Your 4-Week Love Yourself Challenge

Complete one of these activities every day of the month and reap life-changing rewards.

- Jo Webber

Did you grow up believing self-criticism was the driving force that kept you in line and encouraged you to lift your game? Research now suggests that accepting our imperfections and being kind to ourselves leads to greater health and happiness. People who score high on self-compassion tests are less anxious, have better problem-solving skills and greater optimism than those who berate themselves for perceived failures.

Far from being the key to self-improvement, self-criticism begins a cycle of negativity that leaves us feeling even less motivated to meet goals. Try this four-week challenge to change the cycle for good.

WEEK 1

MONDAY: MEDITATE

If you don’t already meditate, you can start by accessing apps and online courses, or do 10-day retreats or group sessions. Regular meditation reduces stress and increases self-awareness and happiness – even 10 minutes a day can improve attention and focus. Get started with the Insight Timer, a free app with more than 4000 guided meditations, or go to meditation.org.au for online beginner’s classes and workshops.

TUESDAY: GET CREATIVE

You might not think of yourself as creative, but whether it’s baking, doodling or singing, start your creative flow to help you unlock new ideas, build links between ideas and find creative solutions to problems. “Absolutely anyone can be creative,” says Dr Carrie Barron, co-author of The Creativity Cure.

WEDNESDAY: MIRROR MANTRA

Mirror work is an effective way to change self-talk and begin to see the world as a safe and loving place. The late queen of positive affirmations, Louise Hay, recommends saying this mantra as often as you can throughout your day: “I am good enough. I am smart enough. I love and approve of myself.” Even better, say it aloud every time you look in the mirror.