Taking the time to love ourselves always appears to take second place to all the ways we believe we should be better. There is no one magical answer to how to love yourself, we are all different, but these self-love tips might help us to believe we are worthy.

1. Be kind to yourself

Sounds obvious, but so often we are not kind to ourselves. Take a break, take a hot bath, go for a walk, treat yourself to something new that makes you happy, and tell yourself that you're doing it because you're worth it.

2. Visualise your best self

Tell yourself often and with passion that you are enough. The more you believe you are incredible and unique the more you will start to believe it. Because it’s true. 

3. Speak only positive words about yourself 

Negative self-talk can erode our self-esteem. So, catch yourself in the process of negative self-talk as frequently as you can and replace it with something good. Make a list of all of your great qualities and repeat them like a mantra.

4. Focus on your needs

Taking care of your own needs is a sign of self-love. Self-love does not imply that you should love yourself first, before others, or even after others. It simply states, 'love yourself'. 

5. Learn from the experts

There are an abundance of self-love classes and workshops available online where you can get some great expert advice. Dive into books that help guide you in self-care and loving you. 

6. Choose gratitude

Gratitude is a great way of boosting us up rather than dragging us down. Begin a gratitude practice that emphasizes your positive attributes. Start by writing down two or three things that you are grateful for every morning. Reflect on your list and all the wonderful things that are in your life 

7. Don’t compare yourself to others 

So often we look at others and make a comparison to ourselves. Social media can enhance our feelings of inadequacy, but remember the images you are seeing are often carefully selected, edited and designed to promote the best possible version of someone’s lives. Listen and watch real women who talk with authenticity about life, warts and all. We are all different and that is the beauty of you.

8. Don’t be afraid to embrace vulnerability

Allow yourself to accept who you are. Everyone feels vulnerable at times, having the courage to own all of you, what you perceive as your flaws or inadequacy can help you on your journey to love yourself.

9. Surround yourself with positive people

If you find that a person in your life does not support you or bring you joy, maybe it’s time to end that relationship. Self-love is about embracing who you are and all the beauty of your life. That includes people. 

10. Celebrate what makes you unique

Do not strive to fit in with the crowd. Instead, decide to celebrate what makes you unique and remarkable. Allow the rest of the world to notice your distinctiveness and be proud of it. 

11. Forgive yourself 

Do you remember something you did that you wish you hadn’t? It's time to let go of it. You can't change the past, but you can influence the future. Consider it a learning opportunity and have faith in your abilities to improve.

12. Be true to yourself

You should live your life by your own rules. Don't worry about being liked or accepted by others. Being true to yourself is a huge expression of self-love. Speak your truth, and if possible, do it with compassion.

13. Write it down

If your mind is racing with so many thoughts and you find it hard to focus then write them down. Keep a journal where you collect your thoughts, you can reflect on what you write from time to time or you can just rip the pages out and ditch them - whatever it takes to help your mind process day to day life.

14. Have a safe space where you can unwind

Find your happy place for ‘me time’. Ask yourself; where do you feel completely at ease? When you're having a hard time, go to that spot and take some deep breaths and allow yourself to unwind. 

15. Don’t rush it 

Be patient yet tenacious. Self-love is an ever-changing concept. It's something that has to be done daily, but it can take time. The more you exercise self-love the easier it will be.

16. Move your body

Every day, move your body, whatever way you choose - dancing, walking, swimming. Movement and physical exercise helps us to reflect and keeps our brains and bodies healthy. You deserve that time to spend just on you.

17. Laugh More

Find the joy in everyday life, surround yourself with people who make you laugh, watch funny movies and lean into the happier side of life. Laughter really helps to boost your mood and enhances positivity. And while you are enjoying a big old belly laugh remind yourself and that you deserve to be happy - all day, every day.

Here are our favourite inspirational Self-Love Quotes

“Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.” Beyoncé

“I keep telling myself that I’m a human being, an imperfect human who’s not made to look like a doll, and that who I am as a person is more important than whether at that moment I have a nice figure.” Emma Watson

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” Lucille Ball 

“Nobody is perfect. I just don’t believe in perfection. But I do believe in saying, ‘This is who I am and look at me not being perfect!’ I’m proud of that.” Kate Winslet 

“I’m not going to apologize for who I am and I’m going to actually love the skin that I’m in. I’m not gonna be striving for some other version of myself.”

Amy Schumer