The most toxic relationship is the one with you. How to Heal Yourself

You have a better chance of eliminating toxic relationships in your life if you start with yourself. It's important for your mental health to keep your perceptions and expectations in check, but also not to neglect yourself.

People who have a negative view of themselves are often overly critical and use harsh words to describe their bodies, actions, and personality traits. They seek the approval of others and put the needs of others above their own, trying to be helpful and pleasant to those from whom they seek approval. These toxic relationships stem from deep trauma and past pain that manifests as shame, self-hatred, and dangerous habits that affect their physical and mental health. If you have such a toxic relationship with yourself, there are ways to heal.

Set boundaries with others

Your needs are not a priority, and it is easier to justify doing something for others, even at the risk of your own well-being, because others will perceive you as helpful. When you put the comfort of others before your own, your boundaries don't matter, and that's toxic. Ignoring your own comfort will only make your emotional suffering worse in the long run. Set limits with your loved ones in certain situations to give yourself time to relax.

Have a beauty routine that makes you feel good

Things like a regular bedtime, personal hygiene, and a balanced diet are all ways to boost your mood and combat symptoms of stress, self-loathing, and depression. Focus on small changes to your daily routine that are easy to make and that will bring you joy.

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If you haven't worked out at the gym yet, it would be ideal to try doing it every day or start running. You don't have to invest in expensive skin care to develop healthy habits. The key to long-term success is managing your expectations of yourself and reducing the risk of burnout by gradually introducing healthy habits.

Do not forget!

Rest is productive, so make sure you get enough time for it every day.

Practice positive self-talk

One of the best ways to combat a toxic relationship with yourself is to be aware of how you talk to yourself. You'll be surprised how often you insult yourself throughout the day by justifying your actions or helping others. Changing to a positive approach may seem difficult at first, but the more you practice, the easier it will be to replace negative thoughts.

Turn self-criticism into measurable goals. Instead of saying, “I failed, I'm a fool!”, try remembering, “I'm proud of myself for trying!” You can also develop a personal mantra that you practice in front of the mirror, on your way to work, or before bed.

Be gentle with yourself

Healing does not happen overnight. It's easy to become impatient, especially when you tend to be self-critical and have high expectations for yourself. One of the best ways to manage your expectations for healing is to seek support from a therapist. Even if friends and family are supportive, talking to a professional can bring you a sense of relief.

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