it doesn’t feel like YOU.” And they immediately realize that’s why they have never felt great in that piece.
Making your style unique to you usually takes the form of dichotomy: polished with an edge; classic with a pop; effortlessly refined. (Hint: This is how you can actually name your style.)
And those elements of ourselves usually jump out at us when we notice the little things we're drawn to—dainty jewelry, a touch of lace, an edgy zipper detail. Take a look at your Pinterest or Instagram feed and try to nail down a couple little things you're drawn to and then treat yo'self to them.
If you need more help finding the things you love, I made you a free worksheet so you can define your style.
5. Find new ways to move your body
Whether you're tired of your same old routine or you have no routine at all, you'd be hard pressed to convince me of a better way to incorporate self-care than with moving your body.
Find a salsa class, become a dog walker, join a curling club (yes, they exist), find a HIIT workout you can do in your own home. Moving your body is scientifically proven to improve your mood and even help with anxiety and depression so, shake a leg, sis.
6. Get rid of the baggage
I love this quote by Jen Sincero, “Think of people, items, old identities, etc. If they don’t give you joy or inspiration, either get rid of them or pull back from them instead of fighting to keep them.”
If your clothes don’t bring you joy or inspiration, they have no place in your closet. Take the time to simplify your wardrobe. And, once you have that clean slate, be thoughtful about only bringing in clothes you love.
If you need help, I made a free five-day email course for you called #TheFoxDetox.
Feeling the self-love? Share this post with a friend and spread the love!