For the past few years our world has not been the easiest place to live in. There has been an ever growing focus on mental health. The term “self-care” is common place in our mainstream society. Many of us practice self-care as a way to remedy stress. It can help us to feel better and happier. How does it feel to take time to care for yourself? How often do you practice self-care? I’m certain that you take some time out for yourself (because you are reading this article). What if you could feel that way more consistently in your daily life? I invite you to be open to a new idea. Instead of focusing on practicing self-care, start prioritizing self-love. How often do you practice self-love? Let’s break down the difference between self-care and self-love.
Self-care: the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. *Google definition
The word “care” in self-care, implies that something is broken, sick, or not right and that we need to “practice” protecting our well-being and happiness in order to make it better. Often, the term “self-care” compliments being or feeling too stressed, too busy, too tired, TOO MUCH of everyday life. A common remedy may be spending an afternoon at a spa or taking a day off from work. These remedies have benefits. However, these are remedies that cannot be fulfilled every day. Another thing to consider is that these remedies do not address managing and/or preventing the “too much’s” before they occur.
Instead of focusing on practicing self-care, I invite you to prioritize self-love.
Self-love: regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic). *Google definition
I like the use of the word “regard” in this definition of self-love because it implies that something was thought out and/or considered. When you understand, accept, and implement what you TRULY need from a place of love your well-being and happiness will follow. Self-love becomes a way of being that you don’t have to schedule an appointment for. This is truly the most important thing to give priority to in your life. If this is not aligned in your life nothing else will be. You will continually be trying to fill your constantly depleting cup.
Here are some questions to help you tap into your self-love.
-How often do you acknowledge what YOU need? Put everything else aside – family, job, household tasks, etc.
-When was the last time you did something for yourself (without any guilt attached) that left you feeling truly happy, engaged, and energized?
-How can you be compassionate towards yourself and your needs?
-What do you need right now in order to get one thing you truly need into your daily life?
Self-care is important but, self-love is vital.
When it comes to self-love, understanding, accepting, and implementing what you truly want and need is not always easy. If you would like help and support diving deeper into this subject contact me. I offer one free coaching session per person. Go to: heartsquestcoaching.com/book-a-session
*This article is featured in the February Heart’s Quest Newsletter. For more articles on Health, Life, Wellness, and delicious Plant-based recipes start your FREE subscription today. Go to: https://heartsquestcoaching.com/hq-newsletter/ to get started.
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