7 Life-Changing Ways You Can Build a Better Relationship With Yourself

In our lives, we will all have dozens of relationships. We spend so much time investing time and energy into our relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners… But there is one crucial relationship we all have that tends to get overlooked.

This person has been with you through every high and every low. They have the power to lift you up, or completely destroy your life and potential. There is only one person in your life who can be there from the very beginning to the very end. And that person is you.

Much like you would work to build and maintain a relationship with a friend, your relationship with yourself needs your attention. If it’s been way too long since you took the time to tend to that relationship, that’s okay! Here are 7 easy ways you can build a better relationship with yourself.

1. Spend some quality time with yourself.

If you wanted to foster a stronger relationship with someone else, chances are you would want to schedule some quality alone time. The same is true of your relationship with yourself! Spending time alone without trying to distract yourself can help you become more in tune with your own unique voice.

It’s time to date yourself. Put on your favourite outfit and take a trip to the museum, zoo, or movies. Or light a candle, put on your pajamas, and sip on a relaxing cup of tea. Spending dedicated time alone can help you learn to enjoy your own company without the pressure of others.

2. Take care of your body.

Our bodies are our homes, and learning to respect them can be a hugely liberating step in your quest for self-love! If you’ve visited my blog before, you know I am huge on intuitive eating and joyful movement. These principles have helped me become so much more in tune with my body’s needs. If you want to take better care of yourself, the body you live in is a great place to start.

3. Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend.

Do you know how many friends I would have if I was as hard on them as I am on myself? Uh, none. How can you expect to improve your self love when you talk so poorly to yourself?

Start screening your thoughts. Just because we think something about ourselves doesn’t mean it is productive or truthful. When you’re overcome with negative self-talk, take a step back and address yourself with some compassion, patience, and understanding. Giving yourself some of the kindness you already share with the people around you can make a world of a difference.

4. Start voicing your own wants, needs, and boundaries.

It is way too easy to go along with what everybody else wants and never pausing to reflect on what you actually want. Don’t you deserve better?

Start making the decisions that you want to make. It doesn’t mean that you need to be selfish; it just means that you know yourself well enough to respect your desires. Your inner self will thank you!

Recommended Post: How to Stand Up for Yourself When You’re Afraid of Confrontation

5. Look inward with journaling.

Get to know your true self better by keeping a journal. Journaling is a wonderful way to express yourself and get to know more about your inner thoughts. Remember that your journal doesn’t need you to be polite, perfect, or have a filter. It’s a practice that’s sole purpose is to build on your relationship with yourself.

If you’re new to journaling and don’t know where to get started, why not join my 21-day journaling challenge? You’ll receive 21 of my favourite self-exploration journal prompts in your inbox, plus sign up to stay up-to-date on all things Finding Julianne. Click here to learn more and sign up now!

6. Unplug from social media more often.

There are definitely benefits to social media. But more often than not, a scrolling session can leave us feeling drained, jealous, and uninspired.

Not only that, but social media also subtly influences us in so many ways that many of us don’t even realize. We are subconsciously being told how to look, act, and feel without even knowing it. The more time you schedule off social media, the easier it will be to break free from that comparison trap and start thinking for yourself.

Recommended Post: These 3 Instagram Struggles Are Destroying Your Self Esteem + How to Overcome Them

7. Believe in yourself.

I know, I know. It sounds so cheesy. But believing in your own potential and worth is one of the most important steps to a healthy relationship with yourself. It’s hard to be truly happy until you let yourself believe that you deserve that happiness.

This isn’t a change you can make right away, but there are some baby steps you can take right now to find some more faith in yourself. Exploring your negative limiting beliefs, acknowledging your past achievements, and practicing healthy (not toxic!) optimism can start to shift your mindset. Once you’re able to truly love and believe in yourself, I know you will be unstoppable!

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Have you ever given much thought to your relationship with yourself? How will you nurture that special relationship this week? As for me, I’m off to write in my journal before bed!

Sending lots of love as we head into the home stretch of 2020,