🧠Using Neuroscience to Love Yourself More!🫶💖💐
How do we learn to love ourselves when we grew up with hypercritical or absent parents/elders or for some of us even friends or teachers who may have reinforced preexisting thoughts of low self esteem? Whether you grew up with a stable relationship with your family or not, certain dynamics with those around us as well as unique external life circumstances or hardships can really shape and mold your subconscious and eventually conscious thinking into believing that your value is less than it truly is. Additionally, if you are experiencing moments reliving the past you may have PTSD or CPTSD, and might want to consider getting a diagnosis as this can also be comorbid to anxiety and/or depression and when we know what we might have, it is easier to formulate a routine and habits that can help us gain normalcy and control in our lives.
For me, I have been constantly trying to overcome my people-pleasing habits and anxiety with cyclical depression which comes with my adhd and personal childhood experiences.
Some hobbies that are research-based to help you regulate your nervous system that I personally enjoy are:
1. Drawing/Creating artwork 🎨👩🎨🌷
Put on some music and use reference photos or go outside and paint!!! this automatically puts me in a better mood.
2. Prayer/meditation ~ 🚶♀️🙏🌻
Did you know that according to Andrew Huberman, even 30 minutes of prayer improved the prefrontal cortex and a region of the brain called the anterior midcingulate cortex, which are both integral for attention, cognitive analytical decision making, and discipline? Additionally studies have shown the power of prayer and how those who pray require less sleep.
When I pray I find I am at peace and when I’m practicing my religion and times when I pray more I don’t need as much sleep and I can function which still bamboozles me.
3. Getting connected to others with similar experiences ~
Finding a mental health support group or discussing with friends to networking with people on tiktok or instagram who have been through the same experiences as me has helped me find a sense of relief knowing I’m not alone in overcoming certain life experiences and that learning to love myself might take a long time but being around the right people who have your best interest and want to promote love and support towards others has made a world of a difference in my life. I am so grateful for everyone I’d met on social media and who has shown me such kindness, inspiration, or compassion. Remember your immeasurable infinite worth and that you are always valued and loved!!!!
I hope you enjoyed this little informational rant please follow for more on my pre-med, fashion, self love journey🫶🏼💖🌷
Self-love is a transformative journey, often interrupted by past traumas and external influences. Research indicates that practices such as art therapy can stimulate neuroplasticity, promoting resilience and emotional regulation. Engaging in creative activities like drawing or painting not only offers a distraction but can also significantly elevate your mood by releasing dopamine, the feel-good hormone. Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to enhance brain function, particularly within crucial regions like the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and emotional control. Experts suggest that dedicating just 30 minutes a day to meditation can cultivate a calmer mind and improve overall mental health. Being part of supportive communities can significantly aid in the self-love process. Sharing experiences with others who understand your struggles helps mitigate feelings of isolation. Finding a support group, whether in person or through social media platforms, can foster a sense of belonging and encouragement. Remember, everyone has their own unique journey towards self-worth, and surrounding yourself with positive influences can make all the difference in your healing process.