SELF-LOVE

Self-love is the attitude and practice of valuing oneself, embracing who s/he is and showing empathy and respect. It involves cultivating relationship with self and acknowledging self-worth. It’s realizing and prioritizing own needs and take responsibilities to fulfill or empathize while it’s not possible. It’s a state of self-appreciation which protects from self-blaming, criticism, self-sabotage and pushing oneself too far. It includes the importance of recognizing the need of establishing physical and psychological boundary by saying no as important to learn when to say yes.

At its core, self-love is about understanding that one is deserving of love, care and happiness simply because of existence; not because of appearance, achievements or even validation from others. It is the cornerstone of emotional wellbeing, forming the foundation of personal growth, meaningful relationship as well as overall mental health.

Self-love is the practice of nurturing a healthy relationship with oneself. Its importance is deeply rooted in the way our brain process emotions and experiences. At a neurological level, self-love activates regions of the brain associated with self-reward and positive reinforcement. For example, self-empathy and compassion after a mistake engages the prefrontal cortex which works as brain’s rational and decision-making center; while reducing activity in the amygdala which region is responsible for triggering fear and stress. This process helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol, creates the sense of calm and balance. In addition, acts of self-love like affirmation of self-worth or setting healthy boundaries stimulate brain’s reward system including the release of dopamine which reinforces feelings of happiness and self-worth. Here we can imagine a person who couldn’t achieve a position in an interview; the person practices self-empathy and compassion and acknowledge effort and focusing on learning from the experience. This rewires the brain towards resilience and optimism. Self-love not only improves emotional wellbeing but also fosters a healthier and more adaptive mind.

Self-love looks like several aspects:

*** Self-acceptance; Embracing uniqueness, strengths and limitation with respect, without judgment, comparison or criticism.

*** Self-care; Taking care of own body, mind, soul through healthy habits like healthy and balanced food, emotional management with healthy regulation, exercise, relaxation and proper sleep.

*** Relationship Management; Nurturing healthy relationship, creating and maintaining healthy relationship and protecting self from unhealthy or abusing relationship.

*** Self-Respect; Maintaining physical and psychological boundary and protect body, mind, time, energy and emotional wellbeing, saying NO when necessary.

*** Self-Appreciation; Counting every single achievement and appreciating initiatives, openness & efforts behind those. Acknowledging learning to correct any mistakes occurred in the process.

*** Pursue with Passions: Taking responsibilities to maintain positive psychological energy. Engaging in healthy activities in daily routine that bring joy and fulfillment.

Being aware of the importance of self-love motivates us to take responsibilities, they are helpful for:

## Enhanced Confidence and Resilience; Self-love builds sense of self-worth which provides inner strength to navigate with life challenges and deal with uncertainties.

## Enhanced Decision Making; While practice self-love, one makes choices aligned with values, needs and goals rather than capitulating to external pressure or societal expectations contribute inner conflict.

## Improved Mental Health; Self-love reduces feeling of self-doubt, stress and anxiety, serves as a shield against negative self-talk and depression. Rather it helps to treat self with empathy, more likely to focus on growth instead falling into trap by self-blaming which is unhelpful for problem solving.

## Enhanced Physical Health; Self-love often leads to being aware of physical health needs, feel stimulation of better self-care as well healthy choices. The process can improve immune function, improve digestion, slower aging, hacking positive energy to fight against many diseases, pain management means protect from psychosomatic pain (pain caused by psychological but no physiological reason) even chronic pain conditions may feel less because of positive mindset.

## Established Healthy Intrapersonal relationship and Spiritual Health; The practice of appreciation and nurture oneself play a transformative role in shaping intrapersonal relationship (relationship with self). It fosters a deeper understanding of emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It works for attunement to our authentic self which leads respectful & harmonious relationship with self.

## Enhanced Spiritual Health; Self-love invites the foundational practices introspection and mindfulness and create awareness & clarity by understanding and accepting self. It promotes feeling of gratitude for own unique journey, strengths and even challenges. It enhances spiritual fulfillment by fostering senses of interconnectedness align with person’s true values and the purpose of life. This authenticity resonates and deepens the sense of meaning and belonging in life. Individuals experience inner peace & clarity, creates ground for spiritual growth.

## Enhanced Interpersonal Relationship; Self-love profoundly influences interpersonal relationship by encouraging healthy dynamics and authentic connections. Practicing self-love promote a sense of self-worth and emotional resilience. Enabling to set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively and focus on wellbeing without guilt. This internal stability leads to more balanced and fulfilling relationships and by cultivating empathy towards self also invests to respect and appreciate others. With positive self-image people can build and maintain relationship authentically, mutual trust, respect and emotional intimacy.

Developing self-love is a journey. Some practical steps can help along the way:

** Practice Affirmation – Practice self-affirmation based on individual emotional need like “ I am worthy”, “I am respected”, “I am loved” “I deserve happiness”

** Practice Manfulness: Stay at present and avoiding dwelling on past mistakes or excessively worrying about the future.

** Practice self-empathy and forgiving self: Practice empathy, lets go out of guilt or self-blame for mistakes; rather count the learning from the process.

** Set boundaries: Establish physical and emotional boundary and learn to say no to people or situations that drain your energy or impact badly on your wellbeing.

** Engage in self-care activities: Dedicate time for activities that relax, rejuvenate and makes happy like reading, drawing, singing, meditating or spending time in nature

** Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge every single achievement and celebrate them

** Seek Support: Maintain relationship and enjoy their company to uplift the positive energy. Seek professional support when needed.

Self-love is a necessity for wellbeing. It empowers to live a life that feels authentic and meaningful. It is the foundation for a resilient and fulfilling existence where one is own greatest advocate and friend. After all - the relationship one has with self, sets the tone for every other relationship in life.

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