The Importance of Self-Love

The Importance of Self-Love

                February is known as the month of love, especially with Valentine’s Day being such a special holiday for many. However, whether you have a significant other to show love to or not, it is also important to show yourself love by taking care of your mind and body properly. Here are a few ways you can show yourself some self-love, which enables you to be at your best and most productive health-wise, a factor that is extremely important for your everyday life.

                First, it’s important to take time for yourself doing something you enjoy or something to help you relax. This allows your body and mind to get the proper rest and relaxation it needs to function productively. Yoga, taking naps, getting massages, enjoying healthy comfort food and soaking in a bubble bath are good ways to help your body whereas reading an interesting book, listening to calming music, writing poetry, spending time with your pet or watching a funny movie or sitcom that makes you laugh can have positive effects on your mental health.

                It’s also important to keep your mindset positive. Ways to accomplish this include practicing daily affirmations to help boost your confidence, wearing an outfit you feel comfortable and attractive in and creating positive environments in both your workspace and home that include inspirational quotes and motivational pictures. According to the University of Southern Indiana, surrounding yourself with positive people is also important to maintaining healthy relationships and keeping yourself in an optimistic and encouraging environment.

                Using scented candles is another way to help relax yourself as certain scents can create mood-boosting and calming effects. It is known that various scents can trigger happy memories for people that remind them of their childhood or a positive life experience whether that’s the scent of chocolate, vanilla, coffee etc. Additionally, some scents are known to be very therapeutic and calming. Lavender, jasmine and peppermint are very popular candle scents as they help create a relaxing atmosphere. According to an article from Gardening Soul, the scent of rain is also said to refresh the mind and help reduce stress so feel free to open the window slightly for a bit of fresh air on a rainy day.

                Lastly, treating yourself to something nice is also a great way to add some positivity to your life whether that’s something as simple as your favorite dessert, a spa day, a night out at the movie theatre or a quiet walk in the park. Additionally, buying fresh flowers for your home or office is another special treat that helps reduce stress. According to an article from Harper’s Bazaar, researchers have discovered that being exposed to flowers helps reduce blood pressure and feelings of anxiety. The report also states that being exposed to flowers helps produce a more positive environment.