5 Ways To Improve Your Relationship With Yourself

We often hear the phrase “relationships take work,” and this phrase is typically used about romantic relationships. But what about our relationship with ourselves?

When we think about the relationships that are important in our lives, we rarely think of the one we have with ourselves.

Over the years I've never paid attention and dove deep to understand my relationship with myself.

But the relationship with ourselves is one of the most important ones you will have and it sets the tone for how you show up in your other relationships.

The relationship with myself determines everything. Why? Life is experienced through me, not outside of me.

Loving and accepting myself for who am I took a lot of work. It’s a process that involves a great deal of self-reflection. But this work is essential if you want to thrive in other areas of your life.

Here are five ways to help you create a healthy relationship with yourself.

1. GET TO KNOW YOURSELF

How many of your decisions do you make for yourself? Oftentimes, we make most of our decisions to please other people. And we can do this for so long that we forget what makes us happy. Start making small decisions that are only for you.?

Choose a movie that you want to see

Take a vacation by yourself (even if it's a short getaway or staycation).?

Take up a new hobby

Take yourself out for dinner

Oftentimes, it’s easier to make decisions for yourself when you step away from the people who have the most influence on your life.

2. TURN OFF SOCIAL MEDIA

Break the social comparison cycle. Take a day off from social media every week to actually live your life in real-time, not through a box. It'll help you become more present and increase joy!

Turn off notifications

Log out or delete unnecessary? apps

Unfollow or mute people

Turn off your phone or the Wi-Fi

Leave groups

3. WRITE IT OUT

If something is bothering you or on your mind, let it out. Give it to the paper, let your thoughts free flow, then read back to experience clarity in your thinking.

It's a truly magical experience to understand how you process thoughts. If you struggle with stress, depression, or anxiety, keeping a journal can be a great idea.

It can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health. Write down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly.

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart” –William Wordsworth.

4. PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION

Are you your own worst critic? If so, you’re definitely not alone. That’s a common sentiment in our society. We tend to cut other people many more breaks than we do for ourselves.

But next time you’re beating yourself up, take a step back and think about what you’d say to a friend. You’d probably be a lot more compassionate to a friend than you would yourself.

The next time you’re being critical of yourself, acknowledge that you are experiencing suffering in the present moment, and rather than try to shame yourself or bottle it up, ask yourself what you need at that moment and reflect on ways you can show yourself compassion.

How would you treat someone else?

Be aware of what you tell yourself.

Practice empathy for your choice.

Let go of the past.

Forgive yourself.

5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE FOR YOUR PHYSICAL SELF

I cannot reiterate this enough. It can never be excluded from my list. Practicing gratitude involves more than just appreciating all the wonderful things around you but is about taking time to appreciate all your body has done for you.

We tend to ignore our bodies until something goes wrong.?

You probably don’t think much about breathing until your nasal passages get blocked.?

You don’t think about your digestive system until you get a stomach virus.?

But these systems are amazing and deserve our appreciation.

To practice gratitude for your physical self, consider meditating, eating a balanced diet, using and taking on an exercise routine. Sleeping well and taking time to recharge.

It’s helpful to keep in mind that you can improve your relationship with yourself no matter what point you are starting at and that progress is not linear. Similar to any other relationship, you’re not immune to criticism, frustration, or feeling disconnected at times.

Although it may take some time and effort, it’s crucial to create a healthy relationship with yourself if you want to lead a healthy, happy life. Follow these 5 tips to look inward and improve your relationship with yourself.

The benefits of doing so can positively impact your life in many ways and your future self will thank you.