LOVING YOURSELF AND OTHERS ARE PARTS OF HAPPINESS

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Have you ever been worried that being kind to yourself will make you self-indulgent? 

Self-love is a foundation for well-being. When you nurture yourself, you naturally become better at nurturing others as well. While you choose to care for yourself so you can live the healthiest, fullest life possible. Let’s explore how practicing compassion for ourselves can improve our happiness, mental health, and relationships.




What Does Self-Love Look Like in Daily Life?

Self-love can be practiced in both formal and everyday ways:

  • Formal practices may include mindfulness or loving-kindness meditations (also called metta meditation). These practices help us notice and soften the critical inner voice, replacing it with a kinder, more supportive one.

  • Everyday practices are often simple acts of self-care: taking a walk, listening to music you enjoy, or allowing yourself a few quiet moments in the day. Small steps like these remind us that our needs matter, too.

  • Self-advocacy is another form of self-love. This could mean speaking up for yourself at work, expressing your needs in a relationship, or setting healthy boundaries.

How Self-Compassion Supports Mental Health

Research shows that self-compassion is strongly linked to better mental health. When you practice it, you can:

  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, and loneliness.

  • Increase resilience, motivation, and emotional stability.

  • Feel more gratitude, happiness, and connectedness with others.

Self-compassion also helps calm the nervous system and quiet harsh self-criticism. This not only improves our relationship with ourselves but also makes it easier to engage meaningfully with the people around us.

The Link Between Self-Love and Relationships

When you treat yourself with kindness, you create a space to treat others with kindness, too. If your mind is full of self-criticism or negativity, it can make you more closed off and less able to connect with others.

One key element of compassion is recognising your common humanity, the understanding that suffering and struggles are part of everyone’s experience. This awareness helps you approach both yourself and others with empathy.

Whether in friendships, family bonds, or romantic relationships, self-love strengthens connection. It allows you to show up as your best self, open-hearted and ready to give and receive love.


How to Begin Practicing Self-Love

If being kind to yourself feels unnatural, try this:
Ask yourself how you would talk to a best friend, partner, or loved one who was struggling.

  • What words would you use?

  • What tone of voice would you choose?

  • How would you support them through their challenges?

Then, turn those same words, tones, and gestures inward. This simple shift can be a powerful way to begin practicing self-compassion in your daily life.

Final Thoughts

Loving yourself and loving others are not separate journeys. They are deeply connected parts of happiness. When you nurture your own well-being, you increase your capacity to connect with and care for others.

Remember: self-compassion is not selfish. It’s a practice that strengthens both your inner world and your relationships, helping you create a life filled with balance, resilience, and genuine connection. 


Keep positive, keep strong.

Best of luck, Cheers,

By: Monica Hoss
Licensed Psychotherapist 
MSc Psychology 
calmtherapy14@gmail.com

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