Applying the 5 Love Languages to Your Self Care Practices
This post is the second installment of Kayla’s Quick Reads, a series of posts designed to be read from top to bottom in 5 minutes or less. In today’s day and age, it’s hard to find time to eat and sleep, much less read. So in an effort to educate efficiently, these can be read on the subway, during your lunch break, or even a bathroom break!
Gary Chapman wrote a book called The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts that has been critically acclaimed by experts and novices alike. The idea is that love can be expressed in more than one language, five to be exact, and that not everyone feels loved in the same ways. Once we figure out what our language is, we can improve the ways in which we love ourselves and help others love us in ways that mean the most. This post is all about how you can use your love language to love on yourself!
Take the 5 Love Languages online quiz to determine your top love languages!
Words of Affirmation
If “words of affirmation” is your top love language, you’ll want to think self-love. Because words are what you value, use words to build yourself up. When you think or say something negative about yourself, take a step back and ask yourself if you would say that to someone you love. Speak life and positivity over yourself. Whether that be via daily affirmations, journaling, writing yourself love letters, or engaging in positive self-talk, focus on using words to build yourself up, to document your accomplishments and feel-good moments, and to be your own biggest cheerleader.
Acts of Service
If “acts of service” is your top love language, you’ll want to do self-love. Do what makes you feel most loved! Ask yourself what you need and do it. Serve your body well by scheduling regular doctor appointments and eating good food. Treat yourself to a day of cleaning so that your living space is clean and comfy. Hire or ask a family member or friend to run an errand for you. The idea is put your love for self into action.
Receiving Gifts
If “receiving gifts” is your top love language, you’ll want to accept self-love. Purchase things that make you happy and are associated with good vibes (whatever that may be for you). Treat yourself to a spa day or a solo trip to a place on your bucket list. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers or sign up for a monthly subscription box of stuff that you like.
Quality Time
If “quality time” is your top love language, focus on being present with self. Being present can mean different things for different people. Maybe for you it’s working out solo, reading a book, meditating, or taking a soothing bath uninterrupted. Figure out what activities give you the greatest relief and relaxation time with yourself and give those things your undivided attention by bringing them to the forefront of your self-care practice.
Physical Touch
If “physical touch” is your top language, focus on feeling self-love. Wrap up in a soft blanket by the fire. Schedule a foot massage or pedicure. Drink more water. Take the time to stretch when you feel that your muscles are tight after a workout. Learn what makes you feel good (literally and figuratively) and implement that in your self-care practice.
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That’s it for this post! I hope this gets you one step closer to becoming your own wellness expert without the guesswork. If you’re ready to start your wellness journey, get my free list guide 5 Things to Know When Starting Your Wellness Journey to uncomplicate wellness, bypass some common roadblocks, and and begin the journey to becoming your own wellness expert.