The Art of Self Love

We are overstimulated. We are disconnected. We’re often complacent and, at worst, even combative. On a global scale, news of politics, the economy, climate change, and civil unrest weigh heavily into our mental load leaving little room for much else. Those who do have the capacity to nurture a sense of self worth become further exhausted by the absence of strong community ties, the fatigue of modern dating apps, and the endless burden of online discourse for professional or private communication. 

We are burnt out. This is why, perhaps now more than ever, it’s worth investing in something foundational: the art of self love. 

It isn’t selfish and it isn’t indulgent. Rather, self love is an essential skill for a healthy life. It’s a powerful practice of tending to your emotional and physical needs and choosing to make decisions that  align with your core values, rather than social expectations. 

Practicing Practical Self Love

Sometimes it seems like our devices are delivering an unending barrage of notifications. With our curated digital lives, we are subject to constant pressure to stay online and keep the swiping. Amid all the noise, self love feels both radical and impossible. 

But it doesn’t have to be. 

You can reclaim your inner peace and anchor yourself by implementing a few daily habits to lighten the emotional fatigue and nourish your inner self worth. 

Set Healthy Boundaries

An important form of self respect, boundaries can help you protect your time and energy as well as your mental health. Try skipping the comparison trap by limiting your time on social media and saying no to draining obligations or conversations. 

Curate your Digital Space

Just because a topic is trending doesn’t mean that you need to weigh in. Don’t fall victim to debating every contentious issue and wasting time with rabbit holes of topics that you find stressful or tiresome. You can use your time online for good—even if it’s just good for yourself. Use the mute button generously and unfollow any accounts that don’t light you up. Instead, follow accounts that make you feel good, make you feel informed, or make you laugh.

Taking advantage of apps like Hushed can also help you manage your interactions before they become draining. Hushed allows you to create a separate, private number that you can use specifically for dating or apps, allowing you to protect your peace by compartmentalizing your online presences. 

Prioritize Rest and Nutrition

Sleep well, eat healthfully, and move your body daily. These are steps up the building blocks of wellbeing but they’re also self love. Remember that you deserve care. You don’t have to be perfect, but consistently making choices for your own betterment can also serve to affirm your worth. 

Practice Self Reflection

There’s a myriad of options when it comes to ways to reflect on your state of being and process any emotions. Journaling is a helpful exercise for anyone who struggles to vocalize their feelings while therapy can go a long way for individuals who need to talk things out. Articulate or not, sometimes having quiet solo-time can be enough to reconnect with your goals. Just because the world is moving fast doesn’t mean that you have to keep up at all times.