No matter how tired I am, the one beauty ablution I always make time for is applying body lotion. It’s not just about moisturizing my skin; it’s a way for me to connect with my body and show gratitude for its existence. This simple act of self-touch through moisturization can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.
According to psychotherapist Lauren Baird, moisturizing your body goes beyond vanity. It can actually help with anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Our nervous systems have different branches, including the sympathetic nervous system (associated with fight or flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (associated with calmness and connection). Engaging in supportive self-touch, such as applying lotion, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and help reduce anxiety and stress.
In addition to promoting calmness, moisturizing your body also increases your interoception, which refers to body awareness. When we can tune into how we are feeling, we are better able to cope with our emotions. Taking the time to show love and care to our bodies through a daily moisturizing session can enhance our appreciation for ourselves.
As women, we face immense pressure to meet certain beauty standards, which often leads to body shame. This shame can cause us to disconnect from our bodies and neglect self-care. By prioritizing the act of moisturizing, we can counteract these negative feelings and cultivate a sense of kindness and compassion towards ourselves.
Self-compassion is the key to overcoming self-criticism and fostering a positive body image. When we criticize our bodies, it only amplifies feelings of dissatisfaction and lowers our self-esteem. This self-criticism also activates our stress response, leading to increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and potentially contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
On the other hand, self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness, noticing when we are struggling, and responding with gentle care. It deactivates the stress response and allows us to truly care for our bodies. True happiness does not come from shrinking ourselves to fit societal expectations; it comes from finding joy in activities that feel good and nourishing to our bodies.
Instead of solely focusing on how our bodies look, it’s important to shift our attention to the functions they perform. By appreciating our bodies for what they do for us, we can alleviate the pressure of needing to love our bodies based on appearance alone. Engaging in activities that bring us joy, such as dancing, movement, yoga, or even a simple walk, can help us appreciate the capabilities of our bodies.
Moisturizing your body is not just a beauty routine; it’s an act of self-care and self-connection. By engaging in supportive self-touch, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system, reduce anxiety, increase body awareness, and cultivate self-compassion. It’s time to prioritize our bodies and show them the love and care they deserve.
To learn more about self-acceptance and embracing your true beauty, visit HELLO!’s Beautiful You hub for expert advice and guidance. Remember, you are worthy of self-love and appreciation.