A different kind of love that helps your health.
#SELFLOVE is trending. Is it just another fad or is there science behind it?
Researchers from the University of Exeter & the University of Oxford looked at the impact of kind thoughts towards oneself and others on heart rate, and feelings of self-compassion and self-criticism. The study, published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, concluded that self-compassion had a very real impact. Those who were asked to focus on their bodily sensations, as well as those told to think kind thoughts towards others and themselves, had lower heart rates and a lower sweat response at the end of the experiment.
Dr. Hans Kirschner says, "These findings suggest that being kind to oneself switches off the threat response and puts the body in a state of safety and relaxation that is important for regeneration and healing."
Love is defined as a strong emotional attachment toward another person or thing that can produce feelings of euphoria and joy—or sadness and despair. Without a doubt, a very powerful experience for us human beings. We spend a lot of time focusing on loving outward instead of inward.
Self Love is directly related to heart health and well-being. When we truly love ourselves, we usually take better care of ourselves. Then we are less likely to take part in harmful or unhealthy behaviors (ie: overeating, alcohol abuse, and neglecting the body.)
There are studies that show that high self-esteem levels might even protect the heart by boosting your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). So when you love yourself, you nurture and revitalize both your spirit and your physical body.
At Westridge Laser and Massage, we specialize in helping you take care of you. You may or may not have thought about the correlation between getting our therapy treatments and your self love journey...but you’re already on the right track!
Cynthia M. Thaik M.D. shares with us:
5 Easy Ways to Love Yourself More
1. Stop Beating Yourself Up and Start Being Kind to Yourself
We can all be our own worst critics, sometimes to our detriment. A certain amount of introspection is healthy, but when you constantly focus on your flaws or failures, you start to develop a skewed sense of self that can spill over into your external world. Instead of focusing on the negative, remind yourself of the things you like about yourself. Give yourself compliments and be compassionate toward yourself. When you are kind to yourself, that positive energy will shine through, making it easier for you to accomplish your goals and easier for others to treat you with the same kindness.
2. Spend Time With Yourself
The better you know yourself, the easier it is to love yourself. One of the best ways to develop a sense of self is to spend time alone. Schedule in some time every week when you turn off your phone and your computer and simply concentrate on you. Read a book, meditate, go for a walk, or take yourself out to dinner or the movies. The more time you spend with just you, the more centered and grounded you will become, and the better equipped you will be to battle negative emotions and to live life with more meaning.
3. Do What You Love
How many times a week do you do something you truly love? How many times in a month? A year? Part of loving yourself is nurturing your soul with the things that make you happy. This could be dancing, singing, traveling, learning a new language, or even just sitting quietly with a cup of tea and a crossword puzzle. Feed your soul with joyful activities, and that happiness and contentment will resonate through your life and extend to the people around you.
4. Choose to Be Around Positive People
The people you choose to spend your time with are a direct reflection of how much you value yourself. Surround yourself with positive people who are caring, supportive, and nonjudgmental, and you will feel loved, appreciated, and respected. Studies show that individuals who associate with cheerful people have a happier demeanor and consequently a better sense of well-being.
If, on the other hand, you surround yourself with toxic people who bring you down, how can you not feel unloved and unappreciated? Life is too short to waste time with people who suck your happiness and energy, so make the choice to allot your time to those who encourage and inspire you.
5. Be Your Own Caregiver
At times it may feel as though your job in life is to care for and support those around you. But how can you properly care for others when you neglect your own health and happiness? Make an effort to take care of your body by eating healthily, getting plenty of rest, and exercising regularly. Manage your stress by meditating or making time for yourself. Instead of relying on others to take care of you, take the initiative to look after your own physical and emotional well-being, and your confidence and sense of self-worth will grow.
#SELFLOVE is not being selfish. It’s taking care of your own needs so that you can be the best you. (to yourself and others.) Our goal at Westridge Laser and Massage is to help you be the best version of yourself. Connect with us today so we can be part of your self love journey.