Featured Image Description: A note pad with the words: ‘Get to know yourself. Love Yourself. And most importantly be yourself.’ There is a pen on the notebook and a yellow flower in the background.

BY: SARAH PROSSERMAN

After going through a life-changing experience causing brain injury, the way you feel about yourself and who you are may change. Self-confidence and self-love are two very important parts of each individual that can help them feel better about who they are as a person. These inner self emotions can be broken down throughout one’s life which is okay as it can be built back up again. Valentine’s day is a day for love and relationships which can be the perfect time to get started on your journey on loving yourself the way you used to.

Step 1: Write down 10 things you love about yourself

This step is very important to rediscovering self-love as it can help you remember the parts of yourself that make you, you!

Examples of reasons you love yourself…

  • I’m funny
  • I’m a good listener
  • My taste in music
  • My smile etc…

Step 2: Change your thoughts

Step 1 will help you get in the rhythm for step two which is to change the way  you think about yourself from negative to positive. You have so much to offer the people around you and in order to show others what you have, you must show yourself first.

You can do this by…

  • No more negative self-talk
  • If you keep telling yourself you can do it eventually, you will do it!
  • Take small steps to get you to where you want to go rather than one big step (e.g., start meditating for 5 minutes a day instead of 30)

Step 3: Take time to treat yourself

Schedule some time throughout the week to have all to yourself (me-time). This can help you understand your needs and desires more, which in the long run can help you gain more self-love and confidence.

Examples of treating yourself:

  • Taking a walk while listening to your favourite music/podcast
  • Taking yourself out to dinner
  • Reading a book while enjoying a cup of tea
  • Picking up a new hobby

You are going to be spending the rest of your life with yourself so make sure to take time to get to know yourself better! Enjoy this valentines day spent with the most important person in your life which is you:)

Sarah Prosserman is a social work student at X University and doing her placement at BIST.