By Sarah Lohm, Dietetic Intern
Many of us are familiar with the term “self-love”, but what does it actually mean? Well, with the season of love upon us…we’re taking a second to unpack this concept – what it is, where it’s found, and how to make it a core part of our daily routines.
Self-love sure does get talked about a lot, especially in social media. Too often, it’s presented in ways that feel unrealistic or completely out of reach: perfect routines, flawless meals, a life where you somehow fit in a full workday, an hour-long workout, a face mask, and still manage to cook a five-course meal from scratch.
But, despite what you may see on social media, that’s not how the rest of us live.
From a health standpoint, self-love isn’t about doing everything “perfectly” and going above and beyond. In fact, it’s almost the opposite. It’s about consistently focusing on the basics – even on days that are busy, stressful, and far from perfect.
Here’s what it looks like in everyday life!
Feeding Yourself Regularly
One of the most overlooked parts of health is simply eating enough and eating often enough. Skipping meals is often brushed off as being busy or productive, but your body can interpret it as stress. Long gaps between meals can affect mood, energy, blood sugar, cravings, and focus. Over time, it can actually make taking care of your health feel even harder, not easier.
Show yourself love by:
- Fueling your body even on busy, messy days
- Eating before hunger turns into exhaustion (or irritability!)
- Choosing meals you can actually make happen (It’s OK to not make a full-blown fresh dish every night)
- Using convenience foods without guilt
Resting Without Guilt
Rest is often treated like a luxury, but it’s a basic need.
Poor sleep and chronic exhaustion affect everything…from stress levels and appetite to blood pressure and inflammation. No nutrition plan, no matter how “clean” or curated, can work well if your body is constantly running on empty.
Show yourself love by:
- Going to bed before a total burnout
- Letting rest be a part of your health routine
- Accepting that sleep supports your health just as much as food and movement do!
Rest isn’t something you earn by being productive; it’s simply something your body requires to function well.
Setting Boundaries that Protect Your Health
Health isn’t just about the choices you make, it’s also shaped by your responsibilities, expectations, and how much you carry (mentally!) each day. Always saying yes. Skipping meals to meet deadlines. Putting your needs last. These patterns are common, but over time, they add up and increase stress on the body. I find this to be one of my biggest challenges. It’s great to want to be involved (and I am by no means endorsing you throw your obligations to the wind)! What I am saying, however, is to truly make an effort towards understanding when it may be time for a break, or to simply say “no”!
Show yourself love by:
- Saying no when your plate is already full (maybe even very full!)
- Creating space for rest
- Protecting time for meals
- Letting your health and how you feel matter, even when life is demanding
This idea is much easier said than done. So, while you’re in these demanding moments, I encourage you to try to dedicate just 30 minutes a day to yourself (completely for YOU), this can make all the difference!
At the end of the day, self-love isn’t flashy. While it can of course look like extravagant bubble baths and expensive facials, it certainly doesn’t have to.
As we move through a month known for spreading love to others, I urge you to first remember that the first place your love should always go is within yourself!
