When you hear the words “self love,” do you think of terms like vanity, narcissism, and arrogance? Or do you think of concepts like fulfillment, empathy, and compassion? Self love, according to Psychology Today, is “a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth.” Self love is so much more than the physical state of “looking good” or the mental state of “feeling good.” Rather, it’s an iterative process that encompasses physical, emotional, and mental well-being on an intrapersonal and interpersonal level. Psychology Today continues, saying: “Self love is dynamic; it grows by actions that mature us. When we act in ways that expand self love in us, we begin to accept much better our weaknesses as well as our strengths, have less need to explain away our short-comings, have compassion for ourselves as human beings struggling to find personal meaning, are more centered in our life purpose and values, and expect living fulfillment through our own efforts.” Essentially, loving ourselves, accepting ourselves, and showing compassion for ourselves helps us live a more purposeful, value-driven life. And when we live our life with resolve and empathy, we become better partners, coworkers, parents, friends, and citizens. So how do you go about cultivating self love? Psychology Today outlines several strategies:
- Become mindful. Reflect on your personal values and act on them. Guide your decisions and actions based on your principles rather than the expectations of others.
- Act on what you need rather than what you want. Stay focused on your future needs rather than fleeting pressures from others. Move forward in a strong and centered way, and cultivate a life based on healthy, positive goals.
- Practice self care. Take care of yourself and your needs, like sleep, nutrition, exercise, relationships, and hygiene, so you can take better care of others.
- Set boundaries. Don’t stretch yourself too thin and don’t be afraid to say no. Devote more time to the people and activities that matter most in your life, including yourself.
- Forgive yourself. Let go of past mistakes. Avoid fixating on that which you cannot change and instead allow yourself to learn and grow.
Here at Om Med Spa, we believe profoundly in the concept of self love as a vehicle for empowerment and purpose. We are here to help you cultivate self love on a multitude of levels, whether that means providing a serene hour of reprieve, helping you achieve your self-care goals, or simply listening and learning about your needs. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for achieving a state of self love. Rather, it’s an evolving, complex process, and one that we would be honored to be a part of.
