How can you learn to accept yourself better? When it comes to our appearance, our weight, and even certain habits, many people are too hard on themselves every day. We smooth out our facial wrinkles with our hands in front of the mirror or apologize for any idiosyncrasies - almost reflexively. In short: we are often not at peace with ourselves. But how are other people supposed to appreciate us if we don't even accept ourselves as we are?
In this article, I would like to explain the importance of self-love and then give you valuable tips for more self-acceptance that can be easily integrated into your everyday life. Let's go!
Why acceptance is so important - also from ourselves
Accepting something often sounds like it to our ears at first, add something. It has a bitter aftertaste, as if we were left dissatisfied in a situation that we just had to endure. Giving up. Defeat.
But the opposite is true: If you run again and again against something that you may not be able to change, you only waste energy unnecessarily. This is depressing and frustrating. This energy could be put to much better use.
"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."
Oscar Wilde (more at Self Love Quotes)
Acceptance is a precursor to greater satisfaction. The first step is to recognize what we don't like. Now the question arises: Can it be changed or not? Thereby ballast falls from our shouldersas soon as we let go of things that we can't change anyway.
Conversely, acceptance also offers the chance for improvement when we realize: "I can make a difference here. As soon as we accept the current circumstances as they are, it becomes much easier for us to find ways out of previously seemingly hopeless situations.
Self-imposed stress let up!
However, we find it particularly difficult to accept when it comes to our own person. Those who have difficulty accepting themselves often struggle with Feelings of inferiority and self-doubtthat lead to seeking recognition from the outside. If appreciation is not forthcoming, this reinforces the negative self-image of not being good enough. So one disguises oneself. A vicious circle begins. How stressful, right? And also this self-imposed Stress can make you sick in the long run.
To get out of the spiral of self-doubt, dejection, and frustration, you can get into more Practice self-acceptance. This way you put yourself under less pressure, strengthen your personal self-awareness and ideally also your self-confidence. The following tips will help you!
1. an honest look at yourself
In order to accept yourself, you first have to find out who you are actually dealing with. So get to know yourself anew - with strengths and also weaknesses. What do you like about yourself and which sides of you do you dislike? In which situations do you shine and which behavior do you dislike about yourself? Go ahead and make a list.
How does it feel to look at yourself? You may already be feeling something as you write. In fact, something often changes in us when we practice self-acceptance. When we let go for a moment, even the A clear view for new perspectives.
For example, you might experience something like, "I accept that I'm jealous and suddenly experience myself as more relaxed as a result." Or: "I accept my appearance, which changes my charisma positively."
2. listen to yourself
In everyday life, we sometimes put our needs on the back burner and don't even notice it at first. Therefore, listen to yourself more often. Do you really want to go to the party tonight or are you just going because your friends want to? Find out what food you like, what music you like, and feel free to try something new.
According to this you hear in challenging situations What do you need right now to make you feel better? What would comfort you now?
3. thought stop
Many of us have Beliefs internalizedWe often have a lot of self-confidence, which often does not come from ourselves, but which we have inherited from parents, friends or colleagues. They emerge in certain situations - as our inner voice that then says, for example, "This always happens to me!"
It is an act of self-care when you interrupt the carousel of thoughts to refocus on yourself. Any kind of meditation and Mindfulness exercise can be helpful in the implementation and promote your self-acceptance.
Tip: On the subject of "Living Sustainably" opinions and beliefs that have been shaped over generations collide. That's why it's often not easy, for example, to understand one's own Getting parents excited about sustainability. In the linked post, you'll learn how it still works out quite well 🙂 .
4. give exercise
Sure, you can't run away from problems. Nevertheless: Exercise alleviates stress. Especially if you feel like you're treading water or if your thoughts are always circling around the same thing in your head, it's helpful to just let a breath of fresh air blow around your nose, to get the Dancing or jogging away worries.
Whether it's running, cycling, yoga or swimming, find a Sport that you enjoy. That's how you stay on the ball. Soon you'll be able to enjoy the miles you've covered, more relaxation in your everyday life and, of course, a lifted spirits. Dancing in particular promotes our well-being. Those who exercise regularly stimulate the release of happiness hormones, which include the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
Idea: The sport Plogging combined Stress Relief and environmental protection with each other by jogging and picking up trash along the way at the same time. Maybe this is something for you!
5. cultivate hobbies
Whether gardening, knitting or Save food und teilen – ganz gleich, welche Interessen du hast: die Welt ist riesig und die Chance groß genug, dass es da draußen noch andere Menschen gibt, die sie mit dir teilen. Im digitalen Zeitalter sind sie leichter zu finden, als je zuvor und vielleicht kannst du eine lokale oder eine Online-Gruppe starten und dich mit ihnen austauschen. Live out your hobbies, interests and talents. Meet new people and promote your self-acceptance in this way.
6. focus on the good
When things don't go as planned again, it can be hard on the mind. In such situations, we tend to see only the negative. Nevertheless, we should not lose sight of the good sides of life. So remind yourself of them regularly. How?
By getting Every evening, remind yourself of, or perhaps even write down, three things that were good about that day.. It's easy to build up a collection of beautiful memories that you can look back on in bad moments.
7. be your own best friend
When a good friend has had a bad day, you're ready with words of encouragement. You find out what you can do for her and maybe half an hour later you're waiting with her favorite meal. Why don't you treat yourself as nicely in the future? When you are struggling with a situation or are unhappy with yourself, give yourself a lot of understanding and a touch more self-love.
Self-acceptance 2.0 - Accept yourself as you are!
Changes in life are often difficult for us humans. The desire to learn to accept yourself is also a change in some respects. But the implementation of this intention is much easier if you accept possible weaknesses, mistakes and flaws as they are. Understand that you don't have to find everything about yourself perfect and great and love it unconditionally - a big burden will fall off your shoulders and your Make life easier. Simply because your inner critics fall silent.
"Courage is at the beginning of an action, happiness at the end."
Democritus (more under Courage Quotes)
I hope that I can help you with this article to more self-acceptance, self-love and last but not least, to a higher self-confidence. Do you have any questions, suggestions or further tips for more acceptance and respect towards yourself? Then I look forward to your comment.
Stay yourself,
PS.: Also being outside in natureIt helps to come to terms with yourself. Try it times with the Forest bathing - what it is and why it does so much good, you will learn in the linked article.
