180+ Ways To Practice Self-Love And Enhance A Fulfilling Life

Last Updated on July 12, 2024

Hey there, lovely readers! I’m about to take you on an exciting journey of self-discovery and self-love. 

In a world that often demands so much of us, it’s crucial to remember that one of the most essential relationships we have is with ourselves.

This article is all about exploring a whopping 180+ ways to practice self-love and create a life that’s not just fulfilling but downright fantastic.

I hope this article will leave you feeling more empowered and fulfilled than ever before. 

Ready? 

Let’s go! 

25 Ways To Feel Good With Self-Love

Self-love and positive self-esteem are the cornerstones of a fulfilling and balanced life. They shape our perceptions, decisions, and, ultimately, our happiness.

Here are 25 ways to feel good through your self-love journey: 

1. “Put a post-it on your mirror that says, “You look beautiful!” – and then accept the compliment every time you look at yourself.”

2. “Remind yourself of your worth”

3. “Get out into nature. – Reconnecting with the earth is just good for your soul. Feel the breeze. Breathe the fresh air. So good!”

4. “Declutter. – You should have ONLY the stuff that you love. Purge everything in your life, both physical and emotional that you don’t honestly need, use or love. Everything else distracts you from your true intentions and bogs you down.”

5. “Spend time in nature with those you love”

6. “Reach out to family, friends, healers, or whatever positive influence you need to help you through the tough times. You are not expected to go through them alone. Pick up the phone and call that old friend you haven’t spoken to in years. They’ll be happy to hear from you!”

7. “Take a deep breath. – And another. Now another. It’s like a mini-break to reset yourself during the day.”

8. “Call a friend. – Think of someone who you enjoy and ring them up!”

9. “Practice Self Love Through Life Organization”

10. “Write your own rock star introduction. – Image you’re on tour with thousands of screaming fans. How will you be introduced? “Please welcome the brilliant, the amazing, the gorgeous….you!””

11. “Go on a retreat. – For a couple of minutes or a couple of days, get away for a bit to re-energize.”

12. “Take a walk without a destination. – It’s a great way to get some exercise and clear your mind. Be mindful of what you see, hear and feel.”

13. “Stand up for yourself. – Your needs are important. Don’t let anyone disregard them. Pushing back can be scary but it’s empowering too!”

14. “Trust yourself. – You are smart, capable and talented. Your choices are just as valid as anyone else’s. Don’t second guess yourself.”

15. “Consider seeing a counselor or life coach. The process of self-discovery can happen through the guidance of clinical therapy or counseling. This growth, and maybe even healing, can help you discover who you are and what obstacles are standing in your way of progress.”

16. “Break your routine once in awhile. – Get out of a rut and into a groove.”

17. “Plan a fun day with your friends.”

18. “Write your daily schedule and make sure you set some time for yourself.”

19. “ Eliminate toxic influences. Value your mental and emotional health by identifying stressors and cutting ties with that friend or romantic interest who finds joy or comfort in bringing you down.”

20. “Express gratitude. – It encourages you to write out the 10 items you’re grateful for everyday.”

21. “Create something. – Many of us have gotten away from actually making things. Create some artwork. Write something. Build something. Make something that didn’t exist before. It can be functional or frivolous – as long as you enjoy the process.”

22. “Stop worrying. – It’s going to be fine. Because it is.”

23. “Choose optimism. – Thinking positive thoughts has a tangible impact on your day and on your life.”

24. “Avoid self-deprivation. – When it comes to food, it’s OK to cut back on things that aren’t good for you (sweet, sweet carbohydrates), but if you feel deprived, it’s probably not maintainable, creating a vicious circle of cheating and guilt.”

25. “Stand tall. – Your spirit can’t soar when you slouch. You feel much more powerful when you stand up straight and look the world in the eye.”

RELATED: 20 Reasons You Can Be Happy Despite Your Circumstances

25 Healing Ways To Practice Self-Love

Self-love is accepting who you are and trying every day to do better for you and the people around you. I realized that when I put my criticism aside and started talking to myself more friendly, I began to feel more loved and satisfied with what I did. 

When you love yourself, you become more patient and less critical about your actions and thoughts. You start to heal and become more aware of how you treat yourself. 

Take a look at this list I’ve created of some ways to heal and practice self-love: 

26. “Stop hating your body. – If the women of the world took all of the time, energy and money that we spend on hating our bodies and turned it towards something productive, there would be no war, poverty or disease left on the planet. Your body is your body. Nobody’s looking at your physical flaws because they’re all too busy trying to hide their own. Let’s give ourselves a break and let it go.”

27. “Pamper yourself with a haircut or massage could help you relax”

28. “Minimize multi-tasking. – Yeah, women are supposed to be good at it, but that doesn’t make it good for us.”

29. “Add color to your surroundings. – Beiges and taupes are pervasive these days. Depressing. Make sure that you introduce energetic colors where you work and where you live.”

30. “Forget the word “should”. – Instead of doing what you think you’re supposed to, follow your own path.”

31. “Identify your passion. – What do you love? Do you have a non-profit organization that you feel passionate about? Are you passionate about water polo? How about 14th century Portuguese literature? Find something in your life that really floats your boat.”

32. “Reach out to a co-worker and take him / her out for lunch.”

33. “Drink plenty of water. – It’s basic, but it’s so good for you.”

34. “Buy the good ice cream. – Even on the tightest of budgets, this is important.”

35. “Plan ahead. – With a few minutes of organizing your time and to-do’s, you will be better prepared to take on the day.”

36. “Let light and fresh air into your house. – Sunlight is a must. Open up those windows!”

37. “Toot your own horn. – You’re awesome. Please make sure that everyone knows it.”

38. “Find a mantra or an affirmation that lifts your spirits. – “Today is a new day.” “I know that life always supports me.” “I get everything that I want.” Find one that works for you.”

39. “Get a massage. – Again what can I say? It feels good.”

40. “Set goals that seem more achievable and possible in our minds.”

41. “Make your home a haven. – Your home should be a place where you can take a breath and really relax. If it isn’t, you may have some work to do.”

42. “Cry it out let your big emotions escape.”

43. “Give a compliment. – Telling someone that they had a fantastic idea or that they look beautiful in that color creates a pleasant environment and makes two people feel good for the price of one.”

44. “Take a bath with some candles, dimmed lights, and Epsom salts in warm water.”

45. “Have faith. – It’s going to work out. The future is bright!”

46. “ Step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Sign up for a new yoga class, go rock climbing, or audition for a play. Life is all about new experiences, so no matter how big your fear of failure or judgement, don’t sell yourself short by not indulging in newfound excitement.”

47. “Pare down your to-do list. – Feeling overwhelmed? What’s on your list that can be delegated, avoided, or jettisoned?”

48. “Surround yourself with the things you love. – Photos of loved ones or mementos that bring happy memories. You should have the stuff that you love all around you.”

49. “Ask for what you need”

50. “Ask for a hug. – We all need one. So just go get one. The person you ask probably needs one too.”

RELATED: 20 Convincing Reasons To Show That Mindset Is The Key To Powerful Change

25 Positive Ways For Self-Love

Loving yourself should definitely be a fun and enjoyable process because it is an ongoing journey. 

Before starting my self-love journey, I used to get annoyed by all these positive messages and quotes about self-love. It all seemed so fake and desperate, but once I let my guard down and started to see this practice as something good for my overall well-being, it made sense. 

I also understood that there are many ways to express self-love, and I realized that my way to say “I love you” was through well-being activities such as yoga and journaling. 

These activities bring joy and peace to my daily routine; they make me feel safe and connected to my mind and body. The process of self-love should be easy, but, spoiler alert, it is like a rollercoaster. Some Days, you’ll feel like Beyonce, and some days, you will feel very low energy. But that’s normal! 

As long as you do the activities you enjoy doing, this will bring positivity to your life. 

Take a look at the actions you can implement to start your self-love journey: 

51. “Squash negative thoughts. – Listen to what’s going on in your head and actively quiet the voices of pessimists and critics. Assume the best, not the worst.”

52. “Listen to your inner voice. – Your instincts are good. It’s important to listen to your own head and heart.”

53. “Take all of your vacation days. – You earned them. Don’t give them back to your company for nothing.”

54. “Do something altruistic.”

55. “Sparkle! – Feeling schlumpy? Get all dolled up. Wear something schmancy. It’s a good way to find your strut.”

56. “Dance. – It’s inherently joyful. You can’t be sad if you’re dancing!”

57. “Give to someone in need. – Donating your time or your stuff or your money to someone less fortunate makes you feel good and puts your problems into perspective.”

58. “Delegate. – Hire someone to mow the lawn or scrub the floors. Teach the kids to do laundry. Give that project to a co-worker. You do not have to do it all.”

59. “Smile. – It’s very difficult to feel bad when your face is happy.”

60. “Create boundaries and avoid time-sucking activities that drain you.”

61. “Try Journal to write down things”

62. “Spend some time alone for quiet reflection. – We spend all of our time go, go, going. Try stopping to think about your life, your goals, and your dreams.”

63. “Make small steps towards self-acceptance.”

64. “Practice saying no. -Saying no sometimes doesn’t make you a bad or negative person, it makes you a smart and conscientious person who has your best interest at heart.”

65. “Take pride in the hard times that you have overcome. – What didn’t kill you made you stronger. It wasn’t easy, but you did it!”

66. “Play. – Something we forget as adults. A board game, a sport, finger painting – find something frivolous and have fun!”

67. “Splurge by spending money on yourself”

68. “Accept your bad days as simply that– bad days. Be willing to embrace your imperfections, and don’t set such high standards for yourself emotionally, mentally, or (especially) physically. It’s normal to feel sadness, pain, and disappointment, as everyone experiences low points in life.”

69. “While eating, focus on your meal, and avoid overthinking about other things.”

70. “Sing loudly. – In the shower and the car and anywhere else you like. With reckless abandon.”

71. “Used colored pens for no particular reason. – Blue and black are fine, but how about orange?”

72. “Be stingy with your time and energy. – Both are precious and should be spent on things that really matter to you.”

73. “Be present. – Be deliberate about experiencing what’s happening right now. It’s all about the journey – don’t miss yours!”

74. “Celebrate! (for any reason at all) – Your kid learned to tie his shoes! Your taxes are done and filed! The week is more than half over! Let’s party!”

75. “Pinpoint your biggest career goals and make a plan to reach them.”

27 Fun Ways To Practice Self-Love

Taking care of ourselves should be an enjoyable ride. For me, it’s all about setting aside some “me time” and doing things I genuinely love.

Whether it’s cozying up with a good book, getting lost in a creative project, or simply taking a leisurely stroll in the park, these moments are like little love notes to myself.

But self-love isn’t just about solo activities. It’s also about connecting with the people who bring positivity into my life.

That could mean hanging out with friends who make me laugh until my stomach hurts or having a heart-to-heart chat with a loved one. Plus, nothing beats a good dose of self-compassion. 

On those days when I’m not feeling 100%, I remind myself that it’s okay not to be perfect. Embracing those imperfections is a surefire way to make the self-love journey much more fun.

76. “Listen to music. – Listen to whatever makes you happy. Can you be grumpy while listening to Gloria Gaynor? I think not.”

77. “Turn off your e-mail, cell phone, blackberry, fax, etc. for a while. – It’s not healthy to be accessible 24/7.”

78. “Cook your own meals.”

79. “Try Conscious breathing whenever you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.”

80. “Dream big. – You can do anything you set your mind to!”

81. “Create a nighttime routine to allow your body to have plenty of time to rest.”

82. “Be kind. – Be nice to someone else. You will have made the world a better place. What feels better than that?”

83. “Let yourself scroll through social media”

84. “Treat yourself. – We struggle to be disciplined, especially with money and food. You deserve a reward, right?”

85. “Buy fresh flowers every now and then. – Brighten up the place.”

86. “Play hooky. – Call in sick once in awhile when you’re not sick. Use the day to pamper yourself (not to catch up on errands or housework).”

87. “Stretch. – Before you start your day, take a few minutes for a good muscle stretch. It just plain feels good. And, it’s fast, easy and free.”

88. “Donate stuff you don’t use anymore.”

89. “Spend time with people who make you happy. – Who nourishes and supports you? Surround yourself with those people.”

90. “Be silly every now and again. – We take ourselves entirely too seriously. Let go. Be spontaneous and outrageous!”

91. “Make sure your health is in order. – What’s more important than your health? See your doctor regularly. Make sure you are getting the vitamins or supplements that you need. Advocate for yourself as you would for your child.”

92. “Learn to say no to toxic activities and people.”

93. “Enjoy your kids. – It’s easy to rush through the day without really connecting with them. Make a conscious effort to talk with them about their day.”

94. “Pay attention to your energy. – Are you most productive first thing in the morning? Are you sluggish after lunch? Honor your natural cycles and plan accordingly.”

95. “Book a therapy session”

96. “Meditate. – It takes a little practice at first, but if you find a meditation that works for you, you will be calmer and more peaceful.”

97. “Find a good way to blow off steam. – Bottling it up indefinitely will probably end badly.”

98. “Try something new. – Go out on a limb. Learn something new. Do that thing you’ve always wanted to try. The more experiences you have, the richer your life will be.”

99. “Write in a journal. – Write anything that calls you. Ideas, experiences, dreams, frustrations – get them out of your head and down on paper.”

100. “Get enough sleep. – Everything is hard when you’re tired.”

101. “Try a new recipe”

102. “Adopt a pet”

RELATED: 20 Reasons You Can Be Happy Despite Your Circumstances

28 Proven Ways To Keep Positivity In Life

One way to bring positivity to your life is through changing your attitude. Changing your attitude towards life is a transformative journey that can take you to a more positive and fulfilling existence. 

Begin your attitude makeover with a little detective work. Dive into your current mindset and beliefs like you’re solving a mystery. Hunt down those sneaky negative thought patterns and pesky limiting beliefs that have been cramping your style.

Ask yourself why these thoughts have taken root and what incidents or influences have shaped your outlook. Once you’ve unearthed the hidden truths, gear up to challenge and renovate these beliefs. 

Swap them out for fresh, positive, and empowering perspectives. Think of it as your personal awareness adventure, the essential launching pad for transformation.

Here are some things you can incorporate into your life to make it more positive; check it out! 

103. “Don’t answer the phone unless it’s someone you want to talk to right now. – Some people find it difficult not to answer a ringing phone, but it’s liberating once you learn to ignore it or even better, just turn it off.”

104. “Eliminate all expectations of perfection. – In fact, eliminate the word ‘perfect’ from your vocabulary. If you expect yourself to be perfect, you will never stop beating yourself up.”

105. “Honor your spiritual needs”

106. “Claim some space for yourself. – A place where you can go to have a quiet moment to read a book, or meditate, or cry – somewhere that you can get some peace and privacy.”

107. “Put your finances in order. – Money problems are enormously stressful. Paying off debt where possible, putting bills on automatic payment, and working with a financial planner if necessary can all help to ease the strain.”

108. “Say no. – Your time is valuable. Set boundaries to avoid becoming overwhelmed.”

109. “Intentionally enjoy your journey. – As you go through your days, look around. Be present with what you see, hear and feel. You might be amazed at what you’ve been missing.”

110. “Clean out your closet.- Getting rid of old things will make room for new things to come in to your life!”

111. “Start the day with 10-15 minutes of meditation. It’s important to take time out to calm your mind every day. Breathe in and out, clear your mind of your thoughts, and just be present.”

112. “Limit your news consumption. – It’s important to be well-informed, but the non-stop feed of earthquakes and plane crashes and economic crisis and war is not good for us. Be deliberate in finding a balance that’s best for you. Once you’ve seen today’s news cycle, turn it off.”

113. “Avoid boredom. – Keep your brain active to keep the blues at bay.”

114. “List the things that you like about yourself. – We can all list the things that we don’t like about ourselves. Turn that around and think about your many positive qualities.”

115. “Let go. – 80% of everything is irrelevant. Focus on the other 20.”

116. “37. Pamper yourself daily with a healthy and fun choice.”

117. “Make time for the little things”

118. “Tune out the naysayers. – People criticize for many reasons, most of which have nothing to do with you. Follow your heart – not everyone has to get it.”

119. “Be kind to yourself. Focus on your many positive qualities. Focus on your strengths, your abilities, and your admirable traits. Let go of harsh judgments, comparisons to others, and self-hatred.”

120. “Read a book to convince yourselves”

121. “Do something that’s only for you. – Remember that hobby that you used to have time for? Or that food that no one else in your house likes? Reclaim it.”

122. “Invest in really good bras. – This one is gender-specific, obviously. You feel much better about yourself when you’re hoisted up properly. So stand tall and salute the sun ladies!”

123. “Pick up the phone and Call a friend or loved one and spend some time catching up.”

124. “Tell someone you love them. – We often forget to say it out loud. It matters.”

125. “Put some “me time” on your calendar. – When life gets busy, doing things for yourself is the first thing to be sacrificed. So, actually block out time on your calendar. Call it a ‘staff meeting’ or something so that no one intrudes on your time.”

126. “Light a candle or use a reed diffuser. – Your sense of smell creates the strongest memories. Find scents you love and enjoy them.”

127. “Organize your space by cleaning up you home”

128. “Move your body. – Run and jump and climb a tree. Take a tap dancing class. Power walk. Anything that feels good that gets your blood moving. The only limitation: it has to be fun. Don’t get on a treadmill if you hate the treadmill.”

129. “Say yes to life. – Opportunities are everywhere. Take a class, join a team, go bungee jumping. When new things present themselves to you – jump at the chance.”

130. “Plan a date with the people you love”

24 Powerful Ways For Self-Love

For me, it all starts with setting some clear boundaries. Saying “no” when necessary and not overextending myself is a biggie. It’s like giving myself permission to prioritize my well-being, and that’s a huge self-love booster.

Another game-changer is practicing self-acceptance. We all have our quirks, and instead of trying to change them, I’ve learned to embrace them.

It’s liberating to let go of that inner critic and appreciate myself for who I am. And, of course, a bit of self-care goes a long way.

Whether it’s a bubble bath, a quiet moment with a favorite book, or a leisurely walk in nature, these moments of pampering are like little love notes to myself.

Try these powerful ways to boost your self-love: 

131. “Set boundaries to draw your own personal lines and stick to them”

132. “Use lotions & soaps with scents that you love. – It’s a nice way to pamper yourself, plus you’ll smell good all day.”

133. “Repeat 3-5 positive affirmations in the mirror every day. An example for me would be, “You are loved. You are worthy. You are enough.” If you have trouble coming up with things to say, make a list of all the things you like about yourself next time you’re feeling particularly proud or accomplished and refer to it in times of self doubt.”

134. “Be who you are. – your authentic, true self.”

135. “Let someone else be in charge for a while. – Other people can be responsible while you do something for yourself.”

136. “Carve out time for exercise”

137. “List the things that you’re grateful for. – You can’t help but feel better when you literally count your blessings.”

138. “Purge things that aren’t good for you. – Unhealthy foods, cigarettes, a miserable work environment, toxic people – do what you have to do to set boundaries and demand the highest quality of life. You deserve it. Things that don’t nourish and support you – think about how you might be rid of them.”

139. “Take action! – If something isn’t right in your life, fix it!”

140. “Limit screen time. – Too much time in front of computers, TV’s, video games, and blackberries (or all of the above) disconnects you from the world immediately around you and makes your brain mushy. Make sure that you’re getting plenty of input from the non-virtual world.”

141. “Cut yourself some slack. – Arguably the most important tip on this list. We hold ourselves to impossible standards and then beat ourselves up when we don’t meet them. Would you be this hard on anyone else?”

142. “Slow down. – When you’re living your life at top speed, you’re missing most of it. Stop and take a breath. Look for ways to adopt a more humane pace.”

143. “Do a kind act for your neighbour.”

144. “Keep your words positive. – Happiness and complaints cannot coexist.”

145. “Reach out to someone who is inspiring and positive.”

146. “Plan your escape”

147. “Ask for help. – This can be hard. But it’s so important to recognize when you need a sounding board, or some advice, or an extra pair of hands.”

148. “Take a personal inventory. – Does your behavior match your true intentions? If there’s a disconnect, you’re carrying a heavy weight.”

149. “Go for a massage and enjoy every minute of it.”

150. “Take a social media break”

151. “Schedule time for your hobby”

152. “Stop procrastinating. – Procrastination is a form of perfectionism. Accept that it’s not going to be perfect and just get it over with. Image how great it will feel to not have it hanging over your head any more!”

153. “Laugh. – Sometimes you just need a good laugh to lift your spirits.”

154. “Eat foods that you love. – Low fat, low calorie, low carb – blah, blah, blah. Food is to be enjoyed! Put food into your body that nourishes you in every way.”

RELATED: 31 Wonderful Days Of Self-Love Challenge To Build Self-Awareness And Esteem

7 Balancing Ways To Practice Self-Love

One key is setting priorities. I’ve found that it’s important to strike a balance between self-care and caring for others. If I’m not caring for myself, I can’t show up fully for the people I care about. So, I schedule some “me time” regularly to recharge.

For me, it is important to prioritize the things that make me feel good and that I will eventually enjoy doing. Here are 7 things you can do to keep balance: 

155. “Learn to say yes to adventure.”

156. “Compliment yourself daily.”

157. “Buy yourself your favorite flowers and place them in your bedroom.”

158. “Write a love letter to yourself.”

159. “Make a happy playlist to listen to when you feel low.”

160. “Laugh each day with all of your heart.”

161. “Embrace your faith.”

13 Ways That Improve Your Mental Health

There are many ways to improve your mental health, such as positive thinking, journaling, practicing mindfulness, exercising, talking to your therapist, etc. I want to remind you that struggling with mental health is an everyday battle we must handle. 

All of these types of activities can provide a safe and supportive space to express and release your feelings and thoughts. 

Whenever I’m feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, I sit down and start doing well-being activities because it makes me feel like I’m emptying my thoughts, giving me a sense of calm and returning me to the present moment.

If you are currently struggling with mental health and you want to improve, try this: 

162. “Plan a trip to a place you never visited.”

163. “Love your body no matter its flaws.”

164. “Use daily stress-coping mechanisms.”

165. “Create a gratitude journal and add a thing you are grateful for every day.”

166. “Practice forgiving yourself.”

167. “Sit in the sun and enjoy its warmth.”

168. “Allow ten minutes every day to sit in silence.”

169. “Practice an optimistic attitude.”

170. “Take yourself out for lunch.”

171. “Practice your favorite hobby at least 30 minutes per day.”

172. “Spend plenty of time in nature.”

173. “Turn off your gadgets and schedule some time alone without a blue screen.”

174. “Be kind to your inner dialogue.”

12 Practice Self Love With Self Improvement

Setting goals is essential in our pursuit of personal and professional growth. 

However, the journey toward achieving these goals can sometimes feel overwhelming or uncertain, leading to self-doubt and a lack of motivation.

By incorporating some positive actions (the ones below) into your daily routine, you can actively shift your mindset, reinforce your aspirations, and visualize yourself moving closer to your goals. 

175. “Do your best to eat healthily.”

176. “Be a learner, a grower. Never stop learning new skills.”

177. “Read at least one page of a book (daily) that you are passionate about.”

178. “Step out of your comfort zone a bit every day.”

179. “Set aside some time daily to work on making your biggest dream a reality.”

180. “Discover your strengths and embrace your weaknesses.”

181. “Discover your passion and do your best to grow it.”

182. “Appreciate what your body can do.”

183. “Design a plan to quit a bad habit.”

184. “Keep up with your doctor’s appointments.”

185. “Join a new class to learn helpful or inspiring things.”

186. “Listen to an interesting podcast on your way to work.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Practicing Self-Love Improve Mental Health?

Practicing self-love improves mental health by promoting self-acceptance, reducing stress, increasing resilience, and fostering a positive self-image. It helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, manage negative emotions effectively, and build emotional resilience in the face of challenges.

Can Practicing Self-Love Improve Relationships With Others?

Yes, practicing self-love can improve relationships with others by fostering healthier boundaries, enhancing communication skills, and promoting authenticity. When individuals love and accept themselves, they are better equipped to form meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others.

Is It Selfish To Practice Self-Love?

No, practicing self-love is not selfish. In fact, it is essential for overall well-being and enables individuals to show up fully in their relationships and responsibilities. By prioritizing self-care and self-compassion, individuals are better able to give to others from a place of abundance rather than depletion.

Continue Reading 👉 : 130+ Ways To Tell Love And Appreciation And Build Healthy Relationships!