The daily self-love checklist

Taking a bath (complete with Insta-perfect bubbles), getting your nails done, or treating yourself to a massage are all ways to show self-love, yes. But Nicole Mejia, the creator of luly, says self-love is much deeper than those types of pursuits. “I think that it's just like loving a partner,” she says. “It's an act, it's a decision, and it's about continuing to do the things that are going to keep you aligned and centered even when you don't feel it or feel like it.” 

Nicole would know. Growing up, she struggled with feeling self-conscious about her weight and body image. Then, she found fitness. “I learned that I could take control of my physical body,” she says, “and then once I accepted my shell, I realized there was this whole other inner world that needed to be loved and accepted.” 

Once she recognized this and did the work to love herself from the inside out, she realized there was a whole lot of women out there who may be feeling just as she did. That’s how luly (“live like you love yourself”) came to be. “It's about realizing that you're already worthy and realizing that the reason you are so beautiful, amazing, great is in part because you also have flaws and then moving towards your goals with that energy.”

Here, Nicole shares an easy daily routine to give you that must-deserved boost. 

1. Journal

“I believe we are our own best teachers,” says Nicole. Deep down inside, you know. “Allow yourself to process what you’re going through on the pages. Let your internal wisdom flow from your pen,” she says. 

2. Learn

Nicole says that learning every day provides a new perspective. She recommends starting each day by reading or listening to something that “feeds you.” “If you’re not growing then you’re dying,” she says.

3. Meditate

According to Nicole, setting aside a few minutes each day to tune in to your sensations, breathing, and thoughts is essential. “This helps me to detach when my mind starts running or emotions get heightened,” she says. Nicole recommends anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes daily.

Stay tuned for the release of one of Nicole’s meditation classes.

4. Move

“When I’m stressed or sleep-deprived, a high-intensity class isn’t really an appetizing item on the menu,” she says. Instead, take a walk enjoying nature or get into a grounding flow. “Stretch, walk, lift…do whatever your body and mind feel that they need in that moment,” she adds.

Stay tuned for the release of a restorative class with Nicole.

5. Play

“Life shouldn’t be a to-do list and series of tasks,” says Nicole. Instead, have more fun. “Dance, sing, and enjoy the process of getting dressed up or putting your makeup on,” she says. “Enjoy the life you’ve created for yourself by giving yourself space to create, enjoy, and play within the tasks,” she adds.

Get started with Nicole on NEOU today.