Let's focus on a few easy, affordable, and accessible ways to love ourselves - instantly.

We all know that life is go, go, go, and then go some more. It's easy to get into a routine that keeps us so busy, it's hard to remember to take time for ourselves. That's why it is so important to really make every bit of "me-time" filled with love and support for ourselves. Self-love is key to a balanced life. Below are a few ways I have found that help me practice loving myself, and they all happen to be free or of very low cost!

1. Start your morning with an affirmation.

I don't know about you, but I am NOT a morning person. Getting out of bed on any given morning is so unappealing, it's not even funny. (I'm not really an evening person, either, so I guess afternoons are my jam. But I usually get a caffeine lag by then. There must be a few-hour period at some point where I'm at my prime... Anyway, I digress.)

I've tried for a long time to figure out a gentler way of starting my day - whether it's listening to some music, brushing my teeth in the dark, wetting my face with a cool cloth, etc. The possibilities are endless, but lately, I am starting my mornings with a positive affirmation. An affirmation is a short phrase or saying that you can repeat to yourself again and again. Choosing a positive affirmation can help to counter negative self-talk or internal criticism. Positive affirmations are so powerful that they actually have the ability to rewire your brain's thinking patterns (cited in Everyday Health).

We can all access affirmations whenever we want - free of charge. The affirmation doesn't have to be fancy or long-winded. In fact, I think short and sweet works best. Starting my morning with a positive affirmation gives me a little boost of confidence, or a feeling of, "Okay, I can do today."

Here are some of my go-to affirmations:

• I am enough.

• I am complete in my existence by simply being me.

• I am grateful for another sunrise, and the sun is grateful for me.

• Everything I need exists within me.

If you really want to make full use of your affirmation (this works for me, at least), I will say my first positive affirmation of the day in front of the mirror. This makes the affirmation feel that much more powerful, and it gives me the opportunity to find grounding and check in with myself. There aren't many guarantees in life, but I do believe that cultivating a healthy, personal relationship with yourself can be a beautiful constant if you want it.

2. Create a personalized playlist.

Music is often a tool I utilize for self-care. I love exploring new artists, rediscovering classics, and playing my favorites on repeat. Some of my fondest memories are at concerts, and it's my dream to go to a music festival someday.

Since buying concert tickets is a very expensive form of self-love these days, I enjoy the much more affordable at-home concert option: a good ol' playlist. If you have a music streaming account, I highly recommend gifting yourself some personalized playlists. It may seem like a little thing, but I get a lot of joy out of my different playlists. If I am having an off day, I scroll through my library of tunes and either a) find songs that match my moody vibe or b) create a playlist that acts as an endorphin booster.

We can be there for ourselves; we don't have to change how we are feeling in order to be 'right' or 'better.' Just like my affirmation above, we are enough. Sometimes we just need a little reminder of that. So, next time you're feeling a bit blue, make your own playlist to capture your present moment. Have fun creating the title! You're a storyteller, and each song can be a chapter in your book.

Want some ideas for how to curate that perfect playlist? Check out Vice's article here for some guidance. But remember, when it comes to creating a playlist for the purposes of self-love, don't overthink it too much - no judgment!

3. Sign up for a library card.

Okay, this may seem a bit random, but I swear it has worked for me. If you don't have a library card, here is your moment to shine. This totally free activity can open a whole new world for many of us out there. As a kid, I'm pretty sure my school took us to the library to sign up for a card, but I completely forgot about utilizing the library as an adult until a few years ago. Now, I am a dedicated library lady.

It somehow feels like a secret to be able to go into a library and pick out several books at once - for ZERO dollars. Like music, books often help me unwind or disconnect from the chaos of the day. And as we know, there aren't many free memberships out there. Whether you like reading from a physical book or through an e-Reader, you can take out a book from the library and enjoy a bit of time for yourself. You deserve it! Added bonus, going to the library is a very eco-conscious form of reading!

4. Have an empty shoebox?

If you don't have a shoebox, any box you have around your space will work! All you need is a cardboard box that has the potential to be closed shut. Don't worry, we aren't making a diorama like we did in third grade.

To start, take your empty box and tape/glue it shut. Cut a small slit on the top of the box that will fit a folded-up piece of paper. Option here is to decorate the heck out of your box - I'm talking paint, glitter, ribbons, magazine cutouts, scraps of extra fabric... Possibilities galore!! I encourage you to have a little fun and let your inner child get creative. This box can be just for your eyes, if you'd like. So don't worry about the presentation or coloring inside the lines. COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES IF YOU SO PLEASE!

Once your Museum of Modern Art-level shoebox is finished, cut up some pieces of paper. Usually, we have extra scraps of paper lying around - use what you have at home instead of buying paper, if you can. Sustainable options are best! Place the pieces of paper in a container, like a mason jar, an extra glass, or an envelope [ perhaps another opportunity to decorate :) ].

Whenever inspiration strikes, take a little paper and write a note to yourself. Maybe it's a little anecdote from the day, or a quote you saw online. Write down your hopes. Document your wins. Praise yourself for taking a risk. Whatever it may be, celebrate you and the love you give yourself.

At some point, your box will be full of these little scraps of love. Perhaps you choose to read through them all on your birthday, or a year after you start the box. Maybe you read them on New Year's Eve. Do what you want! But I will say, it is fun to build up a good number of scraps before opening the box. You might be amazed at what you have created.

5. Stretch!

This last one is pretty self-explanatory, but I find it makes a world of difference. I am not a medical professional - let's keep that in mind!! - but I do know that stretching feels so good and has a lot of health benefits. Even stretching for 30 seconds reminds my body to take a moment and release some tension.

As a yoga lover, I have come to appreciate any amount of time that I dedicate to my physical body. Practicing the physical yoga poses (known as asanas) helps me feel physically strong, but most importantly, it brings me a sense of inner peace. So much of yoga is stretching, but you don't have to practice yoga to practice stretching.

In the morning, before bed at night, or during your lunch break, explore what a few moments of stretching do for you physically and mentally. You may notice an increased sense of calmness and relaxation. There are many positive health benefits to stretching, and your body will thank you for it.

Remember to consult a medical professional regarding best stretching practices for your body! We all have different bodies, possible injuries, and needs. Protect your well-being, always. And when you are done with your stretch session, you could top it off by giving each of your shoulders a little kiss. I know, this may sound a bit silly, but I swear by it! Bethany C. Meyers, founder of the become.project, often ends their routines with this simple act, and it has been revolutionary. Thanks, Bethany!

Self-love is a journey, not a destination.

When I was a teenager, I did a summer theater camp that ended with a showcase performance. I will never forget what the director said: "This show is a process, not a product." He encouraged us to look at the show as a moving, living creation - not as a static 'thing.'

Life is like that. Self-love is like that. We are all on this journey, and it's far from easy or linear. I don't think I will ever wake up and think, "I have completed the self-love journey." That would be pretty sad, because it would be an ending to this beautiful discovery of self. I welcome the process, but there are definitely ways to support ourselves as we trek through it all.

Perhaps some of the ideas I've discussed here will be helpful - I really hope so. If not, I invite you to discover what works for you on your journey of self-love.

Sending hugs,

Helana