How to Practice Self-love: The 7 Ways No One Talks About
Self-love is everywhere these days, but let’s be honest—it’s more than just a trendy hashtag or a buzzword on your feed.
It’s a lifestyle shift that can boost your confidence, strengthen relationships, and build a more fulfilling life. Something we all deserve to prioritize.
Now, imagine if small, simple acts of self-love could elevate the quality of your life. Spoiler alert: they totally can.
There are countless ways to show yourself some love, but here are 7 unique ways that can transform your life and level up your everyday routine (plus a bonus tip 🫶)
Keep reading to find out!
The 7 unique ways
1. Cook your own meals
There’s a reason people say, “Food is the key to my heart.” Food is one of the most genuine ways to show love, and that love can extend to yourself. Start cooking meals that nourish you.
From grocery shopping to carefully choosing each ingredient, every step is a chance to express care for yourself. True love takes time, and so does creating a thoughtful meal for yourself.
Taking time out of your day to prepare food shows you’re prioritizing yourself and what your body deserves.
This simple act of self-love is a yummy reminder that you’re worthy of love and care.
If that isn’t love I don’t know what is.
2. Read Empowering Books
Let me just say, reading is like having a superpower for learning to appreciate yourself more. Who doesn’t want that? And even if you’re not a big reader, just trust me on this one.
There are ways to get the benefits of reading without fully diving in. Just one page a day or even a single paragraph from the right book can make all the difference in your life.
I noticed I was struggling to get started on the goals I had set for myself, and as a result, my confidence began to slip. The solution turned out to be simpler than I expected—reading for empowerment. I started by reading a page whenever I felt down, and eventually, I made it a daily habit to read before I started working. And that made all the difference.
You don’t have to be a bookworm to benefit from reading, trust me. Just a page a day or even a single paragraph from the right book can make all the difference in your life.
Here are my personal favorites as of right now:
This book is truly like reading something your best friend has written you. It is personal, uplifting, and empowers you to embrace every part of yourself. A must!
Hear me out on this one—it’s not your typical “self-love” book, but it’s a total game-changer for self-love. By the end, you’ll truly get to know and love yourself even more.
3. Respect Your time
Learning when to say “no” is a crucial part of self-love. It means respecting your time, setting boundaries, and putting yourself first over commitments that don’t align with what you truly want.
I can’t emphasize enough how crucial your time is. It should be valued, yet often, we sacrifice our own time and allow ourselves to neglect what we want to do. This is not love. Repeat after me: this is not love.
Hands down, one of my biggest challenges—as a woman, a girlfriend, and someone striving for growth—is knowing when to say no. It’s okay to say no. Without setting boundaries, we end up living for others instead of ourselves.
When you say ‘yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.
Paulo Coelho
When you respect your time, you’re reminding yourself that your goals, peace, and well-being are important. Whether it’s taking time for yourself, enjoying a self-care day, or focusing on personal projects, your time should be spent on what brings you joy and helps you grow.
Don’t say yes out of guilt. Do what feels right for you, and respect your time.
4. Social Media reset
Let’s be real social media can either inspire us—or it can drain us. And no, I’m not here to tell you to hop off the face of earth. There’s no need to make social media the villain—it’s not the enemy.
Instead I’m actually telling you to make social media work for you, instead of take over you. curate your feed so it feels positive and up lifting.
By following the right accounts, admiring the right people, and curating a feed that encourages growth rather than comparison, social media can have a positive impact.
For me, unfollowing anything that triggers comparison or doubt has turned my feed into a space of strength and encouragement. It’s a small act of self-love, but it’s one that can have a massive impact on your mental well-being.
Here is an example of my own personal feed. Completely transformed in just 10 minutes.
Realign your digital space, and watch how it reflects back on how you feel about yourself.
We can call it a “Feed Glow-Up.”
5. Create your Own Space
Your environment influences you more than you might realize. Whether it’s your bedroom, living room, or workspace, creating a space that feels like “you” is powerful.
Recently, I revamped my office to match a vibe that is inspiring and allows me to grow.
Adding little personal touches like a vanilla-scented candle, a cozy couch, and beautiful plants make my time there enjoyable. (Yes, self love can come in the form of a candle.)
Your space will then become a daily reminder that you deserve to thrive wherever you are.
6. Make a Vision Board
Spoiler alert: Vision boards aren’t just for aesthetics.
Shocker, I know—but believe it or not they’re actually a powerful tool to help turn your dreams into reality. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, career success, or anything in between, having your goals visibly displayed is a reminder of what you deserve.
It’s like giving yourself a little love boost, a commitment to your growth, and a constant reminder that you can do this.
Create a vision board that’s all about you. It’s not about impressing others, but about what truly inspires and resonates with you. Add quotes, images, or goals that speak to your journey. My board includes the quote, “What will it be today?” as a daily reminder to take small steps toward my dreams.
Check out my full blog post for tips and a peek at my own board. Let it inspire your own self-love and transformation!
Tailor it to your own journey.
7. Take Yourself on a Date
Okay, I’ll admit, this one’s often talked about, but there’s a reason for that—it works! Love grows from spending quality time with someone—and that someone is YOU. The ultimate form of self-love is appreciating your own company, and what better way to do that than over a cup of coffee or while indulging in your favorite sweet treat?
Whether it’s a new coffee shop, a cute bookstore, a cooking class, or a picnic, these solo outings show you don’t need anyone else’s presence to enjoy life. A date with yourself is one of the best ways to embrace self-love and nurture your relationship with yourself. So value your own company.
Bonus Tip: Traveling Solo
Don’t think I forgot the bonus tip. Like I promised, here it is:
One of my personal favorite ways to practice self-love? Solo travel. Not only will you discover new places, but you will discover yourself.
Traveling solo allows you to step outside your comfort zone, disconnect, and learn to adapt new perspectives. All of this while enjoying your own company.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into self-love, solo travel is a game-changer. Check out my full blog post on why it’s the best form of self-love!
Your turn now
Self-love doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about taking small, meaningful actions that prioritize your growth and well-being. Whether it’s reading an empowering book, creating a vision board, or enjoying a solo date, every little step adds up to big changes.
So, what’s your next move? With any of these 7 unique ways to practice self-love, I guarantee your life will be transformed. Embrace these practices, be you, and always remember to love yourself along the way.
You’re ready for your self-love glow up!
