Written by Catalina Constantin (2022 DMU Alumni)
With February coming to an end, we want to share with you some reminders on how to celebrate yourself in preparation for spring. After 28 days of sharing and honouring love with others around us, it’s time to focus on ourselves.
Paying attention to the thoughts and feelings we have about ourselves on a regular basis can significantly support us in changing our behaviours, feelings, and responses, especially when we are dealing with tough days, encountering challenges, or making mistakes.
Simply repeating or reading an affirmation that speaks to you could really set the tone for the rest of your day. Even if it sounds silly, all it takes is for you to invest a few moments before you start your day or when you can take a break from the rush of the world.
Practising kindness towards ourselves is just as important as giving our words and time to others. When times are rough, it can be challenging to nurture your authentic self and express gratitude.
It has been demonstrated that elevating one’s self-esteem involves focusing on the good things in life. Keeping a gratitude journal, for instance, is a record of all the things in life that you cherish. It is different from a typical diary since all the content is you highlighting the pleasant and positive things in your life. It is not writing about your material possessions necessarily. It has more to do with the things that make us happy.
Hearing the birds outside. The smell of baked muffins. The feeling of fresh sheets on your bed. The warmer weather.
True. The problems in your life won’t be resolved by journaling. Nonetheless, it has been demonstrated by experts in positive psychology to have a significant influence on health and support human well-being.
I challenge you to spend the upcoming month taking care of yourself by devoting at least one day to doing the things you love, free from worrying or thinking about work or what anyone else thinks.
- Eat your favourite foods
- Treat yourself to a massage
- Re-watch your favourite TV show or film
- Read a book
- Dance around your room
- Go for a walk in nature
- Meditate
- Repeat affirmations to yourself
- Journal your thoughts
Give some thought to how you can act in a way to nurture your self-love. Treat yourself. Listen to your body. Make time to have fun. Help yourself. Find the things that make you happy!
Check out our takes on how to manage your stress, organise for this term, and other tips we have available.
If you would like to get in touch about any advice, you can call us at 0116 467 0315, send us an email at enquiries@sulets.com, or pop into our lettings office on the DMU campus.
Support is also available from Leicester Student Union Advice and De Montfort Student Union Advice.