7 Easy Practices to Love Yourself More!

So many of us can feel overwhelmed or like we ‘don’t know what we are doing’ when it comes to loving ourselves…and that’s okay!

Loving ourselves is a journey, not a destination, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start. This can be particularly true when we begin to explore the notion of somatic self-love. We’re venturing beyond the familiar territory of our minds, and it can be a little intimidating at first to tune into the wisdom of our bodies.

But remember this: there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to practice self-love. It’s all about tuning into your unique needs and taking small, consistent steps towards fostering a more loving relationship with yourself.

And, it’s worth it! You’re Worth It!

Somatic self-love — the practice of experiencing love for oneself in an embodied, physical way — has been shown in a myriad of studies to have profound benefits. This holistic approach to self-love not only enhances self-esteem but also fosters emotional regulation, contributing to overall wellbeing¹.

According to Keng and Tan’s 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, body-based therapies including mindful movement, significantly improve self-esteem and body image². This lends to the power of somatic self-love, allowing individuals to develop a more positive, compassionate relationship with their bodies, while improving their emotional resilience³.

Embracing somatic self-love can help cultivate an internal environment of acceptance and compassion, which can be a potent antidote to the stressors of daily life⁴. This regulation of emotions can be particularly beneficial in managing anxiety, depression, and trauma⁵.

And… engaging in somatic self-love doesn’t need to be time-consuming or overwhelming. Here are 7 quick and accessible ways to cultivate somatic self-love and enjoy the myriad benefits it brings…

1. Mini Breathwork Sessions: A minute or two of focused breathing can help you reconnect with your body. Simply feel the breath as it moves in and out.
2. Gratitude Flash: Pause for a moment, place your hand on your heart, and silently thank your body for all it does for you.
3. Savor a Sip: Drink a glass of water mindfully, noticing the cool sensation as it flows down your throat. This simple act can help anchor you in your body.
4. Stretch It Out: Stand up and do a quick body stretch. Pay attention to how your muscles release and relax.
5. Smile to Your Heart: A simple smile can physically make you feel better. Try smiling and sending that loving energy down into your heart space.
6. Hand on Heart: Anytime during the day, simply place a hand on your heart and take a deep breath. This can serve as a mini self-love session.
7. Whisper Sweet Nothings: Sounds funny, but try it! Whisper kind, loving things to yourself. Speak to your body as you would to a beloved friend.

One Breath At a Time

Your journey to self-love doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It begins with simple, consistent acts of kindness towards your body. You’ve just learned that somatic self-love is all about cultivating a gentle, loving connection with your body, one mindful breath at a time.

Now, imagine a supportive space where you can explore these acts of kindness towards yourself, guided by experts and embraced by a community of like-minded individuals. That’s exactly what our “Love Yourself More” program offers.

No grand gestures or hours of meditation – just the beautiful simplicity of breathwork, ritual, and shared experiences in a nurturing environment. With each day, with each small act, you’ll see yourself journeying towards a deeper sense of embodied love for yourself.

Isn’t it time you showed yourself the kindness you deserve? Start your journey today and join our “Love Yourself More” program. Let’s nurture your love for yourself, together. Don’t wait for another moment to start loving yourself more.

Footnotes

1. Keng, S. L., & Tan, E. (2022). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(6), 1041-1056. ↩
2. Katterman, S. N., Kleinman, B. M., Hood, M. M., Nackers, L. M., & Corsica, J. A. (2014). Mindfulness meditation as an intervention for binge eating, emotional eating, and weight loss: a systematic review. Eating behaviors, 15(2), 197-204. ↩
3. Price, C. (2005). Body-oriented therapy in recovery from child sexual abuse: an efficacy study. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 11(5), 46. ↩
4. Garland, E. L., Hanley, A. W., Baker, A. K., & Howard, M. O. (2017). Biobehavioral mechanisms of mindfulness as a treatment for chronic stress: An RDoC perspective. Chronic Stress, 1. ↩
5. Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking. ↩