We often prioritize connections with others - Family, friends, even our partners.
But the truth is, oftentimes, we forget the one relationship that sets the stage for all these interactions.
Our relationship with ourselves.
Think about it: how you view yourself can directly impact how you treat others and how you allow them to treat you.
Sounds too deep. Isn’t it? Let me simplify with an example.
Imagine spending your entire life with a roommate.
You share the same living space, navigate household chores together, and experience all the ups and downs of daily life side-by-side.
It would be a nightmare if you weren’t in sync with them, right?
Well, this roommate I’m talking about is YOU, YOURSELF.
And just like any relationship, the one you have with yourself also needs the same amount of work and effort in order to thrive.
By nurturing your connection with yourself, you can create a supportive and empowering environment where you flourish and thrive.
And with this newsletter, I will be breaking down that exact roadmap for you.
Here's how to nurture the special bond you have with yourself:
➡️ Discovering Your Inner World:
✔️ Journaling: Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to write freely in a journal. Explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. When you do this, you not only know yourself better but also as per a study published in the Web MD found that journaling for just a few weeks can significantly improve emotional well-being and reduce stress levels.
I have a dedicated video on how you can start journaling as a beginner, which you watch by clicking on this link.
✔️ Mindfulness Moments: In our hectic schedule, taking mindful breaks throughout the day is necessary. You don’t need anything fancy. Just close your eyes, focus on your breath, and simply observe your thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. This helps you understand your inner landscape better. Research shows that mindfulness practices can increase self-awareness and emotional regulation.
There is no harm in giving it a try. Isn’t it?
➡️ Cultivating Self-Compassion:
✔️ Bye Bye Inner Critic: You must have heard that voice in your head that whispers doubts and criticizes your every move. “You aren’t good enough.” “An absolute failure.” etc. Acknowledge these thoughts, but don't believe them.
Instead, try to replace them with affirmations that highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Such as “I am killing it”, “I can do this” and many more.
Here is a pro tip: Take a pen and paper and write down 5 positive affirmations. Repeat them loud and clear every day.
✔️ Forgiveness Journey: Mistakes happen, they are a part of being human, being YOU. However, instead of dwelling on past shortcomings, learn from them and move forward with kindness towards yourself.
In fact, many therapists will agree to this, that the first step of self healing is acknowledging past mistakes and forgiving yourself for them.
➡️ Understanding Your Needs:
✔️ Body: Pay attention to your body's signals. When you feel tired, take a nap. When you're hungry, add in healthy foods. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and activities that replenish your energy reserves. A Harvard researcher has found a clear link between neglecting basic needs and increased stress, anxiety, and even physical illness.
✔️ Mind: Notice your feelings without judgment. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated? If so, acknowledge those emotions and identify healthy ways to address them. Emotional intelligence helps manage stress, build healthy relationships, and achieve personal goals. So, nurture it by reading more, asking more questions, taking more feedbacks, and learning more about your emotions.
➡️ Bringing in Joy:
✔️ Discover Your Passions: What sparks joy in your life? Is it painting, reading, spending time in nature, or dancing your heart out? Whatever it is, schedule time for these activities regularly. They're not just fun, they're essential for your well-being too.
✔️ Embrace New Experiences: Step outside your comfort zone and explore new hobbies or interests. You might discover hidden talents or passions you never knew existed. Research by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi shows that by bringing in new experiences, you can enhance your creativity, motivation to succeed, and overall well-being gradually.
➡️ Setting Healthy Boundaries:
✔️ More to "No": Saying "no" to requests that drain your energy or don't align with your values is a sign of self-respect. It allows you to prioritize your well-being and create space for things that truly matter. In fact, setting boundaries is crucial and has a direct correlation with developing healthy relationships and reducing stress.
✔️ Emphasize on Communication: Clear communication of your needs and boundaries to others is the need of the hour. This fosters healthy relationships where both parties feel respected and understood. Research by communication expert Judith Glaser shows that effective communication is essential for building trust and fostering strong relationships.
She quotes, “To get to the next level of greatness depends on the quality of our culture, which depends on the quality of our relationships, which depends on the quality of our conversations. Everything happens through conversations.”
By this, you can understand which pedestrian of life can good communication open up for you.
These are some ways, which I inculcated in my life to strengthen, my bond with myself, and it’s your turn now. But, before I conclude, here is something I want you to remember.
Building a strong self-relationship is a journey.
There will be bumps along the way, but with consistent effort and self-compassion, you'll eventually be able to cultivate a loving and supportive connection with your most important companion: yourself.
Comment and share what’s your current relationship status with yourself.
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