Self-respect means you acknowledge your needs and feelings, live true to your values, and ensure that you take actions that align with what you stand for and believe in.
1) Show up for yourself
Starting off the list with a BIG one. To show yourself respect, you should show up for yourself. So, what does that mean? It means following through on your goals and with your intentions. If you set yourself a goal, are you taking actions toward pursuing this goal? If you say to yourself that you are going to do something, do you do it? Or do you fall short on your intentions? If you want to show yourself respect, you need to behave like your goals ARE important and like they DO matter – so show up for yourself!
2) Develop healthy habits
Develop healthy habits that benefit you now AND in the long-run. To respect yourself, you need to take care of yourself. Choose which healthy habits you want to incorporate into your lifestyle and ensure they are ones that not only benefit you now but are also beneficial in the long-term. For example, a good morning routine that helps to set the tone for the day; a good night-time routine that helps to unwind and encourage a good night’s sleep; exercise regimens to suit you; and healthy diets.
3) Don't sacrifice future happiness for short-term pleasure
This is a hugely important one. People tend to get caught up in fleeting pleasures, only thinking about what can give them pleasure now. But sometimes things that might feel good in the moment are not necessarily good for you in the long run - avoid those things. To really respect and care for yourself, you need to take your future self into consideration when you’re making decisions now.
4) Say no when you want to say no.
Even if other people won’t like it. You are responsible for setting your own boundaries and that’s a huge part of respecting yourself. You are not responsible for someone else’s negative reaction to you setting reasonable boundaries. Even if they don’t like it, that doesn’t mean you should change your answer. Part of you respecting yourself is allowing yourself to make decisions that align with you and what you believe in.
5) Distance yourself from certain people
Distance yourself from people who have a negative influence on you or make you feel bad about yourself. The company you keep really has an influence on you - your mood, your mindset, your mental well-being etc. You are not to blame for distancing yourself from people who make you feel bad or who are not good for you. You are not respecting yourself if you continue to hang out with people like this.
6) Take a break!
Last but not least – take a break. This is so important. People sometimes feel like they have to be constantly doing something otherwise they are wasting time. But overworking and being constantly busy leads to stress. Allow yourself to take a break. Whether that’s a break from working, social media, studying, or something else. The key is to take a break BEFORE you feel burned out. Your worth is not determined by your productivity.
Well, there you have it! 6 ways to respect yourself.
All the best,
Danielle
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