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Top 6 Ways To Practice Self-Love

Top 6 Ways To Practice Self-Love

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on Apr 1 2024 11:03 PM
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Highlights:
  • Self-love fosters mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms
  • Prioritizing self-care activities like exercise and healthy eating promotes physical health
  • Cultivating self-love involves gratitude, positive self-talk, and setting realistic goals for personal growth
In life, we often find ourselves managing various relationships- with family, friends, colleagues, and partners. Yet, amidst these connections, we frequently overlook one crucial relationship- the one with ourselves (1 Trusted Source
Self-love or other-love? Explicit other-preference but implicit self-preference

Go to source
). Self-love encompasses an appreciation of our own worth and virtues, embracing ourselves as we are, prioritizing our needs, establishing healthy boundaries, and extending forgiveness when necessary. It entails treating ourselves with kindness and respect, nurturing our overall well-being.

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Understanding Self-Love and Its Health Benefits

Self-love denotes a state of valuing oneself, which involves being compassionate, non-judgmental, and acknowledging one’s inherent worth (2 Trusted Source
Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, and Well-Being

Go to source
). It manifests differently for each individual, but at its core lies self-acceptance, self-trust, and self-forgiveness. Embracing self-love yields significant health benefits, both mentally and physically.


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Mental Health Benefits of Practising Self Love

Prioritizing self-love teaches the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, preserving energy for activities that bring joy and fulfillment. This practice correlates with reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering happiness, self-acceptance, and resilience. Additionally, it cultivates empathy and emotional regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships.

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Physical Health Benefits of Self Care

Self-love extends to physical well-being, encouraging regular exercise and mindful eating (3 Trusted Source
Self-Compassion, Mindful Eating, Eating Attitudes and Wellbeing Among Emerging Adults

Go to source
). Engaging in physical activity enhances cognitive function, reduces anxiety, and mitigates the risk of chronic diseases. Similarly, nourishing the body with nutritious foods promotes vitality and overall health, fostering a positive relationship between food and body image.


Top 6 Strategies for Cultivating Self-Love

  • Gratitude Journaling:

    Reflecting on moments of gratitude fosters mindfulness and contentment, promoting emotional well-being and self-esteem (4 Trusted Source
    Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation

    Go to source
    ).
  • Self-Compliments:

    Acknowledging one’s strengths and achievements fosters self-confidence and resilience, shifting the focus from self-criticism to self-appreciation.
  • Positive Self-Talk:

    Replacing negative self-talk with compassionate and supportive inner dialogue fosters self-acceptance and emotional resilience (5 Trusted Source
    Becoming Aware of Inner Self-Critique and Kinder Toward Self: A Qualitative Study of Experiences of Outcome After a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for University Level Students

    Go to source
    ).
  • Mindfulness Practices:

    Practicing mindfulness cultivates present-moment awareness, reducing stress and enhancing self-awareness and emotional regulation.
  • Celebrating Small Wins:

    Acknowledging and celebrating personal achievements, no matter how small, cultivates a sense of accomplishment and motivation for self-growth.
  • Limiting Social Media Exposure:

    Decreasing time spent on social media reduces comparison and promotes self-compassion, fostering emotional well-being and authenticity (6 Trusted Source
    Social Media Addiction, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Well-Being: A Structural Equation Model

    Go to source
    ).


Seeking Support and Practicing Self-Love

Embarking on the journey of self-love requires patience and self-compassion. While self-love may not come naturally to everyone, seeking support from mental health professionals or trusted individuals can provide guidance and encouragement. Through self-love practices, individuals can nurture their well-being, enhance resilience, and cultivate a fulfilling and authentic life.

References:
  1. Self-love or other-love? Explicit other-preference but implicit self-preference - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22848605/)
  2. Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, and Well-Being - (https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00330.x)
  3. Self-Compassion, Mindful Eating, Eating Attitudes and Wellbeing Among Emerging Adults - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34762553/)
  4. Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21191529/)
  5. Becoming Aware of Inner Self-Critique and Kinder Toward Self: A Qualitative Study of Experiences of Outcome After a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for University Level Students - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31866913/)
  6. Social Media Addiction, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Well-Being: A Structural Equation Model - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36628380/)

Source-Medindia


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