Writer and political activist Jessicah Pierre brought a lot of joy to people recently with her Twitter thread on the “love languages” and how we can apply them to ourselves.
The concept of the five basic love languages was first pioneered in the early 90’s by author and minister Gary Chapman. In his book The Five Love Languages, he outlined different ways that people prefer to show and receive affection.
It’s a framework that has dug its way into the culture as a helpful guide to recognize each others’ needs, but can it be applied to our day to day, even when we’re alone? Jessicah thinks so:
https://twitter.com/jessicahpierre/status/1288129203720859650
Here’s her rundown of each language and how you can apply them to yourself to improve your mental health.
1. Words of Affirmation
Talking to yourself isn’t crazy. It’s a totally normal way to process thoughts.
Words of affirmation: Say nice things to yourself like, “I’m proud of you.” “You’re doing your best.” “You are so beautiful!”
— Jessicah Pierre (@jessicahpierre) July 28, 2020
2. Acts of Service
You’d be surprised how much you might appreciate it if you help you out.
Acts of service: Give yourself a break and do something nice for yourself or clean your room/get organized.
— Jessicah Pierre (@jessicahpierre) July 28, 2020
3. Quality Time
Don’t just rush around constantly.
Quality Time: Take yourself out on a date. Pull out a journal and write a letter to your younger or future self. Meditate or do yoga.
— Jessicah Pierre (@jessicahpierre) July 28, 2020
4. Physical Touch
There’s an obvious NSFW answer here but this is good too.
Physical Touch: Love your body and take your time moisturizing your skin every morning.
— Jessicah Pierre (@jessicahpierre) July 28, 2020
5. Gifts
Treat yoself.
Gifts: I buy myself fresh flowers every week or buy yourself something you’ve always wanted.
— Jessicah Pierre (@jessicahpierre) July 28, 2020
Basically:
In other words, don’t wait for someone else to offer you the love you want and deserve. Start being intentional and actionable about how you love yourself. It makes all the difference. ?
— Jessicah Pierre (@jessicahpierre) July 28, 2020
When you lay it all out like that, it seems so simple. And yet, how often have any of us thought in these terms?
https://twitter.com/jessicahpierre/status/1288304645849456641
A very helpful reminder that we’ve already got a lot of the tools that we need to stay hearty and happy. Just gotta get ourselves to use them once in a while!
How do you take care of yourself?
Tell us in the comments.