By now, I’m sure most people are familiar with the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  If you aren’t, to summarize they are:  Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time and Acts of Service. Chapman  initially wrote the book to help marriages keep the love alive and learn to understand each other on a deeper level.

Here is a little summary of each of the 5 love languages:

Words of Affirmation: Saying encouraging things, appreciating what people do for you, empathizing, actively listening. Not criticizing or belittling.

Physical Touch: Non-verbal actions, body language to show affection (hugging, holding hands, cuddling, etc.)

Receiving Gifts: Thoughtful gifts to make someone feel like you’re paying attention or, likewise, making them feel like a priority. Not just buying things just to buy them.

Quality Time: Uninterrupted conversation or one on one time.

Acts of Service: “Let me help with that,” “I can do that for you,” being a partner for your partner.

The point is that people give and receive love differently. It’s important to understand not only how you give love, but how other people need to be loved. People have different needs and understanding those needs is essential for any relationship to flourish.  

Likewise, these 5 love languages be implemented during self care. Here are some examples:

Words of Affirmation:

• Self affirmations to demonstrate positive self talk
• Gratitude journal
• Having a progress over perfection attitude
• Accepting your feelings regardless of what they are

Physical Touch:

• Get a massage
• Go to the gym to demonstrate muscle activation
• Masturbation
• Cozy Blankets to emphasize comfort
• Baths/Showers

Receiving Gifts:

• Buy yourself flowers
• Be cautious of “treating yourself” – might lead to debt, guilt or bad habits
• Don’t buy yourself things just to mask issues

Quality Time:

• Block out “me” time
• Put phone on “do not disturb”
• Go for a walk alone in order to connect back with nature
• Meditate in order to recharge
• Float therapy

Acts of Service:

• Make a healthy meal in order to fuel your body with what it needs
• Tidy up your environment
• Go to bed early because quality sleep is essential for productivity and better mood
• Do things just because you love yourself

Love is physical, emotional and mental. Make sure you’re fueling yourself with all aspects of love. Remember, self love ISN’T selfish. If you are interested, take this FREE quiz in order to find out what your love language is.