4 Ways to Spark More Self-Love Today

A sprinkle of kindness, a dash of compassion, an overflowing cup-full of care—these ingredients, which make up the foundation for how to show love to others, are the basic ingredients required in the recipe for self-love. And they can really make the sparks fly.

This time of year, love lingers a little longer in the air. There may be plans to go on a date, and buy chocolate and flowers, but loving others fully starts with embracing self-love. How do people show themselves that same kind of love? Drawing a warm bath, reading an inspiring book, not rushing to get anywhere—these are all examples of little things to do for self-love. And love for the whole self—body, mind and spirit—starts with prioritizing daily self-care.

Fall in love with taking care with these four nourishing self-care practices. They invite reflection, renewal and rejuvenation, and create the space to fill up on self-love so that love drizzles into every area of life.

1. Write a self-love note. Not just any love letter, write about all the reasons you love yourself. List more than 10 items in the letter. Then read it, and display it on a desk, door or dresser—somewhere it can be seen every day to serve as a simple reminder of self-love.
2. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight. Not a drastic change, but this extra time under the covers helps push the reset button. Going to bed earlier than usual is a radical act of self-love. Too many people are getting too few hours of sleep night after night after night. Getting enough sleep is the most nourishing self-care practice of all.
3. Look up an exciting, flavorful recipe (try one—or several—from our website!) and take time to savor the process and tastes of a home-cooked meal. Nothing says “I love you” more than a warm and tasty meal prepared at home and made with the star ingredient: love. Get inspired by selecting one thing to cook or bake in bulk every week, such as roasting root veggies with garlic or creating a unique spin on gluten-free brownies by mixing in allergy-friendly dark chocolate chips and sprinkling sea salt on top.
4. Practice passion. Spending time with that thing that makes the soul sing can bring peace to a hurried, flurried day of meetings, driving kids to practices and running errands. Unapologetically dedicate time to fire up passion today—write, read, paint, cook, play an instrument, book a weekend getaway. Just keep that inner flame alive.

Sometimes all that’s needed in the recipe for self-love is as simple as adding in extra kindness, compassion and care, which start with self-care. Spark more mindfulness into every moment with self-care. Be dazzled by it. Scatter more love today because of it.

Blog post courtesy of Julie Gentile from Julie G The Yogi

About the Author
Julie has been enthusiastically leading creative yoga classes since 2011 to inspire students to nourish their mind, body and spirit on and off the mat. Her own authentic practice, which began in 2008, empowers her to live well as a busy mom in a busy world. Julie sprinkles self-care inspiration in her yoga classes at the Bloomingdale Park District and at Mindful Movements in Glen Ellyn; on her blog, Stand Up for Your Self-Care; in her award-winning book, 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas; and on Instagram and Facebook @juliegtheyogi. Learn more at www.juliegtheyogi.com.