Self-love is a positive psychology concept that focuses on treating yourself with the same empathy, love, and kindness you would show someone you cared about.
Self-love can also mean taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Self-love means you have an appreciation and positive regard for yourself. When you have a strong sense of selflove, you recognise your own value and treat yourself in a loving way. Self-love is closely related to self compassion and self-esteem.
Self-love isn’t selfish or self-entitlement. Self-love isn’t self-obsession or vanity Self-love isn’t a switch you turn on or off. It’s something that takes time, commitment and practice to cultivate. For many, the idea of loving ourselves feels out of reach. Many of us will not love ourselves until we lose the weight, become fitter, get the job, or find a partner. We often put conditions on our love. But you can change that!
Why is self-love important?
Self-love is important because it motivates much of our positive behaviour while reducing harmful behaviour. Self-love helps us take care of ourselves and it can lower stress. It can also protect us from negative thoughts, self-sabotage, and pushing ourselves too far. It’s important to recognise that knowing what to say “no ” to is just as important as learning when to say “yes.”
How a lack of self-love shows up
Negative Self-Talk - The theme songs we play in our heads can be very powerful. Not believing you are worthy or good enough. Always comparing yourself to others in an unfavourable way. Perfectionism and fear of failure. Body shame and self-sabotaging behaviours. People pleasing - difficulty in saying no and maintaining healthy boundaries. Feelings of low self-esteem. Inability to accept love which makes forming romantic relationships very difficult. Tolerating abusive and toxic relationships
How to practice self-love
Self-awareness: Understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. Self-expression: Be true to who you are in all areas of life. Self-care: Take care of your body and mind. Self-trust: Believe in your ability to handle life's ups and downs.
Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially when times are tough. Self-respect: Honour your worth by setting healthy boundaries. Self-acceptance: Embrace who you are, including the parts you find harder to like. Remember, nothing is perfect so don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get it right straight away. Change takes time
Healthy Minds Better Lives - What is self-love?
Healthy Minds Better Lives
What is self-love?
Self-love is a positive psychology concept that focuses on treating yourself with the same empathy, love,
and kindness you would show someone you cared about.
Self-love can also mean taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Self-love means you have an appreciation and positive regard for yourself. When you have a strong sense of selflove, you recognise your own value and treat yourself in a loving way.
Self-love is closely related to self compassion and self-esteem.
Self-love isn’t selfish or self-entitlement.
Self-love isn’t self-obsession or vanity
Self-love isn’t a switch you turn on or off.
It’s something that takes time, commitment and practice to cultivate.
For many, the idea of loving ourselves feels out of reach.
Many of us will not love ourselves until we lose the weight, become fitter, get the job, or find a partner. We
often put conditions on our love.
But you can change that!
Why is self-love important?
Self-love is important because it motivates much of our positive behaviour while reducing harmful behaviour.
Self-love helps us take care of ourselves and it can lower stress. It can also protect us from negative thoughts, self-sabotage, and pushing ourselves too far.
It’s important to recognise that knowing what to say “no ” to is just as important as learning when to say “yes.”
How a lack of self-love shows up
Negative Self-Talk - The theme songs we play in our heads can be very powerful.
Not believing you are worthy or good enough. Always comparing yourself to others in an unfavourable way.
Perfectionism and fear of failure. Body shame and self-sabotaging behaviours. People pleasing - difficulty in saying no and
maintaining healthy boundaries. Feelings of low self-esteem. Inability to accept love which makes forming romantic relationships very difficult. Tolerating abusive and toxic relationships
How to practice self-love
Self-awareness: Understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours.
Self-expression: Be true to who you are in all areas of life.
Self-care: Take care of your body and mind.
Self-trust: Believe in your ability to handle life's ups and downs.
Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially when times are tough.
Self-respect: Honour your worth by setting healthy boundaries.
Self-acceptance: Embrace who you are, including the parts you find harder to like.
Remember, nothing is perfect so don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get it right straight away.
Change takes time