It's Time To Love Yourself!

So you just got out of a breakup. You feel like you lost yourself, and want to feel that same love again.

Before you go back to your hookup "friend" consider this.

Treat yourself like your significant other. No really.

I learned that if you treat yourself the same way you would treat your boyfriend or girlfriend. Trust me, it works. I want to give you tips on how to treat yourself like the best girlfriend or boyfriend you are, without a relationship.

1. Take yourself on Dates

Taking yourself on dates will allow you to have fun, and also rewarding yourself for your efforts. Of course, we have that moment where we have FOMO (fear of missing out) and even feel like taking yourself out on a date can be a bit odd. When I first did this, I felt very odd, but after coming home. I felt empowered, almost like complete. When you hear the word "date," we imagine two people going out to a restaurant, or two people having fun at the fair. But try going out alone, put on your best outfit, and request an Uber. Feel like the main character for a day. You deserve it.

If you want ideas on solo dates, click here.

2. Affirm Your Love for Yourself

You know how you tell your partner that you love them. Apply that same energy to yourself. When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself, that you're amazing. Here are some examples of affirmations to use:

I am powerful

I am beautiful

I am wonderful

I am strong

I am happy

I love me

In an article on MindTools.com, it says that affirmations are positive statements that can help you overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. "When you repeat them often and believe in them, you can start making changes."

3. Make Love to Yourself

Yeah, you read that right. Make love to yourself. Create the setting. Light the candles. Put the sensual playlist on. The same way you like to put mood for you and your fling put the same energy towards yourself.

This is something that I actually did after me and my ex-boyfriend broke up. I decided to create the setting for myself and love myself in a sensual way. We have that feeling of missing out, especially when you see couples and wish that was you. But you can feel just as relieved, as you would if you were being active with your partner.

The benefits? You protect your energies, have a very low risk of pregnancy as well as a low risk of STI's. You pretty much win after.

Want to learn how to give yourself that sexual healing? Click here.

4. Learn to Say No.

This might be hard for some people, especially to some who struggle with being assertive. I used to struggle with this as well. It is hard to be assertive after being used to saying yes to everyone.

But we need to think about ourselves. Yes, it's good to help your friends or family, but sometimes, we just gotta put our foot down.

For example, let's say your friend asked you if you could go out. Instead of giving in, or creating a lie. Just say no, you would just love to hang out with for the day. If they're truly your friends, they'll understand. Sometimes, no isn't a negative thing, especially if you aren't feeling it.

Now, this might be easier said than done when it comes to family members. But just like Megan LeBoutillier said. "No is a complete sentence." You don't have to give your reason why. If they can't take the answer, that's on them, not on you.

5. Move that body

Taking care of your body is essential, especially when taking steps to love yourself. But remember, love yourself now and until your reach your goal. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain weight, or just be healthier, love yourself through the process.

Have you ever heard the saying, "Your body is a temple?" That's because it's true. It's a vessel that allows you to experience life one day at a time. You want to take care of it, especially if you want to travel or follow your dreams.

Remember to not compare your body to others. That's not loving yourself. That is another way to put yourself down. Remember Step 2? Affirm to yourself. Affirm the parts of yourself you don't like as much, as something you are grateful for.

I wish you well on your journey to love yourself! Have fun and remember, you deserve it!