Self-love is giving your own happiness the attention it deserves. From taking a break to focusing on the things that matter most, self-love is something different to everyone.
As you embark on this journey, find some inspiration below for how to make
self-love a part of your daily routine.
Everyone has their own self-love language. Whether it’s how you de-stress or reset, it’s a part of the journey to try things out and discover what works for you.
To get you started, here’s how four influencers define self-love:
"Self-love is the root of self-care. One cannot exist without the other, because by appreciating, trusting, and being kind to yourself, you're able to care for yourself in other ways. We practice self-love daily by prioritizing our mental health, setting healthy boundaries with things or people that don't serve us, and always finding the time to do something that makes us happy. We go on post-dinner evening walks with our dog every day and we give ourselves 30 minutes before bed of no screens to read or do crosswords, play cards and listen to podcasts. These are incredible, small ways of feeling grounded.”
- Alia Guidry & Hannah Magill
@hersandhers_
"My definition of self-love is prioritizing and taking care of one's self, be it mentally, physically and spiritually.
This is where you get to be selfish because you deserve to be loved the way you love. Some ways I practice self-love are, I try to not care about what other people will think if I post this on social media and stopped focusing on the numbers. I let myself make mistakes because how else am I supposed to learn? I dedicate 30 minutes in the morning and evening to do my skincare routine -- we only have one body and I definitely want my skin to look its best and glowing even with my very busy lifestyle. But mainly, I practice self-love by focusing my energy on the things that I do love and the people that do matter to me. I talk to my mom, dad and sister constantly just to talk about random things because maintaining healthy relationships is so important and I just love spending time with them."
- Alyssa Ramos
@alyssa13ramos
Inspired by your peers?! Choose a self-love practice to release stress today.
Take 15 minutes out of your day to check out a new artist or curate a fresh playlist. Choose the comfiest corner in your dorm or room, to sit back and just take in the music. This is a great way to reset and de-stress.
of women* say they listen to music as their form of self-love.
58%
What It Means to
"Love Yourself" Before Entering a Relationship
Here's What Being in a Healthy Relationship Actually Means
Check out @TheKnot on social media. Engage in the conversation and let us know how you're practicing self love by using the hashtag #theknotselflove.
Editor: Madeleine Bokan • Designer: Neula Ha
This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% our own.
© Her Campus Media 2021
Choose an affirmation to start your day.
Say it to yourself outloud, or write it on a sticky note on your desk. Some of our favorites include: “I am enough,” and “My voice matters and my opinion counts.”
of women* say positive
self-affirmations are a way
they care for themselves.
40%
Start a journal dedicated to your goals and dreams–the week, the month, the year, the next five years...Book time on your calendar to check in on your short-term and long-term goals. Find time once a week to update your goals and check them off. Remember, achieving goals is not always linear. Trust in your journey and have grace with yourself.
of women* say goal setting is one way they practice self-love.
43%
Frequently remind yourself that you don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every request at work or every invite from friends. Learn to set healthy boundaries in your life and know that saying ‘no’ can be okay!
of women* see not overscheduling themselves as a form of self-care.
40%
*Data from The Knot
"I define self-love as any practice that makes you feel happy or fulfilled or validated.
Self-love is the greatest form of love, as it requires self-prioritization and self-awareness, which can be challenging to achieve. I practice self-love in a variety of ways, including: Telling myself positive affirmations in the mirror, buying new clothes and accessories that make me feel good, journaling about my feelings, playing video games, meeting weekly with my therapist, and so much more!"
- Zoe Stoller
@zoestoller
"I have struggled with self-love for a long time. Growing up gay in a small community, I always had a negative stigma around who I was. That was until I developed my practices of self-love such as reading books, doing activities that I love such as photography, taking time to work out for myself, and practicing staying positive. A few things I do to stay positive are counting the little wins throughout the day and calling friends randomly to check in with them and catch up even if it's just for five minutes. “
- Evan Braaten
@sweetlifeofevan
Andrii Drachuk/Shutterstock.com
The Knot Worldwide/Iris Mannings
"My definition of self-love is prioritizing and taking care of one's self, be it mentally, physically and spiritually. This is where you get to be selfish because you deserve to be loved the way you love. Some ways I practice self-love are, I try to not care about what other people will think if I post this on social media and stopped focusing on the numbers. I let myself make mistakes because how else am I supposed to learn? I dedicate 30 minutes in the morning and evening to do my skincare routine -- we only have one body and I definitely want my skin to look its best and glowing even with my very busy lifestyle. But mainly, I practice self-love by focusing my energy on the things that I do love and the people that do matter to me. I talk to my mom, dad and sister constantly just to talk about random things because maintaining healthy relationships is so important and I just love spending time with them."