Self-Love: More than a Catchphrase

We can’t go far these days without hearing someone speak about self-love, but few of us actually know what it entails. Having more ‘me’ time, going to the spa, treating yourself to gifts or sleeping in certainly shows how much you like yourself, but self-love delves a little deeper and should grow as you do. It’s easier said than done, but once we can separate instant gratification from long-term physical and spiritual growth, we can stay focused on the things that truly make us happy.

Ardene’s self-care IRL x WE Well-being

Leading a more fulfilled life and gaining more appreciation for ourselves as human beings will hardly happen overnight, but there are some steps we can take and actions to be conscious of that can get the ball rolling. Last year, Ardene brought awareness to the importance of self-love by launching a self-care irl (in real life) campaign to promote mental well-being, in association with WE. We started the conversation on social media and donated $1 to WE Well-being, which provides students and educators with tools, resources and programming to nurture their mental well-being, for every post using the hashtag #ardenegetsreal. Our campaign ran from the end of September until World Mental Health Day, but we recognize that there are little things we can try all year long that can be just as meaningful.

Mindfulness

In a fast-paced world, it’s hard to live in the moment, but practicing mindfulness not only reduces the external distractions, but it also puts you in tune with what matters most to you. When you take a moment to digest and filter through the constant stimulation around you and become aware of your thoughts, sensations and environment, it’s much easier to tackle any issue, big or small, without becoming overwhelmed. Let’s face it, there’s no better way to show love than by reducing stress!

Putting Needs Ahead of Wants

We all have guilty pleasures and fall victim to a splurge here and there, but when we try to compensate for a bad day by doing, eating or buying something that we know isn’t necessary or good for us, it affects our long-term well-being. When we can stay strong and divert from certain behavioral patterns by focusing on healthy activities, foods and relationships that nurture us, our satisfaction lasts longer and is more profound.

Setting Boundaries

Saying no is a challenge for most people, because whether it be professionally or personally, we want to make people happy. The key is finding boundaries. When we take on more than we can handle, thinking we’re helping those around us, we could be hurting ourselves by burning out. Learning to say no and walking away is important for us to grow (and feels really good once in a while).

This Valentine’s Day, we want to share love with the most deserving people in our lives: ourselves! Although little pick-me-ups and frivolous fun are necessary, let’s try to balance them with a deeper sense of fulfillment and show ourselves real self-love, because it really is more than just a catchphrase.