7 Essential Shifts In Perspective To Have A Healthier Relationship With Yourself

Self-love is a fundamental and vital aspect of self-care. It entails being compassionate to yourself emotionally and physically, establishing healthy boundaries, validating oneself, and standing up for oneself. Among the other relationships we harbour in our lives, the ones we have with ourselves should be prioritised. Therapist Israa Nasir recently spoke about the changes in perspective. We need to love ourselves, and it is indeed the need of the hour.

Stressing upon building a healthy relationship with yourself, the therapist said, “It is the most important relationship, and also the longest, you’ll ever have. Cultivating self-love often involves adopting positive mindset shifts that encourage a more compassionate and accepting view of oneself.” She suggests that one needs to change their mindset from feeling undeserving to believing in their own worthiness. Most importantly, recognise that they deserve love, happiness, and success simply because they exist and challenge any ideas that indicate differently.

Here are a few shifts in perspective that can help you love yourself:

1. Embrace Imperfections:Start by stopping to seek perfection in life. Accept that making mistakes and having flaws are natural aspects of being human. Embrace your imperfections as an opportunity to grow and learn.
2. Gratitude for your body:Instead of focusing on the perceived flaws, appreciate your body as it is. The therapists suggest that one needs to shift their perspective from ‘criticism to gratitude’
3. Set Boundaries:One of the most essential things we can do to practice self-love is to create boundaries to keep ourselves happy. Knowing your priorities and requirements allows us to set clear limits. Additionally, one should be able to do so without feeling guilty.
4. Compassion over criticism:Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Acknowledge that it is right to be gentle with oneself.
5. Nurture a growth mindset:Try to see challenges and failures as opportunities for learning and development and not as a reflection of personal inadequacy.
6. Let go of comparisons:Understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing yourself with others can hinder your journey to self-love.
7. Prioritise Self-Reflection:It is critical to set aside time during the day for self-reflection and a greater understanding of ourselves. This will help to improve self-awareness.

The therapist added, “These mindset shifts, when consistently practised, contribute to a healthier and more loving relationship with oneself.” Integrating them throughout daily life can boost self-compassion, acceptance, and self-esteem.