Depending on your personality, Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as we love ourselves may be one of the easiest or the hardest prescriptions to follow (see Mark 12:28-34). For many who serve in health care ministry, taking sufficient time out for self-care is a consistent challenge. What about you? Does it somehow make you feel guilty to take time out and show love for yourself?

No matter who we are, extending the compassionate ministry of Jesus challenges us to follow Jesus’ own example by practicing self-care. In this activity, we focus on caring for ourselves by exploring the multiple ways we can show love for ourselves. In so doing we will find ourselves better equipped to practice compassion and serve the needs of others.

·       Loving oneself begins with taking time to be spiritually aware of what life has to offer.  Begin your days with BSMH Daily Reflections.

·       Self-love is important.  Take this simple Self-Love quiz to see where you stand with loving yourself and how to increase that love.

·       Nestell Bovee said “Both our first and last love is self-love,” and this article, ‘Increase Clients’ Self-Love: 30 Exercises, Worksheets and Techniques,’ gives you ways to do focus on the importance of self-love.

·       Why is self-love so important?  Read “Why Self Love is the Most Important Life Lesson You Will Ever Learn” to find out.

·       Self-Love has deep meaning in our lives, and is important in order for us to truly love others.  Here are 7 Exercise to Help Love Yourself Today.

·       In this short article, “Four Benefits of Self Love and Why It’s Important,” you will learn how to fulfill the three types of self-love: physical, mental and psychological.

·       Here are 10 Self-Care Activities for Body Positivity and Self-Love, helping you to focus on the importance of being the wonderful person you are meant to be.