Welcome to part 6 of the series about Learning How to Love Yourself. In the first article, we explored what gets in the way of self-love, the first step toward practicing self-love, and the 5 Love Languages. In this article, it’s all about how to practice self-love through Physical Touch.
Physical touch is about expressing yourself and your love through touch. Although the touch can be intimate, it can also just be soothing, gentle, or comforting. When it comes to self-love, think about what types of touch could be most beneficial for you.
Physical Touch Tip 1: Get a massage
Massage is a great way to show some love through physical touch. You can massage yourself using your own hands or a device, like a massage gun, foot massager, etc. Focus on the areas where you hold tension, like your hands, feet, or neck. You can also book a professional massage to target a specific goal, such as tension relief or relaxation.
Physical Touch Tip 2: Take a bath (or shower)
Looking at water, being near water, and being in water can help ground us, especially when we are experiencing stress. Taking a bath can be like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug. You can add Epsom salts, essential oils, or other products to help relax or invigorate yourself. If showers are more favorable, you can adjust the pressure of the water through your showerhead. Think of other ways to enhance the experience, such as using candles, adjusting lighting, or listening to music.
Physical Touch Tip 3: Give or get a spa treatment
Touch is often associated with pampering. Think of spa treatments you enjoy receiving, such as a manicure, pedicure, or facial. These are treatments you could do for yourself or you could book an appointment with a professional.
Tips for Physical Touch:
- Write it down. Make a list of the things involving touch that bring you comfort so you have it to refer to when you need it.
- Schedule it. No matter what type of physical touch you choose to show yourself some love, it’s more likely to happen if it’s on your calendar.
- Track how you are feeling. Take note of how you feel before, during, and after physical touch.
- Check-in regularly. Review your progress and make any changes needed to what you type of touch you are using. Note any patterns in how you feel. Basically, keep doing what’s working, and either modify or stop doing what isn’t.
In other articles, we explore using the other love languages – Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, and Acts of Service– to practice self-love.
If you are struggling to love yourself, I’d be happy to provide a consult to see how I might be able to help. You can book that here. For those living in Arizona, I offer individual and group counseling. For those living anywhere, I provide educational, supportive, and experiential wellness services.
