The importance of self-love for overall health and wellness

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
Special to The Times Kuwait

The conversation around health and wellness is more expansive than ever in 2025, moving beyond physical fitness to mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. At the core of this evolving perspective is a vital concept: self-love. While self-care practices like skincare routines or fitness regimens have gained popularity over the years, self-love is not just another wellness trend – it’s the foundation for a balanced and fulfilling life.

“When we talk about self-love, we often relate it to self-care. The two are connected since self-care comes from a place of self-love…I believe that self-love begins at home. When I say ‘home’, I mean you – you are your home. We often see that gratification, affection, and love should come from a place outside of ourselves. This is where we start to give our power to other situations, aspirations we may hold, and even to other people. Yet to truly love yourself begins with you,” explains personal Identity Coach and Host of the popular podcast, All Things Identity, Carina Harvey.

Self-love is not about narcissism or selfishness; it’s about caring for and respecting oneself. It involves recognizing your worth, accepting your imperfections, and setting boundaries to prioritize your well-being. As societal pressures, mental health struggles, and fast-paced living become more challenging, self-love is being acknowledged as a crucial element for achieving optimal health and wellness.

“Learning to love yourself without question requires commitment. When we struggle with comparison and self-criticism, it is usually based upon deep-seated habits that we initiated many years ago and have continued to affirm through repetitive action towards ourselves. Understanding how and why this habit was formed gives great insight into being able to reflect and reposition a person’s thinking. This gives us a platform to implement new habits that serve a person’s mindset and compassion for themselves,” adds Harvey.

While it’s easy to think of physical health as separate from mental or emotional well-being, the two are intrinsically connected. When we practice self-love, we prioritize our bodies through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. It means respecting your body’s needs and recognizing the signs it gives when it’s time to slow down or seek medical care.

Self-love encourages a healthy relationship with food and fitness– moving away from restrictive diets and harmful workout trends. Instead, it fosters a mindset that values holistic well-being, where nourishing the body becomes a form of self-respect rather than a means of achieving unattainable beauty standards.

The ability to love and respect yourself is foundational to building healthy relationships. We become more authentic versions of ourselves when we set boundaries and honor our needs. This contributes to more nutritious, more supportive connections with family, friends, and partners. Self-love also creates a space for individuals to become more in tune with themselves. It encourages self-reflection, self-awareness, and continuous growth.

“A lot of our negative thoughts stem from past versions of ourselves. During self-discovery, we learn whether our relationship with ‘self’ has broken down. Just like with any relationship, this gives us an insight into what needs to be repaired and worked on. Every individual is different. Some people may require therapy in certain areas,” shares Harvey.

Experts suggest other practical ideas, such as practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries, engaging in mindful practices, prioritizing rest and recovery, and seeking professional help if needed. From therapy apps to wellness retreats and online communities, finding tools to develop self-love is more accessible than ever.

“Don’t be afraid – that would be the biggest piece of advice I could give you. Whilst it may feel uncomfortable and intimidating not feeling connected to who you are now, this is an opportunity for you to reconnect with yourself – and in my experience, this usually means an exciting transformation is coming. You’ve got this,” concludes Harvey.

Self-love is the cornerstone of better mental health, improved physical well-being, stronger relationships, and personal growth. We create a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life by embracing self-love. As we move forward, let us remember that loving ourselves is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for achieving true wellness.

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.