THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVING YOURSELF AND HOW TO DO IT

I realised that too often we are in danger of forgetting ourselves.

We are focused on others or our daily responsibilities and tend to neglect our simplest needs.

Yet an essential concept for our physical and emotional well-being is precisely that of loving ourselves: a concrete act that allows us to live in harmony with ourselves, to take care of our needs and to build a balanced life.

Loving oneself means recognising and accepting one's limits, valuing one's qualities and taking care of one's body and mind. It is an act of self-compassion that implies a willingness to cultivate positive emotions, such as gratitude and self-love.

This is the only way to build a solid self-confidence.

When you accept yourself for who you are, with strengths and weaknesses, you learn to trust your abilities and make decisions that reflect your needs and values. Self-esteem does not come from what others think of us, but from how we see ourselves.

Unfortunately, many of the emotional and psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, arise precisely from a dysfunctional relationship with oneself. Constantly self-criticising, being too harsh or intransigent, can fuel feelings of frustration, anger or helplessness.

The importance of loving ourselves is also reflected in the care of our bodies, which we must treat with great respect if we want them to function at their best. This includes eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise, getting adequate rest and managing stress.

Photo by Anna Shakhrai

When you accept yourself for who you are, you are able to face life's difficulties with serenity and determination. Challenges become opportunities for growth, and every failure or mistake is seen as a valuable lesson rather than a reason to beat oneself up.

But how to do this?

Here are some tips that we can learn to put into practice every day:

learn to say “no” without feeling guilty. Often, we are so inclined to please others that we end up sacrificing our own time and energy.

Carve out moments to do what feels good. Whether it is a walk in the fresh air, a hobby or some time alone to recharge your batteries, treating yourself to moments of personal care is essential for maintaining balance.

Be kind to yourself, especially when you make mistakes or face difficult moments. One should not always expect perfection.

Loving yoursekf is a basic need that we should all fulfil in order to live a healthy and positive life. Investing in one's own well-being, taking care of one's mind and body, and learning to treat each other with kindness and respect are actions that have a profound impact on the quality of our lives.