Learn to Love YOU

The relationship that really matters is the one you have with yourself 

Valentines Day is for couples, right? Wrong. We say it should be a day for all to celebrate - so why not show yourself some love this Valentine's Day - and every day?

Caring for your own health and wellbeing isn't selfish, it's important and self-love starts with self-care. That means exercising regularly, eating well, getting enough sleep, seeing friends and family, getting regular checkups, seeking help if you aren't feeling physically or mentally well, and kicking bad habits like smoking.

Taking better care of yourself leads to:

• Increased self-esteem
• Lower anxiety
• Lower stress
• Less burnout.

It helps you:

• Build resilience,
• Feel in control
• Value yourself
• Have better relationships with others
• Achieve your goals

How to love yourself

♥ Get a good night's sleep

Good sleep is the foundation of so much of our physical and mental health. Practise healthy sleep habits: https://www.livewelldorset.co.uk/articles/good-sleep/

♥ Exercise

Moving around more is a great way to show yourself some love. As well as being good for your physical health, exercise has many mental health benefits too. But start gradually – for example with the NHS Couch to 5K app – or simply by going for a walk: https://www.livewelldorset.co.uk/articles/ways-of-walking/

♥ Eat well

There’s a reason why you were told to eat your greens as a child. Healthy eating is an act of love. We all know what we should do: reduce, sugar, carbs, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods in our diet; eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, and drink more water. Your body will thank you. https://www.livewelldorset.co.uk/articles/eat-well/

♥ Set boundaries

Are you a people-pleaser? Find it hard to say no? A lack of boundaries can wreak havoc with our mental wellbeing. Learning to say ‘No’ helps us preserve our time and energy for the things that matter most. Remember your time is precious so make sure you save some for yourself!

♥ Give yourself a pat on the back

You’re most likely already celebrating and supporting everyone else in your life. What if you did that for yourself too? Book some me time: For many of us, if it’s not in the diary or on our to-do list, it doesn’t get done. So schedule in time that’s just for you. Make a date with yourself to do that yoga class, take a walk, watch a film or read a chapter of your book.

♥ Do something you love

Treat yourself by making time for an activity you love, something that makes you feel good about yourselves. Feeling confident and in control is great for mental health.
Shift from doing to being. You don’t have to be busy all the time. You can just be. Stand outside, observing nature around you while breathing deeply can help you de-stress and boost your health and wellbeing in a natural way.

♥ Stop comparing yourself to others

Don’t feel you have to ‘live up’ to other people – whether idealised social media images or your own friends. Everyone is on their own path, and no one really knows what struggles other people have. Identify your own values and goals – and focus on those.

We care about you - can we help?

We’d love to help you take better care of your health and wellbeing. Why not talk to us and we can make a plan together?