The Power of Self-Love and Self-Care in Times of Upset
Life has a way of throwing curveballs our way, leaving us feeling upset, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. During these challenging moments, it’s essential to prioritize our well-being and practice self-love and self-care. It was one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong. From the moment I woke up, a series of unexpected challenges greeted me at every turn. My mind felt cluttered, and my emotions were in disarray. I could feel frustration building up, threatening to engulf me in a sea of negativity. As I sat down, feeling defeated and on the verge of tears, a dear friend reached out to me with a gentle reminder: “When you are upset, it is time to take a breath, and to focus on self-love and self-care.” Her words resonated deep within me, like a lifeline amidst the chaos. They reminded me the importance of nurturing my inner oasis.
Finding Solace in Self-Love
When emotions run high and negativity takes hold, it’s easy to neglect ourselves amidst the chaos. However, this is precisely when we need self-love the most. Picture a garden that needs tending when it’s been neglected for too long. Similarly, our emotional well-being thrives when we shower ourselves with love, kindness, and compassion.
Start by acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Allow yourself to experience the emotions without pushing them away or suppressing them. I acknowledge that in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to overlook the importance of looking inward. However, I invite you to take a moment and prioritize self-love, allowing your deepest emotions to rise to the surface. This is because by loving yourself and acknowledging your feelings, you can effectively address them and find resolutions. Each feeling is a message from your emotions, and it is crucial to pay attention and work through them. How you feel will greatly influence your problem-solving abilities, providing you with the necessary focus to handle any situation that arises. By identifying and fully experiencing each emotion, you can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth.
Taking a Breath
As the tension builds within, our breath often becomes shallow and erratic. In these moments, taking a conscious breath can be a game-changer. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Feel the breath nourishing every cell of your being, as if it’s gently sweeping away the turmoil inside.
By focusing on your breath, you bring yourself back to the present moment, grounding yourself in the here and now. This simple act of mindful breathing can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of calm and clarity.
Embracing Self-Care
Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, especially during times of upset. It involves intentionally carving out time and space to nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and provide a sense of peace and rejuvenation. Remember, going out to indulge drinking alcohol & substance abuse or mindless sexual experiences is not self-care, its pure self-hate.
It could be as simple as taking a long, soothing bath, indulging in a favorite hobby, or spending time in nature – talk a walk for example in Karura Forest or any other outdoor that could be near you. Allow yourself to disconnect from external pressures and focus on replenishing your inner reserves. Remember, self-care looks different for everyone, so choose activities that resonate with you and make your heart sing.
Cultivating a Supportive Inner Dialogue
During moments of upset, our inner critic tends to be at its loudest. Counter this negativity by cultivating a supportive inner dialogue. Replace self-criticism with words of kindness and affirmation. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel upset, and that you are deserving of love and compassion.
Practice self-compassion by treating yourself as you would a dear friend. Offer words of encouragement, comfort, and understanding. By nurturing a compassionate inner voice, you create a safe haven within yourself, free from judgment and filled with self-acceptance.
In conclusion when upset, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and external circumstances. However, by taking a breath and redirecting our focus towards self-love and self-care, we create a sanctuary of tranquility within ourselves. Embrace the power of nurturing your inner oasis, allowing it to be a refuge in times of distress. Remember, you hold the key to your emotional well-being, and by practicing self-love and self-care, you can navigate through life’s ups and downs with grace, resilience, and a renewed sense of inner peace.
One comment
Sue Saddam
June 5, 2023 at 9:34 pm
Great article. Thank you for sharing 🙏