Self-love is the practice of valuing and treating oneself with compassion, kindness, and respect. It is an essential aspect of one’s emotional well-being and mental health. Neuroscience has shown that self-love is not just a subjective feeling but has a basis in the brain’s functioning.
The limbic system and self-love
The brain is a complex organ that governs all aspects of our lives, including emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. It is composed of several interconnected networks, which work together to regulate our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Among these networks, the limbic system, which is responsible for emotional processing, is of particular importance when it comes to self-love.
The limbic system consists of several interconnected structures, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, particularly negative ones, such as fear, anxiety, and stress. The hippocampus, on the other hand, is responsible for processing memories, including emotional memories. Finally, the prefrontal cortex, which is located at the front of the brain, is responsible for higher cognitive functions, including decision-making, self-control, and self-awareness.
How self-love impacts the brain
Research has shown that self-love is associated with increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for self-awareness and self-control. Self-love is also associated with decreased activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for processing negative emotions such as fear and anxiety. This suggests that self-love has a positive impact on our emotional regulation.
The role of dopamine in self-love
Furthermore, self-love has been linked to the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. When we engage in self-love activities, such as self-care or self-compassion, our brains release dopamine, which makes us feel good. This reinforces the behaviour, making it more likely that we will continue to engage in self-love activities in the future.
The impact of self-criticism on the brain
In contrast, self-criticism and negative self-talk have been linked to increased activity in the amygdala and decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which can cause negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Negative self-talk also releases stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can have a negative impact on our physical and emotional health.
The benefits of practising self-love
Research has shown that practising self-love can have a positive impact on our mental health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that self-compassion was associated with lower levels
Furthermore, self-love has been linked to the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. When we engage in self-love activities, such as self-care or self-compassion, our brains release dopamine, which makes us feel good. This reinforces the behaviour, making it more likely that we will continue to engage in self-love activities in the future.
In contrast, self-criticism and negative self-talk have been linked to increased activity in the amygdala and decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which can cause negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Negative self-talk also releases stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can have a negative impact on our physical and emotional health.
Therefore, the way we treat ourselves has a significant impact on our emotional well-being and mental health. By engaging in self-love activities, we can rewire our brains to promote positive emotions and reduce negative ones. This can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Ways to practice self-love
There are several ways to practice self-love, including self-care, self-compassion, and mindfulness. Self-care involves taking care of our physical and emotional needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in physical activity. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and empathy, as we would a close friend. Finally, mindfulness involves being present at the moment and accepting ourselves and our experiences without judgment.
Research has shown that practising self-love can have a positive impact on our mental health. For example, a 2014 study found that self-compassion was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. Another study published in 2021 found that people who practised self-love had higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
Takeaway
Self-love is not just a subjective feeling but has a basis in the brain’s functioning. Neuroscience has shown that self-love is associated with increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, decreased activity in the amygdala, and the release of dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. The neuroscience behind self-love highlights the importance of treating ourselves with compassion, kindness, and respect for our emotional well-being and mental health.
Self-love is a critical aspect of our emotional and mental health, and neuroscience has provided insights into how it impacts the brain’s functioning. By engaging in self-love activities such as self-care, self-compassion, and mindfulness, we can rewire our brains to promote positive emotions and reduce negative ones. This can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life, with lower levels of anxiety and depression, and higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize self-love and make it a regular practice in our lives.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
