Self-Care is Self-Love

How many times do you push your needs or wants to the side? Do you feel like you are selfish, and your desires don't matter? Are you afraid of what others may say when you take time to care for yourself? Well, join the club of the many people who suffer from the dreaded "Self-Care is Selfish Syndrome." (I made that up), but it's true. 

Self-Care is crucial for your well-being as going to the doctor, taking medications, eating healthy, and getting physical activity. It's vital to maintain a healthy loving relationship with yourself to experience your self-worth and value in the world. Understand, when you make you a priority, it affects every aspect of your self-esteem, your work, and your home life.  

Self-love occurs when you have a deep appreciation for yourself. It grows from behaviors that support physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Self-love means to regard your well-being and happiness as something that is a non-negotiable for your well-being. Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing yourself to please others. Self-love means not settling for less than you deserve, according to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

Self-Care and Self-Love are very similar.  The premise is to prioritize and take care of your wants and desires in all areas of your life.  Many experience guilt and shame when making themselves a priority.  And at times, you are made to feel like you are doing something wrong. Those feelings can lead to depression, frustration, abuse of food, drugs, alcohol, and other things that can cause self-harm, which is on the opposite end of the spectrum of self-care. Take heart not to fall into the trap of self-destructive feelings and check-in with yourself to make sure you are on the right path.   

You work hard to sustain good relationships with your family, co-workers, business associates, and people in your communities. Why not work as hard to make self-care a priority by showing yourself the love and care you need and deserve? You will discover that your mind, body, and spirit will function at a higher level. You will be happier, less stressed, eat better, and be more motivated to make sure you put yourself first before anything or anyone else.  

 We are experiencing the disparities of Coronavirus's threat, racism, social unrest, and a political system that fails to protect all its citizens in this country.  It's taking a toll on our minds and health.  Many are feeling anxious, afraid, tired, and frustrated. As a result, many have put themselves on the back burner because they don't know what to do, and the worry that things will not get better has become exasperating in some instances.

Steps for better Self-Love and Self-Care:

• Become more mindful about how you think and feel
• Focus on what you need rather than what you want
• Protect yourself from people and things that bring you down
• Set boundaries, set limits, and say no
• Forgive yourself
• Live life with a purpose

Don't put yourself to the side.  Make yourself a priority. It's not selfish to be selfish about taking care of yourself first. You will be all the better navigating this thing called LIFE.

If you would like some Self-Care guidance, contact Melesha Bailey-www.love4lifewellness.com to schedule a FREE consultation.