With such busy lives, we sometimes believe that our value is reflected in our professional productivity. What about what we want, like, and need? We invest time in so many activities that when it’s time to think about these things, we get tired. How can we take care of ourselves?

For everything around us to be in full operation, it is important to stop and listen to our inner voice. We talk about Self Care and Self Love.

What is Self Care and Self Love?

Self Care and Self Love are intrinsically linked. Self Love is a self-appreciation that comes from actions that promote our physical, mental and spiritual growth, that is, Self Care. However, each of us is unique and has different needs, so these concepts can have different meanings from person to person.

By cultivating these ways of being, we tend to act on our sometimes forgotten values and learn more about ourselves.

On the other hand, Self Love and Self Care create resilience, prevent burnout, increase confidence and security in difficult times, allow us to be more present in what we do and in the lives of those we love, and increase our creativity.

How can we apply these philosophies in our daily lives?

There are several techniques we can apply to promote our well-being through Self Care and Self Love. Here are some examples:

• Talking positively about ourselves.
  How many times have we found ourselves identifying our weaknesses, and when it comes time to talk about our virtues, we get blocked? Most likely, this happens because we are more aware of what is less good in us.
  However, it is possible to reverse this situation by using mantras, for example. That is, by regularly and consciously applying positive phrases to ourselves. Then, in the long run, these phrases and thoughts will naturally appear in the brain, an organ that needs frequent exercise.
  

• Keep a journal.
  Writing down what we think and feel helps us to learn more about ourselves. Also try writing down the things you are grateful for, recognizing and appreciating the good and valuable things in your life.
  

• Take breaks throughout the day.
  Our emotions need regulation in order to move through the day with more energy and good mood.
  

• Set aside time in the day to be with the people we love.
  And then, be able to disconnect from technology and be present in the moment.
  

• Respect our limits and be true to the way we are with others.
  

• Meditate.
  Helps to control the mind and thoughts, especially in times of stress.
  

• Organization at home (declutter).
  Keep only those objects that bring positive emotions and are fundamental to everyday life. This way both our home and our brain become more functional.
  

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise.
  Our biological self thanks you. Besides being the ideal attitudes to maintain a healthy body, we prevent mental diseases through the release of happiness hormones (dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin).
  

• Take care of our appearance.
  We can start, for example, with a daily routine of facial care, a skincare that we can include in our daily routine as an integral part of our care.
  Our largest organ is the skin, which is most exposed to external aggressions, so its maintenance is important. In this way, this regular care also creates a sense of well-being and rejuvenation.
  

• Experience new things.
  It makes us aware of new emotions and feelings. For example, doing a new physical activity, or listening to a different style of music.
  

• Volunteering.
  Being able to give our time to those who need it most helps us to think, putting into perspective the problems we are going through, and to feel good about making a difference in someone’s life. On the other hand, it is also very important that we let them take care of us, because we are all vulnerable and have emotional needs.
  

• Gardening.
  Caring for plants and understanding that the evolution of these living beings is the fruit of our actions, time, and care gives us a new look on the world.

There are countless small things that we can apply in our routine that can greatly benefit our well-being. Join us in this tide of acceptance and compassion.

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Buddha

Source:
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation