six ways to improve self-acceptance

 

We all want to be joyful and feel safe in our situation, but all too often, the procedure of getting there is deserted.

See self-acceptance as the ongoing process of experiencing reality as a fact, and check out these six science-based suggestions on how you can improve the relationship you have with yourself.

1. "Accepting" the reality is not synonymous with "liking" reality

Take a moment, for example, when you are standing in front of the mirror. Our brains immediately begin to focus on any part of the body that you would like to change for many of us. The next time this happens, focus on accepting your body for what it is. Speak the affirmation out loud, take a deep breath, and fully accept that the person in the mirror is you.

It doesn't mean that you can't wish that you looked different or that you magically master self-love in one day, but you are doing yourself a disservice by rejecting the image of your physical self. Understand that to change anything, and you have to stop denying its existence; Self-esteem can only be built if you accept your reflection as an accurate one. That goes for all aspects of you.

2. Practice gratitude

The things we grapple with can be challenging to accept, and often recasting our inadequacies can be beneficial. It is psychologically impossible to experience fear and real gratitude simultaneously. I feel bothered when you fail; thank you for basic questions, and thank you for the future, allowing me to try again tomorrow. Being thankful for who you are will help you get where you want to be.

3. You are not your emotions

Work on disconnecting yourself from your emotional responses and accepting them for who they are. Try to watch your emotions as an event that is taking place outside of yourself and deprive them of their ability to have power over you. By acknowledging that I feel angry and allowing our separation (calmer!) Selves to figure out why we are feeling these feelings, we are giving ourselves the tools to increase self-efficacy. It works not only with anger but with all emotions. And remember: practice makes perfect!

4. Be "for" yourself

If we spoke to our friends the way we sometimes talk to ourselves, we would no longer have friends! It's important to remember that we should be the first in line to offer support to ourselves when we need it. Give yourself these pep talk, laugh at your jokes, and be one less person trying to bring you down.

5. Let go of the comparisons

Being different is what moves the world! Nothing positive or "accept" was ever made by comparison, and we are always our worst critics. Personal worth is a zero-sum game, meaning one person's positive qualities do not detract from the worth or qualities of another person. There are far more creative ways to spend time than comparisons, and an essential part of self-acceptance is thinking about behaviors or bad habits that no longer serve you. Take note of this and reject the rating systems.

6. Forgive and forgive again

Last but not least, it's essential to forgive yourself. We are all just human, and it is natural to have ups and downs in self-love. In the end, don't blame yourself if you make mistakes and step out of line. Accept that failure is okay, and be grateful for it; the best thing about practice is that it takes time to get better. You have made it this far!