How to Have a More Loving Relationship With Yourself This 2016

The start of a new year is always an exciting time. It’s an opportunity to set new goals, take time to be thankful for what you already have, and work on the relationship you have with yourself. It’s so easy to get pulled in so many directions that you forget to work on the most important relationship of all: the relationship you have with yourself. You won’t be a good parent, spouse, employee, friend, or family member if you are constantly neglecting yourself. It’s time to stop putting yourself last. The New Year is the perfect time to start showing yourself a little bit of love. The following are a few tips designed to bring you have a more loving relationship with yourself.

1. Practice Mindful Eating

Not only will practising mindful eating help you make better food choices, it will also help you deal with your emotions. Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions of your day-to-day responsibilities without even thinking about them? It’s easy to become so busy during the day that you become like a robot. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an eating routine. But the problem with having a strict routine is that you rarely check in with yourself to see how you’re doing. The food we crave and eat is directly related to our feelings. Show yourself some love by feeding yourself good quality foods that make you feel good about yourself. Taking the time to plan out a healthy meal for yourself is easy and does not require a lot of time. After all, if you don’t feed yourself well, who will? Enjoy every bite of your food by making time for yourself. Try packing a lunch during the day and make sure you sit down to enjoy it, even if you have to eat in your car between meals. Think about each bite you take and how it makes you feel. Be sure to clear your mind before your meal. There are so many meals in a day. Don’t ruin this time by clogging up your mind with what you have to do the rest of the day or week. Instead, focus on nourishing yourself so that you have the energy (mentally AND physically) to get it done.

2. Be happy with your current state of being

This includes your weight, your current state of health, and the things that are important you. Appreciation is an important part of having a better relationship with yourself. You may not think that what you currently have is good enough, but it is. Your home may not be as big as your friends or family members, but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of love. Instead of wishing you were something you’re not, try focusing on what you are. Don’t compare your looks to others. You are unique in your own way. It might be helpful to write down one thing about yourself per day that you like about yourself. Your outer appearance should not define who you are. True beauty is not always something you can see with your eyes. If you are a good person to others, than you are already steps above the rest.

3. Minimize the importance of your possessions

There are certain things you may need in life to get by: a house, a car, food, etc. When you feel like these possessions are not as good as others, remember that there are always others who wish they have what you have. The size of your house, the amount of money you make, and the type of car you drive does not even matter in the grand scheme of things. You will not leave this Earth with them, so be sure to put them in perspective the next time you wish you had more.

4. Appreciate your friends and family

Even though they might drive you crazy, family members and friends are always a blessing. Everyone thinks that they have a crazy family. But remember that some have no family at all. If you have someone in your life that you can count on (whether they are blood related family or even the barista at your favorite coffee shop), then consider yourself blessed and try not to take that relationship for granted.

5. Be present

Living in the moment is better than trying to document every second of it. We spend so much time on our phones or using the internet that we miss out on precious memories. Being present is a great way to bring you closer to your loved ones. Try really listening and responding to someone the next time you are talking with them. Put your phone down and play with your kids when you get home from work. Little moments can seem like the biggest ones when we make uninterrupted time for them. You don’t have to document every moment you want to remember. Sometimes it’s ok to live in the moment.