Busy schedules don’t often leave time for self-care or self-love, a vital aspect of keeping healthy. Anyone can make some small changes to their lifestyle to better promote self-love. Taking care of yourself can improve your mental well-being, and there might be physical improvements as well. People who practice self-love could even be less likely to get certain diseases, like heart conditions and cancer.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a great way to start practicing self-love; it is essentially the practice of living in the present and is similar to meditation. The difference is, people who practice mindfulness aim to incorporate it into every aspect of their lives, no matter where they are or what they are doing. Many mindfulness techniques encourage deep breathing and a conscious appreciation of the world around you.

Focus on Needs

Parents don’t let their children eat candy for dinner. That doesn’t mean they don’t love their children. In fact, it’s the opposite. Parents care about their children, so they feed them healthy foods and disallow too much candy. Self-love is the same way. It doesn’t mean indulging all the time. Loving yourself means you do what’s best for you, so try to focus on needs, not wants.

Set Boundaries

It feels good to make people happy, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your own happiness. One of the keys to self-love is setting boundaries with the people in your life. Remember, “no” is a complete sentence. Feel free to say no to people if you need to. Your real friends will understand that you can’t make them happy all the time.

Choose Friends Wisely

Some relationships are toxic. That doesn’t mean either party is a bad person, but if you have a toxic friendship in your life, consider cutting it out or winding it down. This can help both of you feel better. Friendships should be mutually beneficial and positive.

Say “No”

Good self-care means doing things that keep you mentally well. It also means not doing things that make you unwell. Say “no” to things that do you harm, not just outings with friends. If a certain activity gives you anxiety, opt out. For example, if going through work emails before bed leaves you unable to sleep, stop.

Eat Right

You are what you eat. Insufficient nutrients will leave you tired, grumpy, and lacking the energy to take care of yourself in other ways. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit. Keep indulgences like chocolate or cupcakes to a minimum, but don’t be afraid to enjoy your food. In addition to the energy healthy foods impart, foods like whole grains and yogurt with probiotics can positively impact your mood. If you eat right and still feel like you don’t have a lot of energy, speak to a doctor.

Sleep Well

The list of the negative effects of poor sleep is long, and the more researchers investigate, the longer it gets. Adults need about seven to eight hours of sleep a night. A lack of shut-eye can affect physical health, but research shows it has a big impact on mental wellness and self-love, too.

Exercise

Regular exercise is good for the body and mind. Studies show that depression, anxiety, and ADHD improve with exercise. Working out is also a great way to spend some time reflecting. By getting even just half an hour of exercise a day, you can sleep better, feel happier, and be more mindful.

Meditate

Meditation, even for short periods, can improve your outlook, both on yourself and the world ay large. Mute your phone and sit quietly for a few minutes. If you’re new to meditation, consider a guided recording to start. There’s no wrong way to meditate, so don’t get too caught up in the technique, just focus on your breath.

Lean on Loved Ones

A lot of people don’t ask for help when they need it. Maybe they’re afraid loved ones will judge them, or don’t want to be a bother. But being part of a supportive social network means that both sides get support. You’ll support your loved ones if they need it, and they’re more than happy to do the same for you. If you need help, ask.