It’s Valentine’s Day and it’s definitely the day to show those who mean the most to you just how much you love them. It’s also the day to show yourself a little lovin’ too!
We’re smack dab in the middle of this month’s SELF-LOVE CHALLENGE and I’m thrilled with the results I’m feeling myself and the results I’m hearing from others. This is such a great way to boost your self-esteem and confidence!
I thought I’d take a moment and tell you specifically which self-love mantras and action steps work the best for me, particularly for my physical body. I’ve done each of these steps multiple times and I’ve come to find a few favorites.
1. I choose to treat my body with care, love, kindness, and respect. Eat a healthy meal with lots of nutrients today. (I’ve linked a few of my favorites here, here, and here.)
I love this challenge because I’ve learned that when I care for my body like I should, my body actually cares for me like it should. Eating healthy food has been an essential part of that and it’s also helped me to build a body-positive mindset. I’ve noticed that when I’m feeding my body the nutrients it needs and the foods it understands (ehhm, whole foods) I have a lot more energy, I think clearer, and I feel like my best self.
2. I move my body with intention and love. Exercise today in a way that you love. Yoga, running, stretching? YOU’VE GOT THIS! 💪🏻
This challenge has helped me to have FUN when I exercise. It’s easy to throw in the towel and explain how much exercise sucks when we hate the workouts we’re doing. I’m a big fan of finding something you love so that exercise doesn’t feel like a chore. I say push yourself, but also take into consideration how you’re feeling. If the only way you’re going to workout today is if you’re walking on the treadmill instead of running on it, DO IT! You’re going to feel the benefits of exercise even if you’re not doing cross-fit like everyone else. Exercise because you love yourself; not because you’re punishing yourself.
3. I am at peace with my body and form. I cannot stop my body from changing. Instead of judging and comparing yourself today, PRAISE yourself. We are each built in a unique way. Each body is different and that’s okay! In fact, it should be celebrated! Whether you are tall, small, skinny, or curvy know that YOU have an amazing body. Today (and every day), let’s celebrate the things our body allows us to do.
Let’s face it. Our body will change as we get older. Women tend to be gifted a few more curves, a few more wrinkles, and a few extra gray hairs. Many of us feel broken when we start to see these changes and honestly, this challenge is a really difficult one for me. I’ve come to realize that even though changes are weird to see, it would be far more weird if we didn’t see any changes at all! Our bodies change as our life changes. Think of these adjustments as your life story. There’s a story behind every curve, wrinkle, and gray hair. There’s a story behind every inch of cellulite and fine line– and your story is absolutely beautiful!
4. No matter what happens today, I remember that I am beautiful, powerful, and wise. Stand tall with good posture and your head up today! Life comes at us full force sometimes. When it rains it pours, in bad times AND in good times. No matter what life throws at you today remember that YOU are beautiful, powerful, and wise.
Fake it until you make it. Ya feel me? Did you know you can trick yourself into feeling beautiful, powerful, and wise? Even if you’re not feeling that way, try acting like you do. Smile when you feel like frowning, look up when you feel like looking down, and stand tall when you feel like hiding. Just like your mind can play some crazy tricks on your body, your body can play some crazy tricks on your mind.
5. I give myself permission to love myself as I am right now. No matter my age, shape, size, or color. I AM BEAUTIFUL! Do something today that helps you feel beautiful.
YOU GUYS. I know we all make excuses like, “I’ll love myself when I graduate from school,” and “I’ll love myself when I lose all this baby weight.” WHY ARE YOU WAITING? Give yourself permission to love yourself now! This doesn’t mean that you have to be thrilled with everything you see and everything you’re experiencing, but why do we choose to trade in our self-love for self-hate? Easier said than done, but let’s accept who we are right now. Your happiness is worth it.
The SELF-LOVE CHALLENGE is still going on until the end of the month! These are a few of my favorite mantras and action steps because through them, I’ve seen the most improvement in myself. It’s not too late to participate; I’ve got each challenge posted here and I also post them each day on my Instagram story (@buildyourbeautiful). If loving yourself more isn’t enough motivation, I also have a big giveaway coming up just for those who are participating! You won’t want to miss it. ❤️
Comment below and let me know what your favorite self-love challenge is! I love hearing from you, and it’s so fun to see what works best for other individuals. Thanks for hanging out! XO
Photos by @lifesdadventures
Build Your Beautiful 