Love may be in the air but is it inside of you?
We recently spoke with Andrew Oni, MA, GHVHS Community Health Program Coordinator, about the best ways to give self-love not just this month, but always. Here’s what he had to say:
While undertaking graduate study in Psychology and Counseling, I worked for a community outreach program. There, we provided support and services to those in need. My clientele came first. I loved them and would do anything for them. This work fulfilled me and I was happy but rarely took a break or a rest.
After some time, I began to feel empty and was less happy and fulfilled. I believed I was burnt out! At the time, I had no idea I was burnt out. I had loved my clients to the detriment of my own health.
There comes a time when the attention should turn inward. There is nothing wrong with it, it is not selfish. The Latin saying, ‘Nemo dat quod non habet’ means ‘you cannot give what you do not have.’
“Love starts within. When you love yourself, it’s much easier to love others,” says Andrew.
Self-love strengthens and prepares to give of you unreservedly to others. So, the sooner you self-love, the better off you (and those you love) will be.
Here are Andrew’s top 5 tips for self-love:
- Accept and be proud of who you are. You are unique. Be the best version of yourself.
- Take time out to exercise, do yoga to relax; meditate, connect with your inner self and recharge your batteries.
- Take time off, travel and have fun so you can stay fresh with zest.
- Set limits between your personal life and your work life.
- Be happy.