Articles

Level Up Your Self-Love Game

We’ve all heard the phrase “love yourself.” But, what does loving yourself actually mean, and how do you do it?

Self-love means accepting yourself fully, treating yourself with kindness and respect, and appreciating what makes you you. You may already work to cultivate self-love, but you can take it to another level by practicing the following:

  • Identify and challenge your negative beliefs about yourself – Notice your thoughts about yourself. Sometimes our internal voice tells us things like “I’m not good enough” or “I have no friends.” When you notice yourself doing this, find evidence that contradicts those thoughts. On a piece of paper, try writing these “negative” thoughts down and the evidence that challenges them. Doing so can help you see that many of the negative beliefs you hold about yourself are false.
  • Identify the positives about yourself – Write down your positive qualities, like being good at sports or being a trustworthy friend. When you start getting down on yourself, read these to remind yourself that there is plenty good about you.
  • Build positive relationships and avoid people who drag you down – You might find that certain people and relationships make you feel more balanced than others. Build relationships with people who support and respect you and who you actually enjoy being around. Avoid relationships with people who drag you down, drain you, or make you feel vulnerable and uncared for.
  • Learn to set boundaries – It might be difficult to stand up for yourself or say no to others. As a result, you might feel stressed. Understand that it’s okay to say no and choose what you want. Setting boundaries can help protect your peace.
  • Practice self-compassion – If you’ve made mistakes in the past, don’t be hateful towards yourself. Allow yourself to be human and learn from your experiences. Everyone makes mistakes, and no one is perfect. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect. It’s 100% not possible.

There is only one you, which sets you apart from the rest. Whenever you’re feeling low, remind yourself of this. To learn more about self-love, check out these resources:

Author: Stephanie Paz is a Tigua Indian of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Texas at El Paso and is working towards a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Promotion from New Mexico State University.

How to Date Yourself

Dating can be hard, especially if you don’t know what you are...

How to Practice Mindfulness

Life is busy From school to sports to work, it often feels...

I Strengthen My Nation: Sierra

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in partnership with We R...

What I Love About My Indigenous Features

As an Indigenous adult, I want to do everything I can to...

Environmental Change and Our Mental Health

As Indigenous people, we know that connecting to our land is connecting...

I Strengthen My Nation: Caitlin

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in partnership with We R...

What I Love About My Body

When I was a teenager there was little to no information about...

How to Make Peace With Your Body

Just like plants need sunshine, nutrients, water, and connection to other beings...

Sunhawk / Managing Stress

Self-Love Made Me Do It

When a candle is lit, the fire comes from another source- whether...

How to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Your self-esteem is the way you look at, or perceive, yourself. If...

Olivia / Keeping It All Inside

Indigenizing Your Self-Care

Self-care means taking care of the whole self – physically, emotionally, mentally,...

Tips for Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep might seem like a waste of time. You could be doing...

Nadira / Reaching Out for Help at College

Mountain Meditation

Sit tall with a long spine and your head erect to allow...

Sleep Week

I love sharing good health and wellness material on our We R...

Maiya / Dealing with Anxiety Attacks

Gratitude And Their Influence On Your Happiness

Being grateful—or having gratitude—for the past can positively affect your future. You...

How Does a Person Become Resilient?

A number of factors contribute to a person’s ability to be resilient...

Kennedy / Seeing Kindness

Self-Esteem

Your self-esteem is the way you look at or perceive yourself. If...

Spiritual Well-being

Whether you turn to traditional culture, an organized religion, or to a...

Kaytlynn / Combatting Stressors

Jowun / Self-Care For Me

Isis / School Stressors

Ashley / Self-Care Looks Different For Everyone

Communication

Non-verbal communication can be more than important than verbal.

Benefits Of Physical Activity And Exercise

MY BODY Lanelle talks about her love for the game of basketball...

Identity In College

Finding yourself and discovering your identity is part of life. Ah-in-nist shares...

Bullying

Bullying Is Not the Ojibwe Way  

It’s always a good day to be Indigenous

A Public Service Announcement filmed by youth participants at the NativeSTAND conference...

Jaecie’s Story

Who’s important in your life? Who makes you happy? Jaecie gives us...

Considering Using Drugs?

Are you considering using drugs? Lyle tells us what you may want...

Can I use the name “sk-nwalker” on a podcast where that creature is a villain in the book I’m covering? Or is that disrespectful and I should call it by another name?

see answer

Find Us

Follow Us

Enter Phone Number to Subscribe:

Msg & Data Rates May Apply.
Text STOP to opt out. No purchase necessary.
Expect 4 msgs/mo.Terms and Conditions

Menu