Many people see January as a month of fresh starts, the decision to quit biting your nails, swearing you’ll finally get to sunrise yoga, and telling yourself that this year, you’ll reduce your doomscrolling… A little bit. But beyond the clichés of resolutions and detox teas, January holds a deeper opportunity: It’s the perfect time to embrace self-love. Why? Because after the chaos of the holidays and the pressure to set life-altering goals, what we all really need is a little TLC – from ourselves.
“Self-love” isn’t just a buzz phrase; it’s the foundation for living a healthier, happier life. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness, compassion, and care that you’d offer to your best friend. And what better time to start than in January, when the slate is clean and the possibilities are endless?
Start small. Self-love doesn’t have to mean grand gestures like booking a solo trip to Bali (though, if you can, go for it). It can be as simple as saying no to plans when you’re feeling drained or taking 10 minutes to meditate each morning.
Reframe your resolutions. Instead of resolutions that focus on fixing yourself or making you feel bad about something (“lose 10 pounds”, "figure out crypto", "turn off Google alert for Austin Butler"), try goals that celebrate and nurture you. Think: “Move my body in ways that feel good” or “Learn a new skill that excites me.” (And hey, leave that Google alert on if it makes you happy!)
Pamper yourself. Whether it’s a long bath, a skincare routine, or a cozy night with your favorite book, carve out time for activities that make you feel cherished. It may sound trite, and no, self-care is not just about spa days, but looking after your body and mind can help you feel better about just about everything that's going on in the world.
Practice self-reflection. Spend a few moments each day acknowledging your strengths and the progress you’ve made. It’s a meaningful way to build self-awareness and self-acceptance. You don't have to keep a gratitude journal, but definitely praise yourself and tell yourself how great you are, how well you did something, how proud you should be of getting that task done.
Self-love isn’t a one-month fling; it’s a year-long romance with yourself. Here’s how to keep going long after the rest of your resolutions are forgotten (sunset yoga is much easier to get to than sunrise yoga, anyway!).
Set yourself a monthly check-in. At the start of each month, ask yourself, “How can I show myself love this month?” Then follow through. Write it in your calendar if you need to.
Create rituals. Whether it’s a weekly walk in the park or a monthly “date” with yourself, consistent rituals can anchor your self-care practice. Taking yourself to the movies and buying yourself popcorn and a drink, then enjoying the time spent on your own doing something that makes you happy, definitely builds up your self-esteem.
Be patient. Like any relationship, the one with yourself takes time and effort. There will be days when self-love feels hard, and that’s okay. Keep showing up for yourself.
When you’re busy and life is demanding, it’s easy to put yourself second, third, or last on the list of things that need attention. This year, try to prioritize your own wellbeing, celebrate your uniqueness, and make 2025 the year you treat yourself like the absolute babe you are.
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