5 ways to nurture your lovely self

Today I have the very lovely, and vibrant, Amelia from Nurture and Shine to share her beautiful words while I take a little maternity leave break.

Thank you Amelia. You’ll want to follow her blog, or like her on Facebook, simply because she’s a breath of fresh air each day for me {and will be for you too, I’m sure}.

1. Be Loving

The best thing you can do for yourself right now is to start loving yourself. Far too often we look at ourselves through negative eyes and focus on the things we wish to change, rather than looking at how absolutely fantastic you are.

It’s all about flicking that switch and focusing on the good. For example, maybe you have stretch marks? Rather than seeing them as something awful, remember that they are there because your skin stretched to help grow and nurture your baby. You should be darn proud of that! Embrace it baby!

We are told to look for the best in people – the same goes for YOU. So when that negative self-talk comes about, turn it around and focus on all the wonderful things that make up you. Look at yourself through the eyes of those who love you – to them, you are perfect.

Come from a place of love in everything you do.

MINI TASK : Write down 5 things (or more!) that you love about yourself… A love letter to yourself!

2. Be Gentle

When it comes to anything in your life, I believe you should go gently. You can do it all, but you don’t have to do it all at the same time.

Don’t place too much expectation on yourself when making healthy lifestyle changes. Instead, go with the flow. Take small steps, because each of those steps can end up having a huge impact.

And forget about what everyone else is doing. Instead do what feels right for you. If you make a mistake, that’s ok. It’s ok to feel vulnerable at times or even fearful. It’s what you do with those feelings that count. This is your life and you deserve to honour yourself.

MINI TASK : What is one small step that you can take today to honour yourself a little more? Do you need to start saying no a little more? Do you need to take time out for you? Do you need to drink more water? Whatever it is, give it a go. Baby steps.

3. Be Responsive

Do you listen to your body? Do you know what it needs? Your body is constantly sending your messages and it’s up to you to interpret and listen to them.

Are you feeling foggy and tired in the afternoons? Do you often get dull headaches? Are your energy levels peaked one day and low the next?

Take a step back and think about what your body could be telling you.

You need to nurture this beautiful body of yours, so start by listening to it’s needs. It will thank you for it.

MINI TASK : Write down the food/drink you have each day, and how your body feels afterwards. Play around and see what does and doesn’t work for you.

4. Be Still

More and more research is proving just how effective daily meditation is. A time of stillness. Sitting in stillness is a way for your body and mind to relax, unwind and refresh.

It’s not about switching off your mind completely – it’s about having thoughts, acknowledging them and letting them go without judgment.

MINI TASK : Start a daily stillness practice. Sit quietly and comfortably for just a few minutes. Take long, thoughtful, deep breaths. If thoughts pop in your head, acknowledge them, then send them on their way. I like to think of them as little clouds floating past. Guided meditations are great to get you started too – find an app that works for you (I love Smiling Mind).

5. Be Grateful

Having an attitude of gratitude will change your life. Once you focus on the positives, the less negative comes your way. You deserve to celebrate that beautiful life you have created!

Instead of focusing on what you wish you had, marvel in all that you do have. Start to appreciate even the tiniest of moments. Those fleeting moments that may seem insignificant now, but they will end up being the memories you hold on to. Appreciate them. Immerse yourself in joy.

MINI TASK : Start a gratitude journal. Finish each day by writing down the things that made your heart sing.

Which mini task will you tackle? I’m a big fan of the gratitude journal, are you?