Self-love is the foundation for a fulfilling life. Only those who take sufficient care of themselves can also feel compassion and love for others.

On Valentine's Day, we show our loved ones how much we care with a small token of affection. But it's not just on February 14th that a gift or gesture highlights the special value of a relationship. Small expressions of love are important at any time of year. They strengthen the feeling of deep connection and love for one another.

And what about our relationship with ourselves? Can we lovingly treat ourselves well, appreciate ourselves, and love ourselves as we are?

Self-love plays a fundamental role in a fulfilling life. Giving yourself enough self-love and care is a learning process. It consists of many small building blocks and is continually deepened. During Self-Love Month in February at LUVIYO, you'll find plenty of information and inspiring suggestions on this topic.

It's not about implementing everything at once. Find out what appeals to you personally and what you'd like to try.

Self-care protects against burnout

We all long for inner strength and serenity. But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our energy reserves are quickly depleted. Instead, we feel stressed and exhausted. Although we recognize this, we take too few breaks and keep sprinting on the hamster wheel. When stress symptoms like inner restlessness, insomnia, and feeling overwhelmed become our constant companions, it's a clear sign of an overloaded autonomic nervous system. At this point, it's crucial to take countermeasures to avoid slipping into burnout. Every small step in the right direction counts.

Developing an awareness of self-care

It is by no means selfish to satisfy your own needs; in fact, it is immensely important. You don't need to feel guilty about prioritizing yourself sometimes. Clinical psychologist and bestselling author Ulrike Scheuermann describes this in her book "Self-Care – You Are Valuable." She believes we are too hard on ourselves. Only when our self-perception is loving and empathetic can we open ourselves to the concerns of others and the world. Self-love creates compassion, and is therefore the opposite of selfishness and egocentrism.

Self-care begins with basic needs.

We automatically fulfill basic physiological needs like eating, drinking, and sleeping every day. But how do we do it? Often we grab a quick snack on the go, drink too little, consume excessive amounts of media, or spend too much time in front of the TV in the evening. We all know it would be much healthier to consciously enjoy our meals, take a walk in the fresh air, do some exercise, and wind down the day. So why is it so difficult for us to break these old habits?

Mindfulness is the key

We are often too focused on external things and have lost love and understanding for ourselves. The high daily demands consume our energy, leaving almost nothing for ourselves.

Only when you are mindful of yourself can you redirect your energy and accomplish the things you've set out to do. You need to practice perceiving the signals and responding to them. Mindfulness is a treasure trove that allows you to consciously do good things for your well-being in everyday life.

Setting healthy boundaries

If you notice that everything is becoming too much, take a close look: What things are a priority? Which ones can you delegate, eliminate, or postpone? A well-reasoned, clear "no" will take a lot of pressure off you. With a good feeling, you can tackle the existing challenges and make the necessary time for yourself.

Even if you think you have to do something because it's expected of you: Trust your inner voice if it makes you uncomfortable. You know best what's good for you.

Appointments with yourself

To make room for relaxation in your daily routine, you should start scheduling specific times for it from now on. Perhaps you could even put these appointments in your calendar. Even ten minutes in the morning or half an hour in the evening is enough; the important thing is that you do it.

Daily self-care time enhances your quality of life. You radiate positivity because you feel valued. Self-doubt and feelings of inferiority gradually dissolve. By standing up for your needs, you become content and authentic. It's worth embarking on this healing path – for yourself and for others.

Incorporate self-care into your daily routine – time for your well-being

1. Exercise in the fresh air

Your cells need fresh oxygen for your body to function optimally. A short walk floods you with fresh energy. You immediately feel more vital and cheerful. Walking in the woods or by the water is particularly restorative for your nervous system. Nature accepts you as you are. You feel grounded. Your thoughts flow freely again, and you can concentrate much better. Despite the break, you save time because you work more effectively.

2. Stretching exercises, yoga

Our bodies tense up from prolonged sitting or repetitive activities. That's why it's important to do a few stretches every day. It doesn't have to be a complicated exercise program. You'll feel which movements feel good and can do your own favorite exercises.

Try our free yoga flows here .

Yoga also helps reduce mental tension. Body and mind are closely connected. The external world affects the internal, and vice versa. In the following yoga blog post, you'll find wonderful suggestions and exercises specifically for winter. Learn more here.

3. Read a good book – book recommendation

Whether it's a beautiful novel or a spiritual book – anything that fascinates you and encourages you to keep reading is food for your soul.

Here's a book that can help you better accept and process your own feelings:

"Open your heart instead of racking your brain" by Safi Nidiaye.

It's suitable if you want to delve deeper, to resolve past issues and pain. Self-discovery is an important aspect of finally being able to love yourself. Don't hesitate to seek professional support if needed. It's a path to healing.

4. Meditation

In meditation, you consciously connect with your breath. This allows you to connect with yourself and tune into your inner self. Let thoughts come and go without judgment. Simply observe what is. Entering into stillness isn't easy at first. But eventually, you'll experience deep peace and a connection to the greater whole. A feeling of trust and unconditional self-love. Pure bliss in the here and now and the certainty of being a part of the universe.

You can start with guided meditations or try other relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training. Having a designated comfortable space will help you feel more at ease.

Metta meditation

The Buddhist "loving-kindness meditation," also called "Metta meditation," is wonderful for cultivating self-love. "Metta" means love, kindness, and friendliness. In this multi-stage meditation, you first develop compassion for yourself and then for others. Self-love and self-care have been taught in the millennia-old Chinese tradition.

We present the first part of this meditation. Internalize the phrases by saying them aloud or silently every day:

• "May I be happy and content."

• "May I be safe and secure."

• "May I be healthy and free from pain."

• "May I master my life carefree and with ease."

5. Journaling, gratitude journal

Is something bothering you, something weighing on your mind? Simply write your thoughts down by hand. It's a powerful way to express feelings and process things. Writing allows you to connect deeply with yourself. Afterward, you'll feel free and clear, ready to use the insights you've gained.

Consider keeping a nice little notebook where you jot down a few things each evening: What made you happy or proud today? What moved you forward today? What was the best moment? This will help you focus on the good things and become more optimistic.

"We are what we think. All that we are arises from our thoughts. With our thoughts, we shape the world."

-Buddha-