Reflections: Why Self-Care Translates to Self-Love

You've probably heard the buzz-word "self-care" more than ever lately, and it's for good reason. 2020 has showed us all how unpredictable life can be; it has also shined light on important matters that have long been needed to be seen. 2020 has also taught many of us to slow down, to notice what is really important in life - family, love, health, friends...to be grateful for what we have in this very moment, for the next moment is unknown and the present moment is a gift.

I decided to begin blogging on the topic of self-care translating into self-love because I believe it is the root of all happiness and well-being. Self-care means taking time for yourself, to do things that increase your wellbeing. Self-care may include a variety of tasks from basic hygiene to exercising to any form of artistic expression. All of these expressions of self-care maintain the common denominator of personal-focus. When we take at least twenty minutes out of our day to focus solely on ourselves, we begin to feel it internally as an expression of self-love.

I often prompt clients to practice saying those three hard words - "I love you", to themselves. It isn't easy for most people. However, I have found in working one-on-one with clients as a clinical therapist, that the more time individuals take for themselves in practicing self-care by doing a yoga session, talking about what isn't easy to talk about, and doing the work that I assign to them, those words become easier to say.

I'm sure you've heard of the various languages of love - acts of service, quality time, physical touch, words of affirmation, and gift-giving. Well, all of these languages also translate to self-care and can be expressed in every love language. For example, take a yoga class as an act of service for yourself; take a long bubble bath for quality time, give yourself a massage for physical touch; practice positive affirmations to yourself such as, "I am worthy", for words of affirmation, and finally, buy yourself a new candle or luxurious robe to spend quality time in.

Practice self-care, and watch your heart grow with affection towards yourself.

With love,

Jordan Spector, LCSW

Jordan Spector has passionately worked in Mental Health for over 5 years. She integrates Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Somatic Therapy into an individualized treatment plan. To schedule an appointment with her,

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www.jordanspectortherapy.com