What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “love”? Most people would probably think it needs to come from external sources, such as family, friends and partners. Sadly, self-love is often overlooked. But as the saying goes, “To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness”.
Thankfully, the concept of self-love has been gaining traction amongst individuals and more are advocating the need and benefits of having complete acceptance of who and what you are. Loving yourself both on the inside and the outside will teach others how to love you and give you the opportunity to lead a life with deeper compassion for others.
Not convinced? Here are five reasons why self-love is the best.
Improves communication
Learning to communicate with yourself and acknowledging your best parts, as well as your flaws, will help you to communicate better with others. Instead of blaming yourself for every setback, accepting and learning from them and knowing that everybody makes mistakes will improve your self-esteem. There is no need to be too hard on yourself. When you are feeling more confident in your own skin, chances are you will be able to convey your thoughts and feelings more efficiently, resulting in stronger and longer-lasting relationships.
Prevents needing constant validation from others
Ever experienced feeling unwanted or never good enough when people around you are not showering you with words of affirmation? While this is a common problem many go through, mastering the art of self-love will help to prevent you from having to seek constant validation from others. The vicious cycle of seeking approval from external sources and feeling upset when you do not get it will never end until you understand the fact that you are good enough. Self-love is all about your own well-being and happiness, so there is really no need to depend on others’ words to feel wanted.
Helps you set healthy boundaries
Bending over backwards to please someone just so that they validate you is yet another endless loop a lot of people experience. Loving yourself will help you to recognise your boundaries and set healthy ones in the relationships in your life. When you are able to voice out what ticks you off and makes you feel uncomfortable instead of just letting these things consume you, you are essentially establishing a sense of self-worth, which is also an act of self-love. Try jotting down a list of boundaries you want to achieve to kickstart the journey.
Encourages you to heal
Your insecurities do not define you. Accepting yourself, flaws and all, will bring you out of a place of self-loathing and let your authentic self shine. When you are 100% authentic, you will find that you do not have to look or act like someone else to be loved, because the people who only accept the facade you put on are simply not worth it! Healing begins when you know you are enough and that nobody else can make you feel whole except for yourself.
Motivates you to make better choices
Nourishing yourself in healthy activities like sound nutrition, exercise, social interaction and more make room for healthy habits. This will in turn improve both your mental and physical health - a start to self-love. It is also important to note that you should not be doing stuff just to get it done, but rather because you care about yourself.
With that being said, the journey of self-love is often a long and arduous process. There is no need to worry though because everyone progresses at a different pace. Taking small steps will lead to bigger things and the same applies to self-love.
If you are looking for ways to start your self-love journey, we suggest trying Cheryl W’s detox drinks and beauty supplements that are all naturally formulated to help with improving and maintaining health and skin. Looking and feeling good in your own body is the first step to nailing the art of self-love!