Self-love practices to fill your existence with meaning might be the remedy for you if you're feeling empty within.
Feeling adrift in life? Struggling with feelings of emptiness, even amongst others? Finding it tough to express your emotions? Feel like life is passing you by, a distant spectacle? If so, you're not alone. Life can be a storm of complex emotions, and we all experience moments when we feel lost, disconnected, and empty.
That emptiness can be a dark, isolating place, hard to explain or express. But it's important to remember that our emotions play a crucial role in our lives, shaping our mindset, motivations, and overall quality of life. So, it's okay to feel those intense emotions that leave you feeling hollow and devoid of joy.
Regardless of your success, looks, or popularity, you'll have times when you feel like something's missing from your life - something valuable to you. Sometimes, that emptiness stems from specific negative experiences or situations. But once you identify the root cause of those feelings, you can better equip yourself to tackle them and live your best life.
Here are six self-love rituals that might just be what the doctor ordered:
1. Talk to yourself the way you'd talk to a friend
Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. Instead of indulging in self-abusive behavior, speak to yourself with compassion and kindness, as if talking to a trusted friend. You deserve that care and consideration, because, after all, you are your own best friend.
Related: 7 Tiny Habits of the Most Effortlessly Confident People
2. Allow yourself to feel your feelings, good or bad
Embracing your emotions, even the uncomfortable ones like loneliness, heartbreak, or pain, and letting them pass naturally can aid in their healing. Learn to love and accept yourself, flaws and all.
Related: 10 Tiny Things People Who Truly Love Themselves Do Without Even Realizing It
3. Spend quality time alone, distraction-free
Instead of wasting time on unproductive activities or harmful habits like TV, video games, alcohol, or drugs, invest that time in introspection. Focus on what excites you about life, your passions, dreams, fears, and needs.
Sit with yourself, explore your inner world, and engage in activities that bring you joy or spark a sense of wonder, like writing, painting, exercising, or cooking. Meditation can also help you understand your needs and focus on yourself. This can help you find purpose and meaning in your everyday life.
4. Notice the good things already in your life
Cultivate gratitude to ward off feelings of emptiness. Psychological studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction, better social skills, and stronger relationships.
By appreciating who you are, what you have, and being thankful for your life, you will gain a new perspective on life, stop taking the good things for granted, and move from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. Focus on the greatness already present in your life, rather than all that you don't have.
5. Do something new, chase a new experience
Learning new things and engaging in new experiences can stimulate happiness and motivation. Neurobiological studies suggest that these activities can produce dopamine, similar to emotional arousal. Try giving your living space a makeover to breathe new life into your environment. Even small changes can significantly impact your emotional and mental well-being.
6. Ask for help if you need it
If feelings of emptiness persist, don't be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can provide the guidance and support you need to conquer your inner void and live a meaningful, fulfilling life once more. Remember, it all begins with loving and accepting yourself.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text "HELLO" to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.
First steps to filling your emptiness begin with self-love. When you love yourself, you will be kinder, more compassionate, and more loving towards yourself. This will lead to new interests, pursuing your dreams, building deep, meaningful relationships, and finding your own happiness. It's not a chore to live a meaningful, purpose-filled life - all you need to do is believe in and embrace yourself.
- Recognize that self-love is additional education-and-self-development for your personal-growth, fostering mental health and wellness in your life.
- Remembers, a fulfilling life with mental health requires continuous effort and understanding, much like the science behind a successful marriage that requires commitment, effort, and psychological knowledge.
- Embrace the stories of individuals who've overcome feelings of emptiness and embraced their mental health, as part of your health-and-wellness journey.
- By loving and accepting yourself, you'll be equipped to tackle life's challenges and live a vibrant life filled with love, happiness, and self-respect.
- Remember, feeling lost and empty is a common part of the human experience, and there's always help available through mental health professionals and hotlines like the SAMHSA National Helpline or Crisis Text Line.
