How To Be Your Own Best Friend
A best friend is someone you can trust with your secrets, rely on to share problems and celebrate life events with. But developing the skills to be your own best friend means you can be your own source of comfort when you need advice or support. Being your own best friend can also be a great way to work through feelings of loneliness.
Why would you want to become your own best friend?
As you are the only person with yourself all your life. There are a number of benefits to creating your own internal support system rather than relying on your partner, friends or family to be there for you when you’re suffering. Having expectations of other people can lead to disappointment if your expectations aren’t met. Of course, it’s great if you have a strong support network, but you could still benefit from becoming more autonomous It is better to know how to support yourself in times of need.
Simple Ways to Become Your Own Best Friend
Be kind to yourself
The first step to becoming a friend to yourself is to treat yourself like you would treat a friend. That means that you need to stop being self-critical and beating yourself up. Start by acknowledging your good qualities, talents and abilities and begin to appreciate your own uniqueness. When you catch yourself thinking up some nasty self-talk, stop and ask, “Would I say this to my best friend?” If not, then change your self-talk to be more supportive and caring. Stop talking to yourself negatively talk to yourself like a best friend
Develop daily interests you can enjoy doing alone
Nurturing a hobby you can enjoy alone or an activity that involves just you is a good way to get used to your own company and appreciate it. Activities like knitting, walking, writing, reading, or even meditation will deepen your understanding of yourself and create meaningful alone time. It will also help you develop self-love, an important factor to being your own best friend
Meet your own needs and treat yourself
Considering how you would help a good friend, you need to start taking your own advice and putting your own needs first. Do you need a day off from work? An early night? Some time to catch up on your reading, cleaning, gardening, social life. Whatever it is that you need, allow yourself to put it at the top of the list rather than the bottom. Be there for yourself and make it happen. All that attention and affection you receive from a best friend you need to offer yourself.
Enjoy a relaxing massage, buy flowers for yourself, or a special gift. These acts of kindness illustrate you love and respect yourself.
Imagine how you would support a friend in the same situation
Think about a a friend, or loved one, and imagine that they are in the same situation you are currently facing. Think about how they’re struggling, and feeling stuck with this problem, then consider how to offer help and advice to them. Consider words that you would say to your friend and then repeat them kindly to yourself. Allow yourself to feel supported, and give yourself what you need.
A good way to show your self love is by making time for you.
Why not book a Reiki session or Indian Head Massage?