Befittingly, February is the month of love. Celebrating love this month goes beyond buying flowers and gifts for that special someone. It means showing yourself love by making your well-being a priority. How we treat ourselves is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. Also, lack of self-care is usually an indicator of low self-esteem.
Here we talk more about how you can build self-esteem through self-care and how the two are interconnected. If taking a moment for yourself brings on feelings of guilt, this post is for you.
How Are Self-Esteem and Self-Care Related?
First, let’s define self-care. Contrary to belief, self-care isn’t just “treating yo’ self” and going for a spa day. It’s how you look after your mental and physical health.
This can be as simple as turning down a party invite to stay home and relax or taking a day off from work when you’re exhausted. Self-care is an essential part of your mental health. What’s another element of mental health? Self-esteem.
Avoiding things that nourish your physical and mental health depletes your self-worth. Not only this, but lack of self-care can lead to depression and anxiety.
Make it a daily habit to do things that build a healthy relationship with yourself. This not only makes you feel happier and balanced, but it improves your self-esteem.
Simple Ways to Show Yourself Some Love
Now that you know the importance of self-care and how it is directly linked to your self-esteem. Let’s talk about some of the ways you give yourself extra love and care.
Have a Skincare Routine
Maintaining a skincare routine isn’t about vanity or living up to a certain beauty standard. Your skincare routine is a way to disconnect from daily stressors and focus on yourself.
It can even be a therapeutic and meditative experience if you want it to be. Think about it, massaging moisturizer into your skin or feeling the cool tingles of a face mask is pretty darn relaxing. The whole point is to engage in small acts that show that you value yourself.
Listen to Uplifting Music
Raise your hand if listening to Beyoncé automatically puts you in a good mood. Music is a great way to take care of your mental health. How exactly? Studies show that music increases our “feel good” hormones. Whenever you need a pick-me-up, turn on some of your favorite tunes that make you feel empowered and confident.
Take a Break From Social Media
You may not realize this or not, but social media plays a massive role in the state of your mental health. In fact, various studies and surveys show that there’s a correlation between social media use and anxiety and depression.
Between FOMO and constantly comparing your life to the people on your feed, there’s no wonder social media has a toxic effect.
Make social media breaks a part of your self-care. Putting down your phone and staying in the present moment allows you to check in with yourself and attend to your needs.
How Do You Practice Self-Care?
As you can see doing small things to take care of yourself has a major impact on your overall well-being.
What are the ways you like to practice self-care? Let us know in the comments!
Ashley Austin
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