Sometimes it's easier to love others than it is to love yourself, isn't it? If you feel this way, read about these __ ways to love yourself. It's easier than you think!

Enjoy Your Time Alone

If you don’t love yourself, when you are alone you may feel lonely and bored. But how would you feel if you were hanging out with a fun friend? Why not become that amusing and interesting friend for yourself? The best way to do this is to plan enjoyable solo activities. Be selective about what you choose to do—dancing or participating in three-leg races may be depressing if your lack of partner puts you on the sidelines. Instead, go to a museum, rent a feel-good movie, or enroll in a cooking class. Once you have practiced your solitary pursuits on your home turf, you can even take a vacation by yourself. You will make new friends, learn about different cultures, and discover your sense of independence. Before you know it, you will start to crave your own company.

Take Good Care of Yourself

You need to take care of your basic needs. Make hygiene and grooming a priority. You should be getting regular, quality haircuts, taking showers, manicuring your nails, and visiting the doctor and dentist periodically. If you look good, you will feel better so don’t be hesitant to invest in perfume or cologne, well-fitting clothes, and an occasional massage or facial. You also need to give attention to your physical health by maintaining a routine of exercise and by following a healthy diet. Drink plenty of water and try to get at least seven or eight hours of sleep per night. These fundamental factors of self-care are the building blocks of healthy self-regard.

Let Go of Past Mistakes

Many people who don’t like themselves dwell on past mistakes. Forgive yourself! If you made a bad decision, there’s nothing you can do about it except learn from it and try not to repeat it. If you find it hard to stop thinking about all the things you have done wrong in your life, you may benefit from making a physical letting-go ritual. Write down your disturbing thoughts and guilty, angry, and bitter feelings. Read your negative statements and confront the ones that are exaggerated or false. For instance, if you wrote: I always offend everyone around me. Ask yourself, “Is it true that I have offended every single person I know? Isn’t “always” an exaggeration? Do I offend people on purpose?” Then, tell yourself how you will move on in a positive direction: “I am going to apologize to the people I offended. I am going to try to think about what I say before I say it. I am going to forgive myself and move on.” Finally, tear the paper into tiny pieces and throw it in the recycling bin. Every time these negative sentiments return, think about how the paper is gone from your life forever and repeat your positive new outlook!

Focus on Your Good Qualities

It’s easy to list all the bad things about yourself, but have you ever tried to make a list of your good points? Give yourself some credit! You have achieved positive things, and you have attractive qualities. In a journal, write something good you said or did every day or give yourself a compliment. In the beginning, you may need to ask a supportive friend to help you see the bright side of your personality. If you really feel blank, make it a point to volunteer your time or share your resources with a charity or a person in need. Soon, you will find yourself having better days as you become more aware of your importance to the world.

You are a lovable person. You are only a few changes away from realizing your true worth. Which strategy will you try first?