Makaia Carr: Five surprising ways to be kinder to yourself

Make time to enjoy the feeling of the sun on your face. Photo / Getty Images

Practicing self-love - showing self-respect and being kinder to yourself on a day to day basis - is a key element to achieving health and happiness.

It's a way to achieve more positivity in your life and a driver to encourage you to make choices that serve you throughout the day.

Here a few tips for how to be kinder to yourself. Be sure to pop along to the Live Well Festival* to hear about my personal favourites and how a mindset of self-love has changed my life.

1. TAKE A NAP

Sometimes we start our day physically running and often it doesn't feel like we stop - whether that's mentally or physically. Take a short rest from that daily fast pace and find somewhere peaceful to take a 10-15 minute nap.

2. FRESH AIR AND SUNLIGHT

Take a peaceful stroll outside for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy the air and the feeling of the sun on your face. Even take off your shoes and spend some time grounding with the earth.

3. HIT UNFOLLOW

Unfollow people on social media that make your feel a bit "off". Whatever that feeling is for you just remember you don't need negativity in your space. Clear the crap and keep your social media timelines positive and uplifting.

4. SMILE

Practice having a smile on your face as often as you can. Especially when you look at yourself in the mirror or other reflections. Catching yourself smiling is one of the best feelings ever.

5. MOISTURISE

Okay, this may sound weird but after your shower give yourself some time to use a lovely moisturiser and massage and moisturise your entire body (all of it, even your lumpy bumpy bits) with a smile on your face, respect in your mind and love in your heart - FOR YOU!

*Makaia is part of the Self-Worth Panel at the LiveWell Festival. Catch her there on October 15, 10.00 - 10.30am, at the Cloud in Auckland. Find out more here.