A new year means a chance for a fresh start and a better you. In order to be better, you must first love yourself.  You don’t have to wait for ‘National Self Love Month’ to start, so here’s a beginner’s guide to self love.

Declutter Your Mind, Body, And Soul

A big part of learning to love yourself is getting down to the bare essentials. Stripping away all of the extras and just loving yourself for who you are. To practice self-love, you’ve got to clear your mind, body, and soul.

• Mind. First, rid your mind of any negative thoughts or self-doubt. The extra mental baggage will only weigh your subconscious down. Secondly, clean your surrounding space, such as your home, office, or car. Physical clutter can lead to mental clutter, so cleaning your space can help your mind feel more sharp and organized.
• Body. The old adage that you are what you eat is very true. When you eat a meal concentrate not just on the taste, but how the nutrients are benefiting your body. Food that offers no nutritional value is clutter to your body and your temple deserves better. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the occasional sweet treat, but you should try to keep everything in moderation.
• Soul. Negative or sad information can clutter your soul. Free yourself by removing this emotional baggage. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stay up-to-date on current events—you should simply strive to find balance. For instance, after hearing a negative news report, actively search for an uplifting story to help balance your soul. Or try taking up an uplifting hobby or activity such as volunteering or playing in the park with your dog.

Take Stock And Improve Your Inventory

Moments of reflection are important when you’re learning to love yourself. Make a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, sit down with pen and paper, and start making lists.

• Ask yourself questions. What are some of your best qualities? Is it your optimistic attitude? Is it your compassion for others? Think about all aspects of your life, including your career and your romantic relationships.
• Make an honest assessment. With self-love comes self-improvement. Once you know yourself for who you are and love yourself for who you are, you can start pushing yourself further. You aren’t fixing something that’s broken; you are simply improving on the beauty that already exists within you. So, make note of the things in your life that you would like to improve, such as your bond with your family or your work ethic.