Love Yourself and Be Positive

Happy Friday lovely people! I am back after some time away due to some major life changes including moving across the country (again) and starting my new career! You all are awesome for being so patient with me while I get my life together. Much love to everyone.

My last post was about meal prepping and the positive changes that it has had on my life. Today, I want to focus on ways to love yourself and how to generally be more positive. Please note that I am not a doctor or therapist, so these are things that have helped me and if you are struggling, please seek out help from a professional who can help you with whatever you may be going through. So now, here are five tips on how to treat yourself with love and be more positive.

1. Take a bath

Okay, I know some of you are thinking "baths are really gross." But here me out here. Get some bubble bath, a bath bomb, bath oils, bath salts, etc., that have a scent that is relaxing to you. I love vanilla scents so I will almost always have vanilla scented bubble bath in the bathroom. Light a candle and grab a book or whatever portable device you watch Netflix on, and run a steaming bath and sweat it out. It is just like sitting in a sauna, only in the comfort of your own home. It really is refreshing, relaxing, and a good way to take care of yourself.

2. Go to the gym... but do not feel bad about taking a day (or week) off

Going to the gym and working out is GREAT for your overall health, as long as you are doing exercises correctly and do not overdo it. Science has proven that exercise release endorphins (a happy chemical) and helps boost your mood, and we all know that happy people just don't kill their husbands (Legally Blonde). So exercise is good for you mentally and physically, but if you need to take some time off from the gym, DO IT. Putting too much pressure on yourself to be the perfect gym-goer is not good for you. Yes, you may feel better after going to the gym, but if you need some time to rest, do not feel bad and get down on yourself for not going. And one more important thing about going to the gym, exercise in a way that lets you enjoy working out and celebrates what your body can do.

3. Eat healthy... but have the cookie

Fuel your body with foods that are great for you, lots of veggies and fruits, lean meats, whole grains, etc. And have that Ben & Jerry's or that cookie from the office kitchen. Like I have said in another post, eating healthy do not have to be hard so eat your broccoli and have a cookie. You will appreciate this small act of kindness to yourself.

4. Drink water

Please please please drink water. I try to start my day with at least 8oz of water first thing in the morning. It gets me going faster than a cup of coffee (I still need my coffee though) and clears my head to start the day right. For me, staying hydrated helps boost my mood and be more positive overall. I have noticed that when I have times that I am struggling, I drink a lot less water. Is there a correlation between staying hydrated and overall mood? I have no idea if there is anything scientifically proven, but when you feel physically good, you might feel mentally good as well.

5. Learn something new

So how does learning something new help you love yourself and stay positive? Well here is the thing, learning expands your mind and when you learn about something that interests you, you feel good about learning. Find a topic that interests you and watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, read books, whatever your learning style is and learn something new. For me, I am trying to learn Spanish. Honestly, I have been trying to learn for years now. Every time I master a new phrase or category of words, I feel so great about myself.

These are just a few things that I do for self-care and to help myself remain a generally positive person. Life has its ups and downs and sometimes you will need to skip the gym and have an extra cookie because you just had an awful day. Other days you will feel amazing and kill it at the gym, eat the most healthy meals, drink 72oz of water, and feel like absolute royalty. Just love yourself, soak up the sunshine, drink your water, and be positive.

Once again, I have do not have a mental health issue that I am battling, so these are things that personally help me stay positive and love myself and I am not at all saying that by doing any of these things you can cure your depression, anxiety, etc. If you do have a mental health issue, please seek out help from a professional that can give you help that fits you and your life. For those that do need help, please click here to be taken to Psychology Today where you can search for professionals and support groups in your area. Have a lovely week everyone. <3

*Originally posted on my personal blog on May 25th, 2018.