Some mornings you wake up with negative thoughts that don’t seem to go away. Fortunately, the secret weapon against our inner self-criticism lies within us.
We’re talking about self-love—appreciating and accepting yourself—which is the key to a happy and fulfilling life.
Consciously developing self-love habits can help you build a stronger relationship with yourself and help boost your self-esteem and confidence.
So, how do we cultivate it? Some experts discuss the habit of trying to love yourself first thing in the morning.
Take five minutes to meditate
Meditation helps calm your mind and refocus your attention to the present moment. Spend five minutes in quiet meditation focusing on self-love and inner strength.
Meditating in the morning will give you a sense of calm. During the day, when things get stressful, you might consider doing an empowering meditation.
Make your bed
I highly recommend making your bed in the morning, by doing this you start your day getting something done and prioritizing yourself.
Starting your day with accomplishments can be very helpful for your mood and self-esteem.
Think about a place that makes you happy
Mindfulness can help relieve stress, enhance focus, and reduce any tension you may be experiencing.
We all have a special place to rest and recharge is how we take care of ourselves and listen to our body’s needs. My most special place is the ocean because it fosters a feeling of peace and happiness.
To find this place for yourself, close your eyes and think of a destination that makes you happy.
Read an affirmation aloud to yourself
Reading a self-affirmation first thing in the morning can help you deflect any self-defeating thoughts that may be popping up in your mind. Saying this proactively gives you the opportunity to set intentions for positive thoughts and self-image.
Focus on something you are grateful for
Expressing gratitude is associated with better mood and higher self-esteem.
Be grateful at the beginning of your day by identifying experiences for which you are grateful. This helps start the day on a positive note and helps increase our self-awareness.
Take a deep breath
Deep breathing is a practice that evokes feelings of calm and tranquility.
I recommend spending at least a minute every morning breathing deeply. Allowing yourself to take one minute a day to focus on the present moment can improve your self-esteem and reduce your stress levels.
Engage in mindful movement
Mindful movement in the morning, such as doing light stretches in bed before getting out of bed, can get the day started on the right foot.
This seemingly small act of self-love sends the message “I matter” to your system and soul.
Thank your body
When you wake up, take a few minutes to thank your body for all it has done for you.
It’s especially helpful during those inevitable moments of frustration—when you’re too tired to exercise, injured somewhere, or unhappy with the way you look. Focusing on the good things your body is doing to keep you going can help you redirect some of your negative thoughts into positive thoughts of gratitude and self-compassion.