When you hear, “nurture your body,” do bubble baths spring to mind? That’s certainly one way to nurture your body, but nurturing yourself is much more than that – and it’s an important step toward self-acceptance.
Your body deserves to be nurtured
In Self Acceptance Step 4: Get Connected, we discussed listening to your body by taking a moment to pause and pay attention to the signals it sends you regarding your true needs.
One of the needs commonly ignored is the need to feel nurtured and cared for. There are many reasons for this, but if you ignore this need because you don’t feel you deserve it, it creates a vicious cycle.
Unmet needs often drive eating, and that reinforces the belief you don’t deserve self-care. See the conundrum?
Others feel their need to be nurtured and cared for should be met by others. While that is nice, it is not necessary and limits the possibilities.
Breaking the cycle starts with doing things for yourself even if you believe you haven’t “earned” the right. Start with a small thing – like getting a great haircut or using yummy lotions. Maybe you work your way up to scheduling a massage or signing up for a class you’ve always wanted to try.
Nurturing yourself sends a message of worthiness
Honor your need to be nurtured by taking small regular steps to nurture your body.
Treating yourself this way shows yourself (and others) you are cared for. Importantly, it also leads you to experience your body in more positive ways, which creates a positive cycle:
You care for yourself because you accept yourself, not so you’ll accept yourself.
Journal prompt:
What are some simple ways you can nurture your body?
Ready for the final step? Self Acceptance Step 6: Live the Big, Vibrant Life You Crave Today!
Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:
Self-Acceptance Step 2: Accept Yourself As You Are Right Now
Self-Acceptance Step 3: Get to Know Yourself Better
This article was updated from a previous version.
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