Why It’s Essential to Practice Both for Mind, Body, Soul and Personal Growth
Every year, people vow to break bad habits, improve themselves, and basically start fresh. This time around, I’m placing my attention on self-care and self-love, while focusing on short-term, realistic goals I’m confident I can achieve. The truth is, many of those January 1st pledges tend to fizzle out before spring rolls in, and I’ve learned firsthand why those traditional New Year’s resolutions so often fail. That’s why my approach looks entirely different this year—I’m prioritizing my inner well-being.
Self-Care and Self-Love Are Not the Same
Let’s clarify the difference:
- Self-Care: Any activity that benefits our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It’s the linchpin for maintaining balance. Once you’ve discovered a routine that works for you, practicing it daily becomes almost effortless. A good starting point is outlining a 14-day plan for both self-care and self-love, journaling how you feel before, during, and after.
Many people enjoy things like relaxing baths, manicures, massages, yoga, meditation—you name it. You can also build small self-care moments into your day so you have at least 30 minutes of intentional “me time” each evening.
Self-Care for the Body, Self-Love for the Soul
Because self-care and self-love aren’t identical, you might handle your spiritual or physical health with care yet neglect your emotional side. Have you ever wondered why we pay more attention to our bodies than we do to our minds? It’s time to consider blending the two.
I once overheard a conversation on a train. A young woman looked distraught, while the man with her had a visibly broken arm. She said, “I’m really sad. I just can’t take it.” He responded, “Oh, come on, it’s all in your head!” I couldn’t help thinking about how he must have felt when he hurt his arm. Would a doctor have said, “Stop complaining, the pain is only in your mind”? Of course not.
Never underestimate the seriousness of emotional pain just because it’s invisible. Emotional neglect can lead to issues like anxiety, anger, depression, and even addictions. We see a doctor for physical pain—why not seek professional help for emotional pain, like loss, loneliness, or guilt? The more you nurture your self-love, the more peaceful and healthy you’ll feel. After all, you can’t give others something you don’t already have for yourself.
Working Hand in Hand
Self-care and self-love support each other by helping you recognize your needs and meet them. Here are some simple ways to practice both:
25 Ways to Practice Self-Care and Self-Love
- Smile.
- Organize your home or workspace.
- Allow yourself rest and relaxation.
- Use calming essential oils (lavender is a great pick).
- Reduce caffeine.
- Wake up earlier and savor your morning tea or coffee quietly.
- Avoid TV, radio, phone, or laptop for at least 45 minutes after waking.
- Meditate for two minutes first thing in the morning.
- List what you appreciate about yourself.
- Go for a stroll.
- Write in a gratitude journal before bed.
- Treat yourself.
- Dive into a good book.
- Practice saying “no.”
- When buying groceries, say, “I’m choosing this for my body because I love her.”
- Accept compliments graciously.
- Turn off your computer and phone for an hour.
- Light your favorite scented candle.
- Clear out items you haven’t used in six months or longer.
- Indulge in a favorite dessert.
- Try something new, like a restaurant you’ve never visited before.
- Eat with your full attention on the meal.
- Tackle something you’ve been putting off.
- Order takeout and cozy up with your favorite show in flannel pajamas.
- Slow down and stay in the present moment.
Make Time for Self-Care and Self-Love
Even though you can practice both at any time, the best approach is incorporating them into your daily schedule. That might mean dedicating just a few minutes or, if you have time, a full hour. But don’t let other tasks override this personal time. Each moment you neglect self-care and self-love, you’re effectively lowering your well-being on your list of priorities. Turn off work when the day’s over. This time is for you.
“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” – Carl Gustav Jung
More Easy Essentials to Add to Your Day
Those 25 tips can be overwhelming if you’re trying to do them all at once, so here’s a smaller list of daily habits that only take a few minutes:
- Speak positively to yourself. The way you talk to yourself influences how you live.
- Practice gratitude. There’s always something worth appreciating.
- Reflect on your favorite part of the day each evening. Let that make you smile.
- Mindful breathing: Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth.
- Stretch, meditate, or do yoga to engage body and mind.
- Write out a self-care plan for tomorrow—keep your goals realistic.
- Enjoy a long bath or shower.
- Take a short nap.
- Pick up a book.
- Daydream. Close your eyes and let your mind wander.
“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” – Malcolm S. Forbes
Embrace Your Inner Child
Think back to your childhood. What made you feel cherished? Were you showered with treats to keep you quiet, or did you receive genuine emotional attention? If your inner child is still missing that love, so are you. Acknowledge your feelings.
By combining self-care and self-love, you can shift into a place of abundance, stop comparing yourself to others, and allow real growth to happen.
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
Embracing Yourself
One thing I’m grateful for is realizing that my imperfections do not define my entire being. Mistakes are part of being human, so there’s no need to beat yourself up over them. You’re the primary source of your own happiness. Give yourself unconditional love each day, no matter the circumstances.
Loving yourself unconditionally means accepting all aspects—flaws, strengths, hidden quirks, and vulnerabilities alike. Don’t focus on just one part of your life while ignoring the rest.
Nourish your body, feed your spirit, and enlighten your mind.
Do you already make time for both self-care and self-love? Are you open to giving it a shot?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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