Self-Love

By: Caroline Zappas

When was the last time you did something for yourself simply because you wanted to and knew it would bring you joy? People often find themselves focused on their relationships with significant others, friends, or family. At the end of the day, the only person guaranteed to be there for you is yourself. Unfortunately, many people do not put as much time and energy investing into their relationship with themselves as they do with others. Ensuring to listen to your own needs, set appropriate boundaries, and treat yourself with kindness, has a large impact on your mental and physical health (Solis-Moreira, 2023). The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that, “self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy,” which are all incredibly valuable benefits (NIMH, 2022). 

Self-love can look very different depending on what brings you joy. Some individuals love to exercise, and their form of self-love may be mindfully scheduling their day to ensure they can get a workout in. Other forms of self-love can include allowing yourself to sleep in when you are tired or indulging in your favorite snack for a midday pick-me-up. A form of self-love I consistently rely on is taking long hot showers at the end of the day that help me relax and reset before going to bed. 

To build your own self-love plan, it is important to consider the 8 dimensions of wellness, as outlined by the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. They include emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual (Glowiak, 2020). While incorporating activities from each dimension is difficult to tackle at once, incorporating a one self-care activity from one of the dimensions is a good way to start. Taking steps to create a routine practice of self-love will do wonders for your wellbeing.

Referencec List:"

Glowiak, M. (2020). What is Self-Care and Why is it Important For You? Southern New Hampshire University. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care

NIMH. (2022). Caring for Your Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health#part_8450

Solis-Moreira, J. (2023). 6 Ways to Practice Self-Love. Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/how-to-practice-self-love/