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Most people have at least heard of popular book "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, even if you’re not sure what all of them are. Love languages are most commonly used when it comes to dealing with your relationship, but did you know you can also link your love languages and your self-care?
Self-care is becoming a more prominent practice than ever as more people realize just how necessary it is. So, it only makes sense to care for yourself and take part in activities that resonate with you based on your love language.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how you can connect your self-care activities with your love language(s) to make the most of them.
Physical Touch
If your love language is physical touch, consider how you can do something for yourself that incorporates it into a self-care routine. That might include getting a massage or taking a hot bath.
Even hugging one of your closest friends or family members, or stroking your pet for a few minutes (that's my Bailey in the picture), can give you a burst of feel-good energy, helping you to de-stress and relax. Finding little ways to incorporate physical touch into your day in ways that are meaningful to your wellbeing will make a big difference.
Words of Affirmation
It’s not always easy to say positive things to yourself out loud. You might feel a bit silly, at first. But, daily affirmations can go a long way. A quick search online will give you hundreds of ideas, and modify them to feel authentic for you, and change them as needed. ("I can do hard things" and "I am imperfect and yet completely worthy of love and friendship." are two of my favorites).
If you’re comfortable, try reciting two or three things you like about yourself each morning to start your day on the right foot.
Alternatively, try journaling about your skills and talents. What are you good at? If you can think about something different each day, you’ll be able to look back at your journal entries and have a great collection to feel good about.
Acts of Service
It feels good when someone does something for you. But, it can feel even better when you perform an act of service for someone else. Try volunteering for an organization that means something to you. Or, trade services with someone else. Do you have a neighbor with a young child? Offer to babysit in return for a service they can do for you, like cooking a meal. (See also The Benefits & Mental Health Boost of Volunteering in Your Community)
Gifts
It’s great to receive gifts from others, but there are no rules that say you can’t get something nice for yourself, too! Make a “wish list” with a few things you’d love to have, but don’t over-extend your budget. Once in a while, treat yourself to that special something. Make sure it’s something meaningful and an item that will boost your mood and reduce your stress. Remember, even though it’s just a “gift”, it should still be something that makes you feel cared for, even when you’re the one buying it.
Quality Time Together
Quality time together can easily be adapted into quality time with yourself. What does that mean? After all, you’re “with” yourself all the time!
But, how often do you let yourself get busy and distracted by everyday life? Try blocking out time in your day and safeguarding it. Make an “appointment” with yourself to relax, or to engage in hobbies you enjoy. By carving out time for yourself, you’re making it a priority and you’re less likely to let life get in the way.
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Self-care should always be something that truly makes you feel your best. Taking your love languages into account will make it easier to figure out how to care for yourself, and different ways to do it. Try to incorporate some of your love languages into your self-care routine, and see what a difference they can make.
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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