The month of February is all about love, but this doesn't always have to be the romantic kind. There are different types of love that can be celebrated, and one of the most important kinds is self-love.
Self-love means giving priority to your own happiness and wellbeing. Showering yourself with self-love and self-care can be done in many ways, like exercising to stay fit, sticking to a skincare routine that works, caring for your mental health, taking yourself out on a date, indulging in some screentime on your favorite app, or just simply living in the moment.
Understanding the value of self-love, TikTok makes an effort to continue being a platform where users can safely express their creativity and embrace their authenticity.
Stress and the Self
Registered Psychometrician and TikTok EduCreator, Lyqa Maravilla, talked about stress, and how it affects a person's wellbeing. She discussed the difference between fear and anxiety, explained why it is okay not to be okay, and gave tips for how to prioritize self-care when you have a busy schedule. Lyka also explained the value of having a positive coping mechanism, such as seeking professional counseling or simply talking to trusted friends and family members, and how this can be a form of self-love.
Accordint to Lyqa, "Prioritizing self-care is very important. You have to think na this is not me being selfish, this is actually me doing what I need to enable me to do everything that I need [to do] for the people that I love."
Self Care Through Yoga
Caring for your emotional and mental health is just as important as ensuring your physical wellbeing. One of the simplest ways to show love to your body, mind, and soul is through yoga. TikTok fitness creator and yoga instructor, Kathy Amurao-Herrera teaches simple breathing exercises and an easy-to-follow chair yoga routine that can be done daily.
Kathy stressed the benefits of exercise, saying, "There are a lot of positive effects when we dabble in an active lifestyle. One of the perks is we allow mobility and space within the body. When we practice our deep breaths, when we work out, it actually signals our brain to calm down, it somehow lessens our anxiety episodes."
The 5 Languages of Love
Radio DJ and TikTok creator, Robin Sienna, shared one very important tip when it comes to self-love and love for others – Know your love language, and know the love language of your partner as well. She explained that love languages can be applied to people in a relationship, and to singles, too. Based on one's love language, affection can be shown in the form of words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, gift-giving, and physical touch. When you identify which among the five works best for you, you will be able to find more ways to shower yourself, and others with love.
Robin also shared this piece of advice on looking after yourself when you are in a relationship. "When you're in a relationship, having that significant other is more of just supplementing, or alam mo 'yun, hindi siya yung bubuo sayo eh, dadagdagan niya lang yung kasiyahan mo. Self-love is not selfish, it's always checking out for yourself."
The month of love is the best time to start giving yourself a little extra love. As Cat Avelino, Head of Communications, TikTok Philippines, said, "Whether you're single or in a relationsip, there's always something to celebrate on Valentine's Day and beyond, and that's loving and taking care of yourself. At TikTok we wanted to use this month of love to remind all of us the importance of self-love."
Making self-love a priority can be beneficial to you, and your relationships. After all, when you learn to love yourself, you become more capable of showing love to others. How did you practice self-love today? Show us on TikTok! Download the app on your iOS and Android devices to get started.
