Emotional, physical and mental health begins with love and self-acceptance

Apparently two diametrically opposed concepts, love and self-acceptance are actually in close connection when we talk about maintaining emotional inner balance and a general state of well-being.

Not infrequently, low self-love is associated not only with poor mental and emotional health but also physical health. All the more so in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by uncertainty and the impact of which we feel strongly.

In order not to allow these problems to generate conditions such as panic attacks, burnout or depression, it is important to devote enough time to (re)discover oneself. From individual or family activities, at home or outdoors, to a more efficient allocation of work time, all of these aspects can have a favorable impact on our emotional and mental health.

If we fail on our own, we can confidently enlist the help of a specialist, to solve problems efficiently and on time, but also to manage healthy moments of need that sometimes occur in life inevitably.

As the first steps to cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion we can recall emotional hygiene, specific awareness of our mental health at the expense of ignoring negative feelings and emotional wounds that can affect our inner balance.

It is recommended that for a balanced and healthy life in all respects, we learn daily habits through which we recognize our mental states and intervene on emotional wounds, thus cultivating a positive attitude of unconditional love and compassion primarily towards ourselves.

This implies first of all introspection, accepting one's own flaws and mistakes gently, under the premise that we are all people subject to error. And that while we may not be where we wanted to be, we are on the right track as long as we are willing to make the necessary efforts. By observing what we feel and think without judging ourselves, truly realizing the imperfections that make us human, we actively contribute to the healing of past traumas and self-acceptance.

We all have certain aspects of personality that we may be unhappy with and are aware that there is room for improvement. All the more so because today there are many external stimuli that generate a strong inner conflict. This conflict is between who we are and what we should be.

While it is important to aim to become the best version of ourselves, at the same time such an extreme measure can lead to exhaustion and block us over time. Unfortunately, as long as we are focused on getting what we lack, we risk not appreciating and even losing the things we already have. Inevitably this leads to an imbalance and non-acceptance of self.

"When I accept myself for who I am, then I can change" said Carl Rogers, one of the greatest human psychologists of the 20th century. That is why self-acceptance is so important for our mental and emotional health and not a sign of weakness, a renunciation of the desire to become better.

A controversial and critical relationship with one's own person can become a long-term agony. Sure, as long as there's another person who accepts us with everything that makes us human, healing can occur much faster. Whether we are talking about parental, self-love, friends, children or life partner, it plays a decisive role in everything we do every day and in how we perceive life.

Love gives us the chance to be grateful, to look at ourselves in the mirror with good and bad and teaches us to look confidently to the future. Because what we don't accept in ourselves today has the power to control our every emotion and experience tomorrow.