Self-Love is the most important acknowledgment you can give yourself. It requires self-understanding and self-acceptance. It underpins self-esteem and confidence, building up resilience to make a better you. It is an art that when practiced regularly, will help you feel your best, and give your best.

Attested by many psychology studies, self-love is key to one’s mental health and well-being and other evidence-based benefits.  Overworking, striving for perfection and unrealistic expectations are all actions that deny us self-love. Given the above, self-love is not something that can happen overnight – it takes time because it involves accessing multiple emotions such as acceptance, happiness, joy, and refocusing on your successes, and positives. 

Self-love can include acts of love, exercises, and meditation but none of these activities will be effective if you do not talk to yourself first and listen mindfully to the answer through probing questions such as “What do I need?”.  Observing how you internally talk to yourself is crucial for learning how to cultivate an intimate feeling of self-love. Yes, it's deep, it's personal, and it's about you and your journey to evoke positive benefits whilst recognising your limits, needs, and worth and honouring your own individuality.

So what does self-love look like?

What it is… It is a state of appreciation of oneself that thrives from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth; it is about taking care of your own needs, without sacrificing your well-being to please others; and it is a conscious awareness of not settling for less than you deserve.

What it is not… It is not selfish; it is not sinful; it is not something you need to do alone; it is not a luxury; and it is not an excuse.

6 practical steps every woman should adopt to embrace self-love and thank her body:

Meditation:  Accessible to everyone and all you need is a quiet, comfortable space where you can close your eyes, and simply breathe.

Gratitude: Schedule a morning and evening routine dedicated to boost your self-love by writing down three things for which you are grateful.

Read a Book: There are many books out there but it's important to find a book that speaks to you. Try losing yourself in a bookstore and see what book chooses you.

Surround Yourself with Love: Fresh flowers, positive messages, pictures of loved ones, essential oils – if they make you feel good and smile, you’re practicing self-love!

Ask for Help: None of us are perfect. It's okay to not be okay. Unlearn and let go of old behaviours of suppressing your emotions.

Slow down: Give yourself permission to slow down in your daily life and enjoy the special moments, such as eating slowly and without distractions,  purposeful breathing to recentre and refocus before each task, and resting regularly to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Set Boundaries: Do not overcommit. If you cannot take care of yourself, then you will not be in a good position to take care of anyone else.

Remember the acronym F.L.Y – First love yourself, others will come after.