Beyonce once said: “I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.” She said these words over a decade ago while talking about what she’s most grateful for. And to her bee-hive of followers (including myself) in awe of her abilities, growth, and overall greatness, they became somewhat of a mantra.
The way we treat ourselves directly reflects what we get back from the universe. Beyonce, along with countless other role models, is a prime example of this. They approach life with inward confidence, kindness, and care for themselves that it expels out in everything they do. And we could all take a page out of Beyonce’s self love book. We can create a routine for ourselves that helps us become someone to admire—icons in our own right. Below are ten daily acts of self-love that I’m sure would get Beyonce’s seal of approval.
DAILY SELF LOVE PRACTICES…
Write down three things that you love about yourself
They can be as specific as how you coped with a recent stressful situation to a lifelong quality like your unconditional will to help a friend in need. Jot down a quick list each day, and over time you can reflect on all your great qualities. Permission to do this in front of the mirror while pretending to head out on stage like Queen Bey, granted.
Treat yourself
You don’t have to splurge to make yourself feel special. You also don’t have to wait for someone else to do it! Whether that be to a fancy dessert, a cup of tea, a tulip from the bodega down the street—whatever makes you feel rewarded. These acts should not only come on special occasions or in response to a good deed you accomplished but also as a reminder that you are worthy, no matter the outcome.
Show kindness to a stranger
Steady the door for the person behind you, smile at a passerby on the sidewalk, offer to bring your colleague back food while they’re working through lunch—it sounds cheesy, but their appreciative responses really will make you feel good.
Move your body
You don’t necessarily have to move to a choreographed dance, although many of us have the steps to “Single Ladies” ingrained into our memories. Move away from your computer screen to stretch your body, practice a sun salutation, or walk around the block. The physical aspects of self-love will make your body feel strong and ready to tackle the day ahead, and it only needs to take a few minutes at a time.
Listen to your body
Know when you need a physical and mental break from your responsibilities. The key to success isn’t working yourself to the point of burnout, it’s knowing when to step back from each day’s demands and curl up on the couch instead. Listening to your body’s needs is a self-care tool to make you feel more rejuvenated moving forward.
Meditate
The act may be challenging for some, but it is a proven method for many others to calm their racing thoughts. Try to stay present in the moment without anything else clouding your mind. If you have trouble sitting still, ease into it by trying one of these other ways to relax mindfully.
Forgive yourself for your mistakes
No one expects your performance to be flawless (on the stage or in the office), so you shouldn’t either. We may think of something we’ve done in the past as a failure or mistake, but we don’t think about how much growth it took to get to the present moment. Forgive yourself for not knowing the lessons you know now.
Reach out to those who light a fire within you
The ones who boost your energy rather than deplete it. Those who put a smile on your face instead of anxiety and unsettling thoughts. Reach out to these people in your life regularly, even if it’s a simple “hi!” or “miss you!” text. You’ll feel good about the chance to connect, and they’ll feel the love too.
Don’t compare yourself to others
You’ve probably heard this countless time by now, but comparison really is the thief of joy. On Instagram, at the office, wherever you go, remember: your vision of yourself is the only one that matters.
Do something you love and think about how grateful you are to be doing it
Sing into your hairbrush and be thankful that you have a voice; dance like no one is watching and be happy that you have two feet to stand on; run a mile because you are grateful that your lungs allow you to; cook a meal because you can put food on the table. No, we are not Beyonce, but we can do what we love and love ourselves for it.
Anything else you’d add to the list? How do you practice self love?
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