Embracing Self-Love Through Self-Care
February is recognized as the month of love, a time dedicated to highlighting the significance of love in our lives. While many associate this with romantic love, it’s important to acknowledge all forms of love, including self-love, which often gets overlooked.
A recent study revealed that 74% of people link self-care with physical health, neglecting its crucial role in mental well-being, acknowledged by only 52%. Despite various life demands, prioritizing self-care is essential as it enables us to better fulfill the needs of others and navigate life’s challenges.
According to a self-care survey, the average US adult feels relaxed for only 40 minutes per day. Self-care is subjective, ranging from brief moments alone to indulging in leisure activities or fostering a growth mindset. The key is consistent prioritization of self-care, irrespective of its form.
This month, show yourself some love by implementing self-care into your routine, however that may look like. Here are some simple tips to begin.
Make Time For Rest & Sleep: In this culture of always thinking about the next thing on our to-do list, we often trade sleep and rest for things we deem more important in the moment. Scientists say that sleep is one of the top ways we can reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Without sleep, we can quickly become more sensitive and not be able to think clearly. Prioritizing sleep and rest is the biggest tip to showing yourself love and care.
Set Boundaries: Be okay with setting boundaries. Focusing on self-care means there are moments when you have to prioritize yourself above other people or plans. This can be challenging, particularly for perfectionists and people pleasers. However, neglecting your own well-being can lead to increased stress, fatigue, or illness. Prioritizing your needs enables you to better attend to others’ needs afterward.
Get Outside & Move Your Body: Research indicates that daily physical activity releases endorphins, which alleviate stress. Spending time in nature allows individuals to disconnect from daily challenges and focus on self-care. It’s a way of expressing love and care for your body.
Engage In Activities That Bring You Joy & Peace: Ultimately, self-care involves pursuing what brings you fulfillment and being intentional about it. Reflecting on how these activities make you feel and the mindset you cultivate during and afterward maximizes their benefits.
Prioritizing self-care and showing yourself the same love you show others builds resilience. It grows your capacity to go through hard moments or handle challenging situations in life. Having compassion for yourself during difficult moments is a powerful tool in building resilience. Self-love has a positive effect on your well-being, mental health and your relationships. Give yourself the gift of prioritizing what your mind and body need, which is self-care and self-love.
For additional facts and mental health resources, explore our Mind Your Mind Toolkit located on our Resources Page.