99+ ways to love yourself

99+ Ways to Love Yourself: Practical Steps to Build Self-Love Every Day

In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget to nurture the most important relationship we have—the one with ourselves. Practicing self-love isn’t selfish; it’s essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s about treating yourself with kindness, respect, and compassion, just as you would a dear friend. But self-love can feel elusive at times. Where do you start? How do you integrate it into your daily life?

Inspired by thenewhapy.com and many others, I’ve compiled 99+ simple and practical ways to cultivate self-love. From nourishing your body to nurturing your heart, mind, and choices, this list offers a wide variety of ideas to inspire you to take small, meaningful actions toward building a deeper connection with yourself. Whether you’re just beginning your self-love practice or looking to expand it, these tips are designed to remind you that loving yourself is a lifelong commitment—one that brings immense joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Note: an often-overlooked dimension of self-love is the cultivation of erotic intelligence—your capacity to connect with your desires, emotions, and sense of vitality. It’s about embracing pleasure, nurturing your passions, and learning to navigate the balance between autonomy and intimacy. When you explore erotic intelligence as part of your self-love practice, you begin to see your desires as a powerful tool for growth, not something to suppress or overlook.

Let these practices serve as daily reminders that you are deserving of love, care, and happiness, no matter where you are on your journey. Here’s how you can love yourself in different areas of your life, and embrace your erotic intelligence along the way.

Love your body

Your body is the home of your being, and it deserves love and care. Self-love begins by tuning in to the needs and sensations of your body, allowing yourself to connect with it, appreciate it, and find joy within it.

Stretch for five minutes.
Eat food that energizes you.
Savor your food as you eat.
Take a short, mindful walk.
Disconnect from your technology.
Focus on your breath or meditate.
Catch yourself rushing and slow down.
Compliment yourself in the mirror.
Take a bath or shower.
Make yourself a favorite meal or treat.
Put on a song and dance.
Sing your favorite song.
Walk on the grass barefoot.
Watch the sunrise or sunset.
Give yourself a hug.
Celebrate your body’s ability to feel pleasure—whether through sensual touch, movement, or self-care routines.
Drink more water to nourish your body.
Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself.
Treat yourself to a spa day at home.
Take deep, calming breaths when you feel stressed.

Love your heart

Emotions are the gateway to your inner world. Self-love means embracing your emotions, allowing yourself to feel fully without judgment, and learning from your experiences.

When afraid, be curious about why.
When sad, speak kindly to yourself.
When angry, acknowledge what hurts.
When grieving, honor what you’ve lost.
When ashamed, open up to someone.
When lonely, help someone else.
When happy, savor it.
When grateful, express it.
Explore the emotions behind your desires and allow yourself to be vulnerable in expressing them.
Allow yourself to cry when needed.
Forgive yourself for past mistakes.
Acknowledge and celebrate your emotional growth.
Start a gratitude journal.
Set emotional boundaries with others.
Let go of guilt over taking care of yourself.
Seek joy in small things, like a warm drink or a sunny day.
Prioritize relationships that nurture your heart.
Practice receiving compliments without dismissing them.
Open your heart to vulnerability.
Trust your own emotional instincts.

Love your mind

The way you think about yourself can shape your entire experience of life. Practicing self-love for your mind means challenging negative thoughts, engaging in activities that stimulate your intellect, and cultivating a sense of curiosity.

Remove an item from your to-do list.
Challenge the cruel voice in your head.
Watch an interesting show or movie.
Learn something new.
Ask yourself, “What do I need today?”
Affirm yourself: “I am enough.”
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb.
Give yourself a compliment.
Practice loving-kindness meditation.
Write down your worries and release them.
Break a big goal into small, achievable steps.
Do a digital detox for a day or more.
Read a book that inspires or educates you.
Engage your erotic mind by exploring topics around desire, sensuality, and creativity.
Practice mindfulness in your daily activities.
Listen to a podcast or audiobook on a topic that interests you.
Create a calming evening routine.
Set aside time each day for reflection or journaling.
Challenge negative thoughts with positive counter-thoughts.
Practice focusing on one thing at a time.

Love your choices

The decisions you make for yourself reflect how much you value your own well-being. Loving yourself means making choices that honor your needs, desires, and boundaries, both in everyday life and in deeper aspects of your relationships and self-expression.

Identify your core values.
Use those values to make decisions.
Keep your promises to yourself.
If you make a mistake, forgive yourself.
Set a boundary to protect your well-being.
Find a hobby and make it a priority.
Ask, “What would bring me joy today?”
Set a goal that matters to you.
Appreciate the good things in your life.
Don’t say ‘yes’ immediately.
Say ‘no’ when you need and want to.
Set realistic expectations for each day.
Do something nice for your future self.
Clean up your social media feed.
Let go of something you’ve been carrying.
Make a list of dreams for your life.
Reflect on challenges you’ve overcome.
Ask for help whenever you need it.
Reminisce about positive past moments.
Make yourself laugh.
Embrace your erotic choices—what excites you, what turns you on emotionally, creatively, and physically.
Choose a new healthy habit to adopt.
Deal with a problem you’ve avoided.
Notice your unique strengths.
Pay attention to your small daily wins.
When something goes well, celebrate it.
Reflect on how you have grown.
Ask your loved ones what they most appreciate and admire about you.
When you get a compliment from someone, say “thank you.”
Instead of comparing yourself, focus on your own goals and progress.
Spend quality time with the people you love most.
If it’s no a full body yes, it’s a no.
Declutter your home. Donate!

Love your vitality and desires

Erotic intelligence teaches us that our desires—sexual, emotional, and creative—are a crucial part of who we are. They keep us alive, curious, and connected to the world. Loving yourself means embracing those desires fully, without shame, and integrating them into your everyday life.

Integrate all senses on a daily basis
Try something new and challenging that excites you.
Practice mindfulness during daily activities like eating or walking.
Allow yourself to indulge in your desires—whether it’s sensual pleasure, creative expression, or an emotional experience.
Create a morning ritual that inspires you and energizes your day.
Visualize your ideal life and take small steps toward it.
Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who uplift you

Affirmations for Self-Love and Erotic Intelligence

I am deserving of love, joy, and pleasure.
I honor my body as a source of strength, beauty, and pleasure.
My desires are valid, and I embrace them without shame.
I trust my emotions and allow them to flow freely.
I set healthy boundaries that honor my needs and desires.
“I am enough, just as I am.”
“I celebrate my body’s capacity for pleasure, growth, and healing.
I listen to my inner voice and trust my intuition.
I embrace my passions and desires as a reflection of my true self.
I am grateful for the love I give to myself and others.

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. – Oscar Wilde

Conclusion

Self-love is not a one-time achievement; it’s a continuous practice. By exploring your body, mind, emotions, and choices with curiosity and compassion, you can build a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. And as you integrate erotic intelligence into this journey, you’ll not only nurture your sense of self-worth, but also awaken the deeper layers of vitality, desire, and passion that make life rich and meaningful. Loving yourself, in every dimension, empowers you to live authentically and fully—one moment at a time.

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE A LITTLE WILDER!

Lize