Looking for ways to improve your life and don’t know where to start. Here are 10 ways to practice self love as a teen!
I had the pleasure of interviewing a certified life coach, Cady Hannah (happinessbycady).
She shared a ton of cool tips and advice for teens and college students to find practical ways to build up their self-love and ultimately strive towards a happier way of living.
You can check out her socials here:
- Cady’s Instagram
- Cady’s TikTok
- Cady’s Pinterest
- Cady’s Profile Page
Let’s get into Cady’s practical tips to improve self-love!
Practice Daily Gratitude
@happinessbycady When you focus on the good the gratitude gets better !!! #selfgrowth #gratitude #growth #grateful #happiness #mindset ♬ original sound – Cady Hannah
Practicing gratitude can greatly improve your mental wellbeing. It helps you to focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate a positive mindset.
Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start each day by writing down 3 things you’re grateful for. They can be big or small, from a delicious breakfast to a loved one’s smile.
- Keep a gratitude journal and refer to it whenever you’re feeling low or facing a challenging situation.
- Don’t be afraid to use the same ideas more than once. As long as you express gratitude for something, that’s all that matters.
Use Self-Love Affirmations
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Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.
Use affirmations by:
- Writing down 3 affirmations that resonate with you each day. For example, “I am enough”, “I am strong”, or “I am capable”.
- Repeating them throughout the day, especially when you’re facing difficulties or self-doubt.
Embrace Vulnerability
@happinessbycady What is meant for you… #meanttobe #trusttheprocess #divinetiming ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris
Opening up about your feelings can be challenging, but it can also lead to deeper connections and better emotional health.
Here are a couple ways to embrace your vulnerability:
- Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.
- Accept your feelings without judgment. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay.
Schedule Self-Care Dates
@happinessbycady Younger me needed this !! #alonetime #goals #happiness #mindset #selflove #selfgrowth ♬ original sound – timespedup
Self-care is a crucial part of mental health maintenance. Incorporate it into your schedule just like any other important appointment.
- Plan a self-care date at least once a week, but you can start at once a month depending on your schedule and move up as you go along.
- Choose activities that you enjoy and help you relax – reading, walking, gardening, or even taking a long bath.
- Go do things that make you feel special. Buy yourself flowers, eat your favorite snack, treat yourself to a spa day.
Exercise Regularly
@happinessbycady I LIVE BY THESE 🥺 #happiness #habits #selfgrowth #selflove #positivity #habitbuilding ♬ original sound – Cady Hannah
Regular physical activity can greatly enhance both your physical and mental health.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Choose activities you enjoy to make it more enjoyable and sustainable. It could be dancing, cycling, yoga, or even brisk walking.
- Even a quick workout for teens at home to get the heart pumping is crucial to improving over time
Eat Healthy
A balanced diet not only fuels your body, but also nourishes your mind.
- Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
- Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for mindfulness practices. It could be meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking.
- Attending mindfulness classes or using mindfulness apps can be helpful for beginners.
Journal Your Feelings
Journaling can be a therapeutic activity that helps you understand and manage your emotions better.
- Create a safe space for your thoughts and feelings in a personal journal.
- Write about your day, your feelings, challenges you’re facing, and how you’re coping with them.
- Use TikTok or Pinterest to find new journal prompts when you run out of ideas.
Set Goals for Your Habits
Setting achievable goals can provide motivation and a sense of purpose.
- Get a habit tracking app to make your life easer.
- Set small, achievable goals for the habits you want to cultivate.
- Regularly track your progress to keep yourself motivated.
Celebrate Your Achievements
@happinessbycady Little wins are still wins !!! #wins #happiness #mindset ♬ brazil – daizy🌷
Recognizing and celebrating progress, no matter how small, is an important part of the self-love journey.
- It could be as simple as maintaining consistency in gratitude journaling or reaching a new milestone in your fitness journey.
- Share your achievements with your loved ones or make a note of them in your journal.
Remember, self-love and self-care are continuous processes and not one-time events. Be patient with yourself and celebrate every step you take towards your self-love journey.
Wrapping Up – Why You Should Start Self Love Today
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If you knew it would all work out in the end, would you enjoy yourself more along the way?
Cady emphasizes that, although it’s hard to measure your success with self-love and improvement, it’s also important to note that it’s a journey of building good habits for yourself.
Overtime, you’ll start to feel the effects of your changes and can ultimately enjoy life more and more as you go along.
Hopefully these 10 practical ways to practice self-love as a teen gave you an easy start on your journey.
And a huge thank you to HappinessbyCady for all the amazing advice!
If you need a certified life coach to help you get started, definitely consider booking a 1-on-1 coaching session with Cady!
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please leave them down below. Thanks for reading!
