Love Yourself First: 14 Self-Care Practices to Help You Fall in Love with Yourself
- Julia Maslava
- Jun 26
- 10 min read
Updated: Nov 9
Why Loving Yourself First Matters
We live in a world that often teaches us to give endlessly—to our work, our families, our communities—until there’s very little left for ourselves. But here’s the truth: loving yourself first is not selfish. It’s the foundation that allows you to care for others, pursue your dreams, and find joy in everyday life.
Learning to love yourself is not a destination—it’s a lifelong relationship. Self-love is the key to genuine happiness, resilience, and emotional balance. True self-care is not just about bubble baths and face masks (though those help!). It’s about creating an inner environment of compassion, respect, and patience toward yourself.
When you create time for intentional self-care, you begin to reconnect with your worth, your voice, and your needs. These small, gentle practices aren’t about adding more to your to-do list. They’re about creating a kinder relationship with yourself.
In this post, we’ll explore meaningful self-care practices that can help you reconnect with your needs, nurture your well-being, and fall in love with the person you already are.
14 Self-Care Practices to Help You Love Yourself First
Build a foundation of self-love, reconnect with your inner self, and live a more fulfilling, joyful life.
1. Start Your Day with Intention, Self-Compassion and Stillness
The way you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Instead of immediately diving into work or scrolling through social media, take a moment to acknowledge yourself with kindness. Speak to yourself as you would a dear friend—offering encouragement and warmth. Breathe deeply, sip warm tea, or journal one thought of gratitude. This sets the tone for a calmer, more intentional day.
Write down three gentle intentions in your digital planner: how you want to feel, what you want to focus on, and what matters most today.
Example: Today, I choose calm focus. I will take things one step at a time.
📝 What to Do: Begin your morning with a positive affirmation or a few minutes of gratitude journaling. Remind yourself that you are enough, just as you are.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a sticky note with a self-love affirmation on your mirror, like: “I am worthy of love, rest, and happiness.”
2. Prioritise Rest & Deep Relaxation Without Apology
Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your body and mind need time to recharge, process emotions, and recover from daily stress. When you allow yourself to rest without guilt, you affirm that your well-being matters. Quality sleep, quiet moments, and deep relaxation are all essential parts of self-care. Rest is not laziness—it’s repair. Give yourself permission to nap, daydream, or simply do nothing.
📝 What to Do: Create a bedtime ritual that allows you to unwind—read, journal, or practice deep breathing before bed.
💡 Pro Tip: Set a “self-care alarm” in the evening as a reminder to step away from screens and focus on relaxation.
Explore why emotional well-being is key to meaningful productivity in this post "Rethinking Productivity: Why It's an Emotional Journey, Not Just a Task List"
3. Speak Kindly to Yourself
We are often our own harshest critics. But true self-love starts with speaking to yourself with the same kindness and compassion you offer others. Self-talk shapes your inner world, mindset and self-worth, so choose words that empower and uplift you. Replace criticism with kindness. Every time you catch a harsh thought, gently reframe it. You deserve the same compassion you give to others.
📝 What to Do: When negative self-talk creeps in, consciously reframe your thoughts with loving affirmations.
💡 Pro Tips:
If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
Keep a "kind words" section in your planner to write affirmations that remind you of your worth.
4. Indulge in Guilt-Free Joy
Joy is an essential part of self-care. Yet, many of us feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea, reading a book, or taking a leisurely walk, allow yourself moments of pleasure without justification.
📝 What to Do: Make a “joy list”—a collection of simple things that bring you happiness. Do at least one every day.
💡 Pro Tip: Remind yourself that joy is not a reward—it’s a right.
The most beautiful moments in life often happen when we least expect them. This guide "How to Turn Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Joys: A New Perspective on Everyday Magic" will show you unique ways to shift your perspective, break free from routine, and uncover joy where you never thought to look!
5. Journal Your Emotions, Journal for Self-Reflection & Clarity
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional release. Writing down your thoughts and feelings helps you process emotions, gain clarity, and deepen your relationship with yourself. Self-reflection is a bridge to self-love. When you journal you hear your inner voice.
📝 What to Do: Set aside 5–10 minutes each day to free-write or respond to journal prompts.
💡 Pro Tip: Use prompts like:
What do I love about myself today?
What drained my energy today?
What brought me joy?
What do I need to let go of right now?
What do I need right now?
What am I proud of today?
What does my heart want to say?
Digital planners with journaling sections make this practice easy to keep up with.
You can find free journal prompts and templates in our Wellness Toolkit.
Struggling with self-doubt? These 100 guided prompts will help you cultivate confidence and embrace self-worth "100 Prompts to Cultivate Confidence and Self-Worth".
Need more prompts? Read the blog post "100 Prompts for Stress Relief and Emotional Balance": process emotions, release tension, and restore inner peace.
6. Cultivate a Loving Inner Circle
The people you surround yourself with shape your self-perception and energy. Building a circle of supportive, uplifting individuals is an act of self-care. Prioritise relationships that make you feel valued, respected, and understood.
📝 What to Do: Make a habit of reaching out to people who bring positivity into your life.
💡 Pro Tip: Evaluate your relationships regularly and release those that drain your energy.
7. Treat Yourself with the Care You Give to Others
Many of us are great at taking care of others but struggle to extend the same kindness to ourselves. You deserve the same love, patience, and care you so freely give. Prioritizing your own needs is not selfish—it’s essential.
📝 What to Do: Ask yourself daily: “How can I show up for myself today?”
💡 Pro Tip: Treat yourself like you would a loved one—nurture, encourage, and forgive yourself.
Explore 100 Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery: Explore, Reflect & Grow to learn about your thoughts, dreams, and emotions.
8. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Setting boundaries is an act of self-love. It protects your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Saying “no” doesn’t mean you don’t care about others—it means you care about yourself, too.
📝 What to Do: Start small by setting one clear boundary this week, whether it’s turning off work notifications after hours or declining an invitation you don’t feel up for.
💡 Pro Tip: Remember, boundaries are not barriers—they are guides for healthier relationships.
Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s essential for self-care. Use these 100 Prompts for Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Energy to work through people-pleasing, set limits at work, protect your emotional space, and honour your well-being. Start journaling your way to stronger boundaries.
You can also can read the ultimate guide to setting boundaries during the holidays in this post Setting Boundaries During the Holidays: How to Prioritize Your Well-Being, so you can fully enjoy the festive season without feeling overwhelmed.
9. Make Time for What You Love
Your passions and hobbies are a reflection of your true self. Making time for what excites and fulfils you is an act of self-love.
📝 What to Do: Schedule time in your week to do something purely because it brings you joy—whether it’s painting, gardening, or dancing in your living room.
💡 Pro Tip: Block out this time in your planner as a non-negotiable self-care appointment.
Read the guide to set meaningful, balanced goals that prioritise what truly matters "Goal Setting for a Balanced Life: Focus on What Matters Most"
10. Cultivate Gratitude to Yourself Daily
Gratitude rewires the mind toward abundance and shifts your focus from what you lack to what you already have. Appreciating yourself and your journey helps build confidence and self-worth. You don’t have to wait for a “better version” of yourself to feel thankful. Each small act of care, each effort to heal or grow, deserves appreciation.
📝 What to Do: Each night, write down one thing you appreciate about yourself, one thing you thank yourself for and three small joys each day—a smile from a stranger, the warmth of tea, the sound of rain. Over time, gratitude becomes second nature.
💡 Pro Tip: Instead of only listing accomplishments, recognize your inner qualities, like kindness or resilience.
Discover the transformative power of gratitude in 28 Days of Gratitude: A Journaling Challenge.
11. Be Gentle with Yourself on Hard Days
Self-love isn’t about being happy all the time—it’s about supporting yourself through all emotions. On tough days, give yourself permission to rest and feel without judgment.
It’s easy to love yourself when life feels light, but the real challenge comes on the days when everything feels heavy. On those days, remember this: being gentle with yourself is not weakness—it’s a quiet kind of strength.
Research from the Greater Good Science Center (researcher Dr. Kristin Neff) shows that self-compassion doesn’t just help us feel better emotionally—it actually fuels our self-esteem. Instead of pushing through with criticism, we create space to recover, reset, and begin again with more clarity.
One way to practice this is to treat yourself as you would a close friend. What words would you use if someone you loved was struggling? Offer those same words inward. If you’re unsure where to begin, Dr. Kristin Neff—one of the leading researchers in this field—offers beautiful guided self-compassion practices that can help you step into kindness, even when it feels unnatural at first.
Hard days will come, but how you meet yourself in those moments shapes your inner world. Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and choose gentleness—you are worthy of that care.
📝 What to Do: Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your feelings and offering yourself grace.
💡 Pro Tip: Place a hand on your heart and remind yourself: “I am doing my best, and that is enough.”
12. Nourish Your Mind and Yourself with Intention
Your thoughts, environment, and habits shape your well-being. Be intentional about what you consume—whether it’s food, media, or information.
📝 What to Do: Fill your day with things that inspire and uplift you—books, music, or mindful conversations.
💡 Pro Tip: Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate and replace them with ones that empower you.
Nurture your well-being with fresh, unique, and heartfelt ideas with "30 Days of Wellness: A Self-Care Calendar" that blends mental, physical, and emotional self-care.
13. Move Your Body with Kindness in a Way You Love
Exercise is not just about fitness—it’s about honouring your body. Instead of forcing intense workouts, choose movement that feels good and makes you feel alive, rather than something you force yourself to do. Gentle movement is an act of self-love, not punishment.
📝 What to Do: Explore different activities like forest bathing, a mindful walk, yoga stretches, or dancing to your favourite playlist
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on how movement makes you feel, rather than how it makes you look.
14. Celebrate Your Small Wins
Acknowledging your progress, no matter how small, helps build confidence and motivation. Each step you take toward self-love is worth celebrating. Acknowledge progress instead of waiting for “big” milestones.
📝 What to Do: Keep a “wins journal” to track moments of growth and success.
💡 Pro Tip: At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come.
Bonus Self-Love and Self-Care Practices
Create a Digital Sanctuary
Digital overwhelm is real. Set small boundaries like turning off notifications during meals or designating screen-free evenings. By protecting your digital space, you protect your inner peace.
Self-love isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being patient, kind, and accepting of yourself. Every act of self-care is a step closer to falling deeply in love with the person you are.
Practice Daily Affirmations
Words shape how we see ourselves. Try repeating affirmations such as “I am enough as I am” or “My worth is not tied to productivity.” Write them in your planner so you see them daily.
Nourish Your Body Gently
Food is not just fuel—it’s care. Plan nourishing meals that leave you feeling supported, not deprived. A digital meal planner can help reduce stress around food and make cooking joyful again.
Curate a Cozy Evening Ritual
Wind down by dimming the lights, lighting a candle, and journaling or reading something uplifting. These small rituals signal to your body that it’s safe to rest.
Spend Time in Nature
Even 10 minutes outdoors can reduce stress and help you reconnect with yourself. Nature has a gentle way of reminding us to slow down. Take a mindful walk, listen to the wind, or watch the sky. Notice the colours, the sounds, and the air against your skin. These simple moments reconnect you to life beyond your to-do list.
Invest in Your Growth
Whether it’s reading a book, taking a course, or learning a new hobby, growth nourishes confidence. Set aside time each week for personal development.
Practice Financial Self-Care
Money can be a source of stress. Create a mindful money tracker or budget plan that feels supportive, not restrictive. By planning intentionally, you bring peace to this important area of life.
Create a Self-Care Ritual You Look Forward To
Whether it’s a slow morning coffee, evening journaling, or a mindful skincare routine—create a ritual that grounds you. Rituals are reminders that you matter, even on the busiest days.
Take a Break from Perfectionism
Perfectionism drains joy. Allow yourself to do things imperfectly and still celebrate progress. Self-love grows when you give yourself permission to be human.
Declutter Your Mind and Space
Your surroundings mirror your mind. Organise your digital planner or tidy a small corner of your home. Start with one drawer or one folder. The goal is clarity, not perfection.
Self-Care and Self-Love as a Lifestyle
Self-love isn’t a one-time act—it’s a practice, a daily choice. By weaving these small rituals into your routine, you begin to feel grounded, valued, and at peace with yourself. Every act of self-care is a step closer to falling deeply in love with the person you are. Remember, self-love isn’t about being perfect—it’s about kindness, patience, and accepting of yourself.
Ready to bring more self-care into your daily life?
Explore the Wellness & Gentle Productivity Planners—tools designed to help you balance your energy, nurture your well-being, and create space for what truly matters.
Or join our Freebies Club—your cozy little corner for free resources—crafted with care to support your planning, self-care, and intentional living journey. Here, you’ll find gentle tools, thoughtful templates, and small prompts to bring more calm, clarity, and joy into your everyday life.
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