Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, bringing with it societal pressure for many Filipinos who are still in the state of “singlehood.” However, a survey conducted by the women-first dating app Bumble revealed that 77% of users in the Philippines are at peace with being single for a while and are prioritizing themselves. This positive trend is called “Consciously Single.”
The "Consciously Single" trend highlights the importance of self-love and appreciation. It involves setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing your needs, and not settling for less than you deserve. Self-love can take different forms for everyone, but it ultimately involves being kind to yourself. Practicing self-love has positive effects on your mental and physical well-being.
On World Cancer Day, the connection between self-love and health consciousness becomes even more relevant. Just as consciously choosing singlehood is a celebration of self-worth, health consciousness is a celebration of life—a commitment to choosing our well-being.
Here are some ways to love yourself:
You are what you eat: Self-love extends to the food you eat. Pay attention to what you put inside your body, as it can affect how you feel and react to unpleasant situations. Allow yourself to enjoy your favourite foods while maintaining a balance diet.
Mindful movement: Prioritize your body’s needs by engaging in regular physical activity. Carve out time for the gym or take a stroll in the park. Exercise improves thinking, learning, and the ability to make rational decisions, reducing short-term feelings of anxiety. In the long term, regular exercise leads to improved brain health, weight management, and reduces the risk of certain diseases.
Give yourself a pat: The way you talk to yourself has a significant impact on your self-love and physical health. Practice positive self-talk and replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Compliment yourself regularly and shift your mindset towards self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Recognize and manage stress: Stress can have a significant impact on physical health. It weakens the immune system, leads to a heightened inflammatory response, and affects the various bodily systems. Recognize stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage if effectively.
It’s okay not to be okay: You don’t have to go through everything alone. Asking for help and accepting support is an act of self-love. It may be challenging to be vulnerable, but reaching out for help is a gift you can give to yourself. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or professionals who can provide guidance and assistance when needed.
Forgiving is healing: Holding onto grudges and resentment can negatively impact your emotional well-being and physical health. Practice forgiveness to cultivate feelings of compassion, empathy, and inner peace. Letting go of negative emotions reduces stress and improves overall well-being.
As you continue your journey towards self-love, remember that every act of self-kindness and every positive choice you make is a significant step towards your well-being. Embrace your true authentic self, live with a heart full of compassion, inner peace, and good health.
World Cancer Day is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, promoting its prevention, detection, and treatment, and encouraging efforts towards global cancer control.
