The phrase ‘self-love’ always used to seem a little indulgent to me. Working full time, looking after my family and our home, I was too busy for spending time on myself.

Big mistake.

I have now learned that I have to look after myself better, because if I don’t, I become both physically and mentally unwell. At that point I’m no use to anyone.

Here’s five reasons to love yourself:

1. To take care of yourself: first and foremost you have to look after yourself. You must have heard of the phrase ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ – it’s so true. You really can’t take care of anything or anyone if you’re not in a fit state to. It’s not selfish, far from it.

2. Able to love others: If you love and accept yourself you spend far less time comparing yourself to others and can form better relationships.

3. Individuality: Dr Seuss says it all with:

You’re wonderful just the way you are!

4. Qualities:

Spend two minutes making a mental list of all the good qualities about yourself. What would your friends say if they were describing you?

5. Everyone is different:

Wouldn’t the world be a boring place if we were all the same. Accept yourself the way you are and love yourself.

Follow me on Instagram to get a gentle nudge into loving yourself every day in February.

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