The link between self-love and mental health

The link between Self-love and mental health

I am a 100% positive that you have came across the concept of self-love in your lifetime. The concept of self-love is constantly being preached to us through YouTube videos or Instagram post captions and we have read millions of quotes solely dedicated to self-love. But the real question is: what does it mean to have self-love, does it mean being a narcissist? or just simply protecting your energy.

For centuries self-love was associated with narcissism and a big ego, this misunderstood concept has evolved over the years and adopted a more positive connotation. The most popular environment where self-love is constantly emphasized is through various mental health awareness campaigns, it is believed that self-love effortlessly relates to self-help because the more you learn to love yourself you start putting yourself first and that forces you to push out any negative thoughts and build a more positive relationship with yourself.

The importance of an intrapersonal relationship is constantly highlighted as the foundation of any healthy relationship because you avoid toxic attachments and you don’t rely on other people for your happiness but you seek within and gain a full understanding that you are responsible for your own happiness. Genuine self-love is very healthy, it is all about giving yourself more than you ask of others and treating yourself with kindness, appreciation and mental hygiene. Self-love increases your self-esteem that decreases any vulnerability factors for suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety, it also improves your confidence and changes your outlook on life.

5 ways to practice self-love

Soul

- Write down and say positive affirmations in front of the mirror daily 

- Be mindful and present at all times 

- Keep a list of 5 things you love about yourself

- Meditate and have self-reflection sessions

Body

- Have a pamper sessions (exfoliate,wear a mask etc.)

- Take a 20 minute walk in nature (backyard or the park)

- Try out an empowering workout

- Eat healthy home cooked meals at least 5 times a week

Mind

- Create a vision board

- Read positive empowering books

- Write yourself a love letter

- Buy yourself a box of your favourite chocolate

Self-love affirmations are one way to constantly remind yourself of your worth and always keeping a conscious mind and being aware of what you do and why you doing it. This creates a habit of self-discipline, self-reflection and writing down your feelings. Learn to be patient with yourself because self-love is a process and it requires intention in loving yourself and putting yourself first at all times.