It's not new news that loving yourself promotes happiness. The problem is, many people forget to love themselves. After all, so much goes on in a day. There are so many outside influences,  the world has problems - so does work and the people you care about. When are you supposed to stop and remember to love yourself? 

The short answer is: It takes practice. When you start practicing, it becomes second nature. When loving yourself is second nature, loving everyone else becomes second nature, too. If you're up for giving it a try, here are some tips to get you started, starting from the outside and working your way in. 

1. The Outside

Most people aren't 100% satisfied with how they look. There's always something to nitpick at. Body issues come in all sizes.  and the answer to your body issues is body acceptance. 

If you want to love your body, it starts with feeling good. If you're always in a hurry, your mind and body won't be receiving the care and nourishment they deserve.

Love your body. Give it good fuel. After all, that's what food is. What you digest is converted to energy to keep your body moving. It's converted to fat to keep your body warm. It's stripped of its nutrients to keep your muscles and bones strong. There is truth in the saying, "You are what you eat." 

2. The Inside

Many people find the hardest struggle with loving themselves comes from the inside. For people who battle with demons, such as depression, bipolar, and other mental health diagnoses, which, by the way, is about a quarter of all people, it's imperative that they see their mental health professionals as often as recommended.

But it's also important to keep your mind sharp because if you don't suffer from mental health issues now, you very well could in the future. As you get older, if you neglect to exercise your mind, you're leaving yourself open to a range of mental health complications.

The great thing about mental exercise is it gives you something to share with the world. There's a reason people associate being alone with sadness. When people feel a part of the rest of the world, they tend to feel happier. 

3. Everything Between

If you're keeping the outside and inside parts of you in top shape, then the rest is easy. Everything in between includes your interactions with other people, your physical environment, and your daily routine. When you feel good on the inside and outside, it will be reflected in how you keep your home, how you approach people, and the activities you enjoy taking part in. It's true that when you're happy you shine. 

Avoid activities in which you compare yourself to others. Your happiness is all about you, and when you find what makes you happy, an amazing thing happens–you care less about how you compare to others. 

Your path to happiness can start now. Make your next grocery list and fill it with fresh foods that you can cook yourself. Think of a hobby you've wanted to start, or a piece of history you've always wanted to learn more about. Start 'project you' today.

This article was kindly written and contributed by Lewis Robinson.