The 5 Love Languages: Learning to love yourself

We all need to feel loved and accepted. We want to be seen, heard, and appreciated for who we are.

But with the pressures and demands of modern living, it's easy to neglect our well-being in favor of others. We tend to forget to express our love and appreciation for ourselves — essential in creating a life we're proud of.

Fortunately, we can use the 5 Love Languages to show our inner self the same amount of love we're ready to offer to our loved ones. This language consists of elements with unique ways of expressing the same idea - that you are worthy of your love and attention.

Let's learn more about each and how one could apply it.

Physical Touch

A physical touch is a powerful form of expressing love and acceptance. It can be as simple as hugging yourself, rubbing your arms or legs, or just taking the time to appreciate how beautiful we are. Physical touch can also be in the form of massage or cuddling with a pet. In all cases, it helps us feel accepted, loved and appreciated for who we are.

Words of Affirmations

Our inner critic can sometimes be very harsh, so it's essential to counter its voice by giving yourself positive verbal affirmations. Speak kindly to yourself and repeat words of appreciation and empowerment, such as "I am capable" or "I accept myself the way I am." Avoid negative self-talk and refrain from comparing with others. Write down daily affirmations to remind yourself of your worth and value to start wanting to be yourself more each day.

Quality Time

Give yourself time to relax, do something you enjoy, and explore new hobbies. You can also take different classes to learn more about yourself and your interests. Quality time is essential in helping us to feel connected with ourselves and boost our self-esteem. It doesn't have to be luxurious; make sure to make time for yourself and do something meaningful.

Gifts of Support

These can be gifts that nourish our souls, such as books, a journal to capture your thoughts or anything else that will support your development or well-being. It can also be more significant gestures like jewelry, taking a trip you've been longing for or investing in the best quality materials that you need, such as comfortable clothing and shoes.

Acts of Service

Finally, acts of service are a way to manifest our love towards ourselves by saying we are worthy enough to receive help and support. This can be cooking yourself dinner after a long day at work or asking someone to help with a task. It can also mean taking care of our body by exercising, eating healthy and getting enough sleep.

These five universal languages of self-love are integral in creating an environment that promotes a healthy and meaningful life. By embracing these five universal languages of self-love, you can become more in tune with yourself and learn to love yourself unconditionally.

But hey, you'll have to find time to start practising these five languages of self-love, and plenty of resources can help you along the way. From books (like The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman) and podcasts to therapy and coaching - don't be afraid to reach out for extra support if you need it.

You’ve got this.