18 Practical Ways to Show Up for Yourself Today

Let’s talk about how to be at one with yourself

In this blog post, we’ll talk about ways to show up for yourself. If that’s something you’re interested in, keep reading!

Are you stressed, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted? Life can be difficult at times, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to take care of yourself. However, self-care is critical for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Showing up for yourself is one of the most important aspects of self-care. In this post, we’ll look at some of the best ways to start showing up for yourself and living your best life. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s get started!

What does it mean to show up for yourself every day?

Let’s talk about the importance of showing up for yourself.

Showing up for yourself is an important aspect of self-care because it entails prioritizing your needs and acting to meet them. It entails being physically and mentally present, as well as being honest with yourself about what you need to feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled.

To show up for yourself, you must first understand your values, interests, and goals. This means pausing to reflect on your life and what truly matters to you. Once you’ve determined what you want and what makes you happy, you can start taking steps to make those desires a reality.

To be there for yourself, you have to accept responsibility for your actions and decisions. It entails recognizing when you need help and asking for it, as well as establishing boundaries with others to ensure that your needs are met.

Finally, showing up for yourself entails taking charge of your life and making decisions that are consistent with your values and goals. It takes bravery, self-awareness, and a willingness to prioritize yourself in a world that frequently encourages us to prioritize others.

On the other hand, the benefits of standing up for yourself are profound and will last for a long time. It can lead to increased happiness, confidence, and a greater sense of fulfillment in all aspects of your life.

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Now let’s talk about how to show up for yourself 

1. Practice forgiveness

Forgiveness is an extremely effective tool for emotional healing and personal growth. It’s the process of releasing negative emotions and moving on from painful experiences.

Forgiveness practice can help you release anger, bitterness, and resentment while also promoting feelings of empathy, compassion, and peace.

Forgiveness can be difficult, especially when you’ve been deeply hurt. However, holding on to anger and resentment can be even more detrimental in the long run. It can have an effect on your mental and physical health, relationships, and well-being.

You release yourself from the burden of negative emotions when you forgive. You also open yourself up to new opportunities for growth and happiness.

Imagine that your best friend has betrayed your trust by sharing a personal secret with someone else. without your full permission.

You feel hurt and angry, and the thought of forgiving them seems impossible. However, you decide to take a step back and try to understand the situation from their perspective.

You realize that they may have been going through a difficult time and were looking for someone to confide in. While you don’t condone their actions, you can empathize with their motives. You decide to communicate your feelings to your friend and express your hurt and disappointment.

Your friend apologizes and expresses remorse for their actions. You choose to forgive them, not because what they did was okay, but because you don’t want to hold onto the negative emotions and let them impact your relationship.

You both work together to rebuild trust and move forward in a positive direction. This is the key to a healthy relationship.

How to make the best of yourself?

Acknowledge your feelings. Before you can forgive, you must first acknowledge your true feelings and allow yourself to fully experience them. This entails allowing yourself to be angry, hurt, or sad. Keep in mind that it’s not a bad thing.

Identify the root of the problem. Try to see the situation through the eyes of the other person. This can help you see things objectively and empathize with their actions.

Let the past go. It’s critical to let go of negative emotions and move on from the traumatic experience. This does not imply forgetting what happened, but rather focusing on the present and future. It’s the only way to move forward.

Practice self-compassion. Forgiveness entails not only forgiving others but also forgiving yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, and practice self-compassion. Here’s a self-compassion workbook that will help you accept yourself and thrive in life.

Communicate your feelings. If at all possible, express your feelings to the other human being in a calm and respectful manner. This can help resolve misunderstandings and promote healing.

2. Prioritize your needs

As humans, we frequently put the needs and desires of others ahead of our own. While it’s important to be selfless and caring, it’s also important to prioritize your own needs to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Prioritizing your needs allows you to keep your life in balance, reduce stress, and improve your well-being.

Identify your needs. Spend some time thinking about your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Do you need more rest? More self-care time? Increased social interaction? Make a plan to address your needs once you’ve identified them.

Set healthy boundaries. Are you a people-spleaser? Hear me out. We can sometimes find ourselves overcommitting to others while neglecting our own needs. It’s critical to establish boundaries and learn to say “no” when necessary.

This does not imply being self-centered or unhelpful, but rather recognizing when you need to step back and prioritize your own well-being.

Make time for self-care. It’s one of the most important things to keep in mind. Self-care is an important component of prioritizing your needs.

This can include taking a relaxing bath, reading books on finding your purpose, going for a walk, or engaging in any other activity that brings you joy and relaxation. Make self-care a part of your daily routine.

Communicate your needs. Inform the different people in your life of what you need to maintain your balance and well-being. Communication is essential, whether it’s asking for help with household tasks or making time for yourself.

Be gentle with yourself. It’s important to remember that prioritizing your needs isn’t selfish or indulgent; rather, it’s an essential part of living a healthy and fulfilling life. Be gentle with yourself and recognize that you deserve to look after your own needs.

3. Stop overthinking

Overthinking is a common habit that many of us struggle with. It involves dwelling on negative thoughts, analyzing situations excessively, and worrying about things that may never even happen.

Assume you have a big presentation at work coming up and you are overthinking how it will go. There’s this little voice in your head that says it’s a big deal. You start to worry about every possibility, from forgetting your lines to making mistakes in front of your coworkers.

You can stop overthinking by focusing on your breath and observing your thoughts without judgment.

You put your thoughts to the test by asking yourself if they are rational or realistic. You plan your presentation, rehearsing your lines and going over your slides. You also enjoy relaxing activities like going for a walk and listening to music.

By using these techniques, you can reduce overthinking and approach your presentation with more confidence and calm.

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness entails being in the present moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. This can help you gain perspective on your thoughts and decrease overthinking. Try meditating or simply focusing on your breath to practice mindfulness.

Challenge your thoughts. When you find yourself overthinking, try to question your thoughts by asking whether they are rational or realistic. Our thoughts are frequently distorted or exaggerated, causing unnecessary worry and stress.

Take action. Take action if you find yourself overthinking a situation on a regular basis. This can help you regain control and reduce anxiety. If you’re worried about an upcoming exam, for example, make a study plan and stick to it.

Practice self-compassion. Overthinking can indicate perfectionism or self-criticism. We all need to silence our inner critic every now and then. You can practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a friend.

Engage in relaxing activities. You can reduce overthinking by engaging in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. This can range from reading a book to taking a bath to taking a walk.

4. Pursue your passions and work towards your dreams on a daily basis

Pursuing your interests and working toward your goals is an important part of showing up for yourself. It entails determining what you truly care about and devoting a lot of time and effort to achieving your goals.

How to elevate yourself in life?

Identify your passions. Take some time to consider what truly matters to you and what brings you joy. This can include trying new things, exploring new interests, and reflecting on what brings you joy.

Set goals. Set specific goals that align with your passions once you’ve identified them. These goals should be challenging but attainable, and you should break them down into smaller steps that you can work on every day.

Make time for your passions. Make it a point to devote time each day or week to pursuing your passions. Setting aside time in your schedule or making changes to your daily routines can help you make time for what is important to you.

Stay motivated. Stay motivated by celebrating your accomplishments, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and remembering why you began pursuing your passions in the first place.

5. Set aside time for yourself to do things that bring you joy

Another way to show up for yourself is to make time for yourself to do plenty of things that bring you joy. Making time for activities that make you happy and fulfilled is more important than focusing solely on responsibilities and obligations.

Assume you enjoy hiking but haven’t had the opportunity to do so in a while. You make the decision to go on a hike every Sunday morning for yourself. You put it on your calendar and make a commitment to yourself.

You also communicate this boundary to your friends and family so they understand how important it is to you. You get up early on Sunday morning and go for a hike. You enjoy the fresh air, lovely scenery, and physical activity.

You’ll feel refreshed and energized afterward, ready to tackle the rest of your day. You are showing up for yourself and improving your well-being by making time for yourself to do something that brings you joy.

How to take time for yourself?

Schedule it in. Make a date with yourself to participate in activities that bring you joy. Make time for yourself every week, whether it’s a weekly yoga class, a monthly spa day, or a daily half-hour of reading.

Get creative. Experiment with new activities that you’ve always wanted to try. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn to paint or sample a new cuisine. Make time to try new activities and hobbies that interest you.

Set boundaries. We all lead busy lives. It’s critical to establish boundaries with others to make time for yourself. Say no to activities that don’t align with your priorities or schedule an uninterrupted time for yourself without distractions.

6. Practice self-compassion and stop being harsh on yourself

Self-compassion is an important part of taking care of yourself. It entails being kind and understanding to yourself, particularly during difficult times.

Notice your self-talk. Take note of how you speak to yourself. Are you harsh and judgmental or gentle and understanding? If you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, try to reframe it in a more compassionate manner.

I have to be honest. I used to really struggle with self-doubt, but I’ve been working on being okay with myself and building my confidence. It does take time, but it’s so worth it.

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, as well as respond to them in a more compassionate manner. Here’s a mindfulness journal that will help you live in the present moment.

Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same consideration and compassion that you would extend to a friend. This includes tending to your physical and emotional needs, practicing self-care, and setting realistic goals for yourself.

Cultivate gratitude. Cultivating gratitude can help you appreciate what you have and concentrate on the good things in your daily life. This can help you be kinder and more compassionate toward yourself.

7. Practice self-care

Self-care is an important part of being present for yourself. Self-care entails taking deliberate steps to improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Assume you’ve had a long day at work and are stressed and overwhelmed.

You decide to practice self-care by taking a short break and meditating. You find a quiet place to sit and close your eyes. For a few minutes, you concentrate on your breathing, inhaling and exhaling deeply.

You’ll feel more centered and relaxed afterward. Later in the evening, you decide to take a bath and read a book to unwind before going to bed. You can show up for yourself and improve your well-being by prioritizing rest, practicing mindfulness, and doing something enjoyable.

Prioritize rest. Make sure you get enough sleep and that you take breaks throughout the day. This can include going for a short walk, practicing meditation or breathing techniques, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes.

Move your body. Participate in physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s a walk, yoga, or sports. Exercise can help you reduce stress, gain energy, and boost your mood.

Practice mindfulness. Spend some time each day practicing mindfulness, whether through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply being present in the moment. This can help you reduce stress and increase self-awareness and well-being.

8. Seek support when needed

Seeking help when you need it is an important way to stand up for yourself. Asking for help or support isn’t a sign of weakness but rather of strength and self-awareness.

Identify your support system. Make a list of people in your life from whom you can seek help. You can include friends, family members, coworkers, and mental health professionals.

Reach out. Reach out to someone on your support list when you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling. Inform them of your difficult situation and ask for their help or advice.

Be specific. When asking for help, be specific about what you need. Whether you need someone to talk to, help with a task, or advice on a specific kind of situation, communicate your needs clearly.

Do something you enjoy. Spend time doing things that make you happy and relaxed, whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, or spending time with friends or a family member.

9. Take breaks

I recently realized that taking breaks is an important part of showing up for myself. Taking time to rest and recharge may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually help you be more productive and focused in the long run.

Assume you’ve been working on a project for several hours and are beginning to feel exhausted. You decide to take a 15-minute break to recharge your batteries. You get up from your desk, stretch your legs, and go for a walk outside during your break.

You take a few deep breaths and notice how the fresh air and change of scenery energize you. When you return to work, you are more focused and motivated to keep going.

You were able to improve your productivity, reduce your stress levels, and return to work with renewed vigor by taking a break.

Schedule breaks. Make a concerted effort to plan regular breaks throughout the day. It’s as simple as taking a 10–15 minute break every hour or so to stretch, walk around, or do something you enjoy.

Disconnect. Try to disconnect from your work and technology during your breaks. Step away from your computer, phone, or other screen-based devices and do something else.

Move your body. During a break, movement can be a great way to recharge. Take a walk, practice yoga, or do whatever form of exercise you enjoy.

10. Take care of your physical health

One of the very easy ways to show up for yourself is to take care of your physical health. When you put your physical health first, you not only feel better, but you also have more energy and motivation to achieve your goals and face life’s challenges.

Maintain a healthy diet. Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit your consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fat-rich foods.

Exercise on a regular basis. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. You can try walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. My favorite home workouts include resistance bands and using body weight.

Get enough rest. Attempt to get 7–8 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and avoid screens and stimulating activities before bedtime.

Take care of your mental health. Your physical and mental health are inextricably linked. Make time for stress-relieving activities such as meditation or yoga.

11. Speak up for yourself; learn to say no

Learning to stand up for yourself and say no is an important part of self-care. It can help you set boundaries and prioritize your needs, resulting in a happier and healthier life.

Assume you’ve been feeling overwhelmed at work, and your boss asks you to take on an additional project for which you don’t have time. You may have previously said yes to avoid conflict or disappointing your boss.

This time, however, you decide to stand up for yourself and say no. You explain that you’re already feeling overwhelmed and don’t have the time to take on more important work right now. You offer to talk about how to prioritize your current workload or delegate tasks to others.

Your boss may be disappointed at first, but they will most likely respect your boundaries and appreciate your honesty in the end. You’ve prioritized your own well-being and shown respect for your own needs by speaking up for yourself and saying no.

How to do things for yourself?

Practice saying no. Saying no can be difficult at first, but it is a skill that you can develop with practice. Start by declining minor requests or invitations that do not align with your values or priorities.

Establish boundaries. Determine your boundaries and clearly communicate them to others. This can help prevent others from abusing your time or resources. This best-selling boundaries workbook will help you take control of your life!

Be assertive. It’s critical to be assertive without being aggressive when advocating for yourself. To communicate your needs, use “I” statements rather than blaming or attacking others.

12. Set clear goals in life

Setting specific life goals is an important way to show up for yourself. It can help you focus your energy and resources on the things that are most important to you, as well as provide you with a sense of purpose and direction.

Determine your core values. Consider what is most important to you in your own life to become the best version of yourself. This can help you identify the goals that are most important to you and align with your values.

Be specific. Set attainable and realistic goals that are specific and measurable. Instead of a goal of “exercise more for a couple of weeks,” set a goal of “exercise for 30 minutes three times a week.” Here’s the only life and goal planner you honestly need.

Create a plan. Divide your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Write a to-do list to help you stay on top of your goals. This can help you stay motivated while also tracking your progress. Eventually, your hard work will pay off.

13. Write in a gratitude journal

Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple but effective way to take care of yourself and cultivate a positive mindset.

Assume you had a difficult day at work. You spend a few minutes before going to bed writing in your gratitude journal. You reflect on the positive aspects of your day, such as a successful client meeting, a thoughtful email from a coworker, and the delicious lunch you prepared.

You express your gratitude for these experiences in writing, explaining why you’re grateful for each one. If you express appreciation, you shift your attention away from the stresses of the day and toward the positive aspects of your experiences.

This practice can help you cultivate a more positive and grateful mindset over time, and it can help you show up for yourself with gratitude and optimism.

Make time for it. Make time every day to write in your gratitude journal. You can do it in the morning or at night, depending on what works best for you.

Reflect on your day. Consider the simple things you’re thankful for from your day. This could be anything from a thoughtful gesture from a dear friend to a stunning sunset.

Write it down. Make a list of three to five things for which you are grateful. Next time, make your responses specific and detailed, and try to emphasize the positive aspects of your experiences.

If you don’t have a lot of time, you can try this one-minute gratitude journal. It’s a lifesaver! If you have a few more minutes, you can also try this gratitude journal that requires only a few minutes of your day but still guarantees improved gratitude and positivity.

14. Celebrate yourself

Celebrating yourself is an important way to support yourself and recognize your achievements and progress. It allows you to feel motivated to keep working toward your goals.

Recognize your achievements. Take the time to recognize your achievements, both big and small. These great things could range from completing a work project to learning a new skill.

Take care of yourself. Give yourself a treat that makes you happy. This could be as simple as taking a bubble bath, purchasing a small gift for yourself, or indulging in your favorite food.

Share your accomplishments. Share your accomplishments with others. This could be with a friend, relative, or mentor. Sharing your achievements can make you feel proud of your progress while also inspiring and motivating others.

15. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable

Being vulnerable can be frightening, but it is an important way to stand up for yourself and connect on a deeper level with others.

Assume you’ve been suffering from anxiety and have been keeping it all to yourself. You decide to talk to a close friend about your problems. You’re allowing your friend to see and understand your experiences, as well as opening yourself up to their support and empathy.

You also take the first step toward getting help and caring for your mental health. You can connect with your friend on a deeper level and take an important step toward self-care by embracing vulnerability.

Express your emotions. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions to others. This could be with a trusted friend, relative, or therapist. Sharing your emotions allows others to see and understand you more deeply.

Accept responsibility for your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but it can be difficult to admit them. You show vulnerability and a willingness to learn and grow by admitting your mistakes and being open to feedback.

Ask for help. Asking for help can be frightening when you do it for the first time, but it’s an essential part of being vulnerable. Whether you need help with a work project or a personal issue, asking for help demonstrates that you value and trust the opinions of others.

16. Practice positive self-talk and thoughts

Positive self-talk is an essential component of self-care. It can have a huge impact on your mental health and well-being. It entails deliberately choosing to speak to yourself in a positive manner, even in difficult situations.

Positive self-talk can help you increase your confidence, self-esteem, and resilience in the face of adversity. It’ll help you reach your fullest potential. It can also help you reframe negative thoughts and shift your perspective to a more optimistic one.

There’s no right time to start taking care of our inner minds. The only right time is right now. It’s one of the biggest things you can do to show yourself some love.

It’s critical to start practicing positive self-talk by paying attention to how you speak to yourself. Are your thoughts mostly negative or mostly positive? Do you frequently criticize yourself, or do you treat yourself with kindness and compassion?

When you notice negative self-talk, try to counter it with positive affirmations. Instead of saying, “I’m not good enough,” say, “I am capable and worthy.” I also have my own personal mantra that I repeat every day.

You can also try to reframe negative situations by emphasizing the positive aspects or lessons learned.

Positive visualization is another effective technique. Consider yourself successful; you have met your goals and are feeling happy and fulfilled. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your objectives.

I honestly love this self-love workbook. All the techniques I had learned before didn’t work until I discovered this workbook, and everything just clicked in my head.

Positive self-talk may feel unnatural or uncomfortable at first. However, with time and consistency, it can become a habit that improves your well-being.

Remember to be kind to yourself. Don’t compare yourself to people on social media. Celebrate your achievements and concentrate on your strengths. By practicing positive self-talk, you can fully show up for yourself with confidence and positivity.

17. Set firm boundaries

Setting firm boundaries is an important aspect of self-care. It can help you maintain healthy relationships and protect your well-being. You set boundaries to protect your physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as your time and energy.

Without boundaries, you may become overwhelmed, overcommitted, and resentful of others. Setting boundaries can help you prioritize your own needs, communicate your expectations clearly, and maintain supportive relationships.

I also feel that setting boundaries helps me avoid toxic people.

To establish firm boundaries, first identify your personal values and priorities. What is essential to you? What do you need to feel at ease and fulfilled? Once you’ve established your needs and boundaries, communicate them to others in a straightforward and respectful manner.

For example, if you need some alone time to recharge, you can let others know and ask for their understanding. If someone consistently crosses a boundary, it’s critical to communicate that their behavior is unacceptable. If necessary, impose consequences.

Keep in mind that setting boundaries doesn’t imply being selfish or unkind. It’s about looking after yourself and building healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Setting firm boundaries may take some time and practice, especially if you’re used to putting others’ needs ahead of your own. However, by doing so, you can make some time for yourself and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

18. Stop caring what others think

Learning to care less about what other people think is an important part of standing up for yourself. It can be difficult, especially if you are used to seeking approval from others, but it’s necessary for your well-being and personal growth.

It’s important to stop caring what others think because it allows you to be true to yourself. When you are constantly concerned with what other people think, you may end up jeopardizing your own beliefs, values, and needs.

This can cause feelings of disconnection from yourself and make it difficult to live a fulfilling life.

It can be beneficial to focus on your own values and priorities in order to stop caring what others think. Spend some time getting to know yourself and what truly matters to you. This can help you feel more confident in your decisions and less influenced by other people’s opinions.

This self-confidence workbook will help you overcome self-doubt and improve your self-esteem.

You can also train yourself to set boundaries and say no when necessary. By doing so, you are prioritizing your own needs and values over the expectations of others.

Surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded people can also help to reinforce your confidence in yourself and your decisions. Remember that it’s natural to be concerned about what others think, but it’s critical to strike a balance and not let it rule your life.

You deserve to live a life that is authentic to you and brings you joy and fulfillment. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get used to this new version of yourself.

If you’re still having a hard time understanding this whole concept, I also have a reading recommendation for you. “The Art of Showing Up“.

Rachel Wilkerson Miller, the author of “The Art of Showing Up” talks about the importance of being present in our relationships, friendships, and communities.

She emphasizes the need to show up for ourselves and for others, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. She also shares tips and strategies for how to overcome the obstacles that might prevent us from showing up fully and authentically.

How do you show up for yourself?

Remember, you are your own advocate. The only one. I would love to hear your thoughts about this topic. Do you practice showing up for yourself? Is it easy for you, or is it something that you need to work on?