6 ways to improve self-acceptance

Posted on Lifestyle and tagged self-acceptance, self-care, motivation, mental health

We often hear buzzwords like “happiness” and “self-love” thrown around without context and without regard to the foundations on which they are based.

We all want to be happy and feel safe about our own situation, but all too often the process of getting there is neglected. One of the most basic paths to self-fulfillment and happiness starts with something called self-acceptance.

Think of self-acceptance as the ongoing process of experiencing reality as a fact, and check out these 6 science-based suggestions for improving the relationship you have with yourself.

1. “Accepting” reality is not synonymous with “liking” reality

Take a moment, for example when you are standing in front of a mirror. For many of us, our brains immediately start to focus on all parts of the body that you would like to change. The next time that happens, focus on accepting your body for what it is. Say the affirmation out loud, take a deep breath, and fully accept that the person in the mirror is you. That doesn't mean you can't wish you looked anything different or that you magically master self-love in one day, but you're not doing yourself any favors by rejecting the image of your own physical self. Understand that in order to change something, you must stop denying its existence; self-esteem can only be built when you at least accept your reflection as an accurate one. That applies to every aspect of you.

2. Practice gratitude

It can be hard to accept the things we're dealing with, and often rewriting our shortcomings can be beneficial. It is psychologically impossible to experience fear and true gratitude at the same time. Thank you for failing, thank you for basic questions and thank you for the future that I can try again tomorrow. Being thankful for who you are will help you get where you want to go.

3. They are not your emotions

Work on separating yourself from your emotional responses and accepting them as they are. Try to watch your feelings as an event that is happening outside of yourself and deprive them of the ability to have power over you. By acknowledging that I feel angry and by sharing our separate (quieter!) Allow yourself to find out why we have these feelings, give ourselves the tools to increase self-effectiveness. This works not only for anger, but for all feelings. And remember: Practice makes perfect!

4. Be “for” yourself

If we talked to our friends the way we talk to ourselves sometimes, we wouldn't have any more friends! It's important to remember that we should be the first in line to offer ourselves support when we need it. Give yourself those pep talk, laugh at your own jokes, and be one less person trying to put you down.

5. Let the comparisons be

Being different is what makes the world go round! Nothing positive or “accept” ever came about as a result of comparisons, and we're always our worst critics. Personal worth is a zero-sum game, i.e. the positive qualities of one person do not diminish the value or qualities of another person. There are much more productive ways to spend time than comparisons, and the most important part of self-acceptance is thinking about behaviors or bad habits that no longer serve you. Take note of this and reject the rating systems.

6. Forgive and forgive again

Last but not least, it is important to forgive yourself. We're all just people, and it's natural to have ups and downs of self-love. In the end, don't blame yourself if you make mistakes and break ranks. Accept that failure is okay too, and be thankful for it; the best thing about a practice is that you only get better over time. They've already made it this far!

Posted on Lifestyle and tagged self-acceptance, self-care, motivation, mental health.