How would your family and friends react if you treated them the way you treat yourself? Would they be grateful for your kindness or be hurt and angry? It’s an essential question that’s worth pondering in your soul.
When you hear the terms self-confidence and self-love, you may be hesitant because they sound narcissistic. It’s not vain and selfish to consider your well-being and satisfaction in life. Without respecting your life and needs as a human being, you can never do the same for others.
You have a right to be happy and ensure your daily needs. It’s also your right to show people how you expect to be treated. If you stop doing these things, you can lose yourself in a whirlpool of depression and negativity.
Eleven Things You Should Always Do for Yourself
1. Create Your Own Joy
Think of your life as a blank canvass that encompasses birth to death. You’ve had countless people who have touched their brushes to your canvass to help form an outline. Their influence may be true or false, and it’s up to you when it comes to the final product.
Don’t allow anyone to have control of the joy in your heart. Continue to do activities that bring you pleasure and happiness. Nobody has the right to tell you how to think or how to feel, so choose joy over defeat.
2. Reinvent Your Life
Have you ever felt like you were in a rut? Even when things are going well in your life, you can still get tired of the “same old stuff.” If you are stuck in a routine and are bored silly, maybe you’ve stopped reinventing yourself.
When was the last time you were impulsive and did something just for fun? It may be your first step. What does it mean to “reinvent” your life?
It doesn’t mean that you throw aside who you are to become something you’re not. Life reinvention is discovering new skills and ideas and discarding what doesn’t work for you anymore. According to an article published by Mission Originals, it is a process that can start at any time in your life and is a perpetual evolution.
Have you always wanted to learn another language or play a musical instrument? Perhaps you’re burned out in your present career and long for a change. Discover the potential you’ve always had and create another rich facet in your life.
3. Offer Kindness
The beautiful thing about kindness is that it’s a priceless gift that costs you nothing to give. A study published by the National Library of Medicine suggests a positive correlation between acts of kindness and subjective happiness.
If you want to continue to flourish in joy, it makes sense never to stop offering kindness. The same study found that kindness for yourself was also a positive benefit. Never miss a chance each day to do something thoughtful for others and yourself.
4. Believe in Your Potential
Do you feel confident in your attributes, skills, and abilities? Maybe you’ve listened to negative self-talk so long that it’s affected your esteem. No matter your age or where you are in life, never stop being a cheerleader for you. Nix the degrading self-talk and assert your potential every day.
5. Show Gratitude
When you show gratitude for all your blessings, you’d be amazed at how your moods will improve. According to an article published by Forbes, gratitude does double duty. Not only is it a distinct feeling of appreciation and thankfulness, but it’s also an emotion you share with others.
What could make a humble peasant in a third-world country radiate with joy while some billionaires never find contentment? The missing link may be the gratitude that’s shown or the lack thereof. Right at this moment, are you grateful for all you have?
Another point to remember is to be grateful for what you “don’t” have. When you feel low and deprived, remember that there are countless people whose struggles are more significant. The realization may be a sobering experience for you.
Some people find that keeping a gratitude journal keeps them aware of their countless blessings. If you write in your journal every day, you can look back on previous entries for inspiration. Don’t stop showing gratitude for yourself, your circle of loved ones and friends, and what you have.
6. Find Humor in Your Life
How many times have you been having a horrible day, but someone lightened the mood by using some simple humor? An article published by the National Library of Medicine states that laughter can have a positive effect on your well-being. It can help lower the stress hormones that eventually lead to severe health conditions.
Perhaps the best source of chuckles and giggles is your own experiences. You’re never too mature or too “important” to laugh at yourself. It’s a great stress reducer when you learn that you can’t take everything so seriously, especially your funny mistakes.
Do you feel stressed today? Consider spending time with some friends or loved ones who make you laugh, or you should grab some snacks and watch one of your favorite comedies to let the chuckles ensue.
7. Never Stop Smiling
One of the most beautiful universal human expressions is your smile. It conveys a multitude of emotions like kindness, acceptance, and joy without saying a word. It’s still up to scientific debate whether smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning, but smiling does make you feel better.
If your smile isn’t genuine, people will notice. There’s something about a natural grin that opens your heart and attracts others. Plus, it’s hard to frown when you are around someone who is smiling at you.
If you have a few fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth, wear them with pride. A sincere smile not only puts the other person at ease, but it helps you to relax, too. While smiling is not an expression appropriate for all situations, it is still one of your best features that people will remember.
8. Think Positive
Some people may scoff at positive thinking as being naïve or unrealistic. Yet, they may feel quite comfortable by shifting blame and being negative. Even when you can’t change a situation, your attitude toward it can change.
An article published by Business Insider shares that people who can balance a positive attitude with a realist outlook tend to enjoy more success and happiness. When used in tandem with realizing your potential, you’ll be apt to have more positive results in your life.
9. Never Stop Trying
Are you afraid to step out on faith and your potential because you’re afraid you’ll fail? Keep in mind that no successes throughout history came without failures. Some of the most successful people in the past and present had to overcome profound odds to reach their goals.
If you are still within reach of your destiny, it’s not time to stop trying. Have you already accomplished one of your life’s goals? Instead of being complacent and bored, stay busy and strive for another peak.
10. Listen to Your Gut Feelings
That inner voice you’ve heard since the beginning is your lifeline. At some points in your journey, you may have doubted yourself. When you are in a pressing dilemma, your gut feelings will usually guide you in the right direction.
How many blunders and painful experiences have you survived in your life? Did you listen to your inner voice or plug your heart’s ears? Keep your body, mind, and soul in tune with the Universal voice and trust it.
11. Treat Yourself Every Day
Doing something nice for yourself needn’t cost a dime. However, don’t ever stop splurging for yourself on occasion, either. A quiet walk in the woods, getting a mani-pedi, or going on a date by yourself are all ways that you can relax and celebrate “you.”
When you’re beaten down by stress, some time off can be a pleasure. It can be a half-hour diversion or a leisurely weekend retreat. You can spend it alone or with someone you love.
If you have a crazy schedule, make it a point to schedule time just for you. It could be anything from an afternoon in the bookstore to enjoying pillow talk with your partner. While you offer kindness and treat others, don’t forget to add a few goodies for you to enjoy.
Final Thoughts about Things Never to Stop Doing for Yourself
Only you have the power over your emotions and your self-confidence. That’s why you must continue with good habits that benefit your being. These are just a few of the best things you could ever do for yourself.
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