Susannah Conway, author of This I Know — Notes on Unraveling the Heart, emphasizes the importance of having a healthy relationship with yourself as the foundation for everything else in your life. But what exactly does a healthy relationship with ourselves entail? And how can we cultivate this relationship if we don’t know what it looks like?
A good relationship with ourselves mirrors a good relationship with anyone else. It includes respect, kindness, awareness, fulfillment, having needs met, friendship, and creating stress-free memories. In this article, we’ll explore ways to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves, ultimately improving our relationships with others.
Starting with Self-Care
To have a strong relationship with yourself, it’s vital to attend to your physical, emotional, nutritional, environmental, and spiritual needs. By focusing on self-care, you establish self-respect and healthy habits. Nurturing yourself in these fundamental ways demonstrates self-love – the most crucial aspect of self-care.
Making Time for What Matters
What activities make you feel good, calm, or happy? Do you enjoy that first cup of coffee in the morning, browsing the bookstore for the perfect read, or spending time in nature? Whatever your preferred soothing activities are, be sure to carve out time in your schedule for them regularly. Taking time for yourself in this way brightens your day and reinforces self-love.
Identifying and Setting Boundaries
Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining a strong relationship with yourself and others. Set limits on how much you work, play, and spend to find balance and avoid burnout. Upholding these boundaries in your life will help you develop appropriate ways to interact with others, fostering healthier relationships.
Moderation is Key
Being too extreme in any aspect of your life can lead to an imbalance, affecting your relationship with yourself and others. Strive for moderation and centeredness in all areas of life to maintain a healthy mindset.
Becoming Your Own Best Friend
Remember, a relationship with yourself is the only one you can count on every day of your life – making it essential to be your own best friend. Cultivating a positive, nurturing, and loving relationship with yourself provides a strong foundation for all other relationships that follow.
It’s often said that we repeat the relationship we have with ourselves in all other relationships, so ensure that it’s a caring, respectful, and nourishing one. By implementing these tips and focusing on self-care, you’ll not only improve your relationship with yourself but also enhance the connections you have with others.
For tips on improving communication and relationships, check out a free excerpt from the bestselling book Changing Behavior: Immediately Transform Your Relationships with Easy-to-Learn Proven Communication Skills by visiting www.changingbehavior.org.
