In psychology, self-love is closely related to self-esteem, that is, with the value we give or assign to ourselves based on the way I see myself and others see me.

Fondly remembering one of the talks with my mentor or sensei (as I like to call him), we talked that self-love came from others, he explained to me that we learned to love each other from the affection that others gave us since we were little. throughout our life.

The perception we have of ourselves conditions our way of thinking, feeling and acting, affecting our interaction with the world and our functioning in daily life. The results of these interactions will reinforce and condition our beliefs about life, turning into harmful behavior patterns that are repeated all the time.

Depending on the case, personal work and the improvement of life experiences that reinforce or modify our vision of ourselves is very important, to cultivate or strengthen love for ourselves.

On the other hand, self-care involves the development of protective psychological factors such as spiritual growth, maintaining healthy relationships or bonds with other people, emotional regulation, self-control, etc. This series of behaviors prevent or reduce the risk of submitting ourselves to situations that endanger our physical and emotional integrity. These protective factors help us overcome difficulties and achieve success despite facing risky situations.

Now let’s think for a moment about our favorite object or with a high value or meaning for us, and think about all the things we do to care for and preserve that object. Are we not trying to ensure that all the actions directed towards the loved object are adequate to satisfy their care needs?

In this way caring is love taken into action, I am going to give what is valuable to me, everything necessary to maintain its well-being. That is why the importance of working on strengthening our self-esteem and the value we place on our lives.

Do not forget! “I take care of what I want”, let’s learn to love ourselves.

Sources:

Gómez Acosta, Andrés PREDICTORES PSICOLÓGICOS DEL AUTOCUIDADO EN SALUD Revista Hacia la Promoción de la Salud, vol. 22, núm. 1, 2017 Universidad de Caldas, Colombia.  Gorin A, Powers T, Koestner R, Wing R, Raynor H. (2014). Autonomy support, self-regulation, and

weight loss. Health Psychology. 2014; 33 (4); 332-39. Juárez F. El concepto de salud: una explicación sobre su unicidad, multiplicidad y los modelos de salud. International Journal of Psychological Research. 2011; 4 (1): 70-79.