Self love vs. Narcissism, Part 2
Continuing on from our last post about self-love and narcissism, today let's talk about how to cultivate self-love.
There's a widely held belief that expressing self-love and self-care can be seen as signs of weakness in men. However, research by Wong, Ho, Wang, and Miller (2017) revealed that men who practice self-compassion tend to have higher self-esteem and mental health. So, it's time to break the stereotype!
Here are steps to start your journey towards self-love:
1. Practice Self-Acceptance: This means embracing your strengths and weaknesses. According to a study by Sowislo and Orth (2013), self-acceptance is a key determinant of mental health.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Take time to rest, eat well, exercise, and do things you enjoy. Neff and Dahm's (2015) research showed that self-care is a significant aspect of self-compassion and self-love.
3. Set Boundaries: It's not selfish but necessary to say no when you need to. Studies have shown that setting boundaries leads to healthier relationships and reduced stress (Peters, Geiger, Smart, & Baer, 2020).
4. Seek Support: If you're finding it challenging, reach out to a mental health professional. You're not alone.
Remember, self-love is not about being selfish; it's about acknowledging your worth and taking care of your well-being.
Mental Health Therapist, Kateryna
Please note:
This post is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
References:
- Neff, K. D., & Dahm, K. A. (2015). Self-Compassion: What it is, what it does, and how it relates to mindfulness. In B. D. Ostafin, M. D. Robinson, & B. P. Meier (Eds.), Handbook of mindfulness and self-regulation (pp. 121–137). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2263-5_10
- Peters, J. R., Geiger, P. J., Smart, L. M., & Baer, R. A. (2020). Shame and borderline personality features: The potential mediating role of anger and anger rumination. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 11(2), 83-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/per0000339
- Sowislo, J. F., & Orth, U. (2013). Does low self-esteem predict depression and anxiety? A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychological Bulletin, 139(1), 213–240. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028931
- Wong, Y. J., Ho, M. H. R., Wang, S. Y., & Miller, I. S. K. (2017). Meta-analyses of the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and mental health-related
There's a widely held belief that expressing self-love and self-care can be seen as signs of weakness in men. However, research by Wong, Ho, Wang, and Miller (2017) revealed that men who practice self-compassion tend to have higher self-esteem and mental health. So, it's time to break the stereotype!
Here are steps to start your journey towards self-love:
1. Practice Self-Acceptance: This means embracing your strengths and weaknesses. According to a study by Sowislo and Orth (2013), self-acceptance is a key determinant of mental health.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Take time to rest, eat well, exercise, and do things you enjoy. Neff and Dahm's (2015) research showed that self-care is a significant aspect of self-compassion and self-love.
3. Set Boundaries: It's not selfish but necessary to say no when you need to. Studies have shown that setting boundaries leads to healthier relationships and reduced stress (Peters, Geiger, Smart, & Baer, 2020).
4. Seek Support: If you're finding it challenging, reach out to a mental health professional. You're not alone.
Remember, self-love is not about being selfish; it's about acknowledging your worth and taking care of your well-being.
Mental Health Therapist, Kateryna
Please note:
This post is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
References:
- Neff, K. D., & Dahm, K. A. (2015). Self-Compassion: What it is, what it does, and how it relates to mindfulness. In B. D. Ostafin, M. D. Robinson, & B. P. Meier (Eds.), Handbook of mindfulness and self-regulation (pp. 121–137). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2263-5_10
- Peters, J. R., Geiger, P. J., Smart, L. M., & Baer, R. A. (2020). Shame and borderline personality features: The potential mediating role of anger and anger rumination. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 11(2), 83-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/per0000339
- Sowislo, J. F., & Orth, U. (2013). Does low self-esteem predict depression and anxiety? A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychological Bulletin, 139(1), 213–240. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028931
- Wong, Y. J., Ho, M. H. R., Wang, S. Y., & Miller, I. S. K. (2017). Meta-analyses of the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and mental health-related
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