Life’s seemingly endless procession of work, home, family, and financial obligations can make you feel trapped in a treadmill. When your schedule gets hectic, it’s easy to deprioritize self-care in favor of other, more urgent tasks. The idea of putting yourself last may seem practical and even altruistic, but self-care cannot be postponed indefinitely. Here we’ll look at the importance of self-love to physical and mental health, and suggest a few self-care practices you can put into action today.
January 2023 is Self-Love Month, a time to highlight the self-care tools and activities that help us recharge our minds, refuel our bodies, and inspire our souls. But it may surprise you to know that the concept of self-love is relatively new. In the 1890s, William James wrote extensively on self-esteem, but it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that the idea of self-love took center stage. In the 1960s, with the world reeling from two world wars, more sociologists and anthropologists began to look at self-love as a path to greater cooperation and peace.
In the 1970s, as the link between self-care and physical and mental health became clearer, companies began incorporating self-care into their advertising messages. Today, self-love and self-care are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle, with many employers offering improved working environments and more flexible schedules.
For you to be at your best, your body, mind, and spirit should be at their best too. Let’s look at a few ways you can make self-love an important part of your self-care regimen. Self-love comes in as many forms as there are people. The important thing is to identify the activities and habits that nourish you and to make them part of your daily routine.
Here are just a few ways you can get started…
Nutrition affects every part of our lives—including our ability to think effectively and stabilize our mood even in times of stress. Without essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, our bodies cannot perform at their best. Look at the food you eat, and examine their nutritional value with a critical eye. Eliminate “empty calories” and include more “superfoods” in your diet. The benefits are not only physical. A healthy diet can improve mood and help maintain emotional resilience.
Doing something that nourishes your soul can seem challenging, or even self-indulgent, but if you’re not feeding your core creative self, you’re not bringing your best self to your interactions with others. Find the thing that draws you to it—it could be music, art, cooking, pottery, or running—as long as it brings you joy.
These days it seems more difficult than ever to save a little time for yourself. Plans encroach, and the unexpected arises, and soon you find that the time you set aside for self-care has gone. So you put it off and tell yourself it’s okay. This time, try something new. Defend your time, as though it were a healthcare appointment… because it is! The time you spend de-stressing and refueling will make you a better worker, spouse, sibling, and friend.
In today’s hustle culture, it’s easy to believe that the only way to get ahead is to work nonstop. The truth is that overwork (and its associated stress) is bad for your physical, mental, and emotional health. They can result in hypertension, digestive issues, and disturbed sleep. If it helps, think of it this way—rest is how we let our bodies and minds refuel so they can handle future tasks with confidence.
Maybe you just got promoted at work, or closed escrow on a new house. Why not celebrate your wins with a party, a night out, or a mini-vacation? Acknowledging life’s victories is a great way to elevate your mood and to build connections with others.
Much of who we are as people is decided by genetics before we’re born. Genetics influence our confidence and our self-esteem. They separate the go-getters and they have a voice in how we handle adversity, including grief and loss. Maintaining a healthy diet can ensure your body of the nutrients it needs for physical strength, mental acuity, and emotional resilience.
Developing self-esteem can help us build our “emotional immunity,” making us more able to handle adversity and to adapt to change. It may be tempting to think of “me time” as self-indulgent but consider this: nothing functions at its best without care, not your business, not your car, and not you. So why not take the time needed to nourish your whole self?
Self-love has also been linked to a reduced risk for suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. Those who practice effective self-care regimens see benefits to physical health, mental functioning, and emotional adaptability.
At Key Assets Kentucky, we understand the importance of creating a holistic health plan that supports your physical, psychological, and emotional wellness. We also know something about people. That’s why we feel self-love and self-care are so important. By helping clients build healthful self-care habits now, we hope to improve their long-term health.
Have questions? Our team is waiting to hear from you!
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
In Training for EMDR Certification
Undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and a double minor in Veteran Studies and Social Intelligence and Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University. Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from EKU.
Loves working with teenagers and young adults and specializing in gender and sexuality issues.
Fun Fact(s): Originally from Philly. Loves going Shark Cage Diving and Rock climbing with her husband. Has an 8-year-old dog named Charlie and who is spoiled.
In Training for EMDR Certification
I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kentucky.
I have experience with medical case management at UK Good Samaritan Hospital as well as a psychiatric inpatient at Eastern State Hospital. My approach is person-centered but integrative.
Fun Fact(s): I’m originally from Southeastern Kentucky and I love the mountains of Appalachia. I enjoy working with all types of populations!
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminology from Morehead State University
Master of Education in Counseling & Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College
Has over 25 years of experience providing mental health and substance use therapy services to primarily incarcerated individuals and adjudicated youth.
Fun Fact(s): Enjoys yoga, hiking, biking, participating in interesting adventures with her life partner, and spending time with Louie, “the coolest dog in the universe!”
I have over ten years of experience and further education working with families and children in their development and life fundamentals.
I truly think this field is my passion, and watching the growth is extremely rewarding for me!
I strongly believe that if we can make a difference in someone’s life in any way, we should go for it.
I hold my associate’s degree in early childhood education and hope to pursue my bachelor’s soon.
Fun Fact(s): I own my own metaphysical store! Entrepreneurship is also a strong passion of mine as well.
I have had a passion for helping others since I was a little girl. I’m thankful to be a part of this amazing team and for fulfilling my purpose of helping others.
I am currently enrolled at SNHU, where I am in the Human Services program. Pursuing my Bachelor’s degree.
I love spending time with my family.
Fun fact(s): I can sing! I’ve been singing in church since the age of 5.
I received both my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a concentration in children and adolescents. I received my Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling.
I enjoy working with all populations and ages. I have a passion for working with children and their support systems to assist them in reaching their goals.
I am an advocate for destigmatizing mental health care.
I have an integrative therapeutic approach, often using techniques from person-centered approaches, play therapy and mindfulness.
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy reading and playing video games. My favorite form of self care is meditation and using mindfulness strategies!
Certified Domestic Violence Advocate
In Training for EMDR Certification
Several years of experience helping victims of interpersonal violence, clients with substance use disorders, and children
Background in conducting gender-responsive and trauma-informed assessments
Fun Fact(s): She loves to cook for family and friends
5 years of experience providing therapy and mental health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings
Emphasis on motivational interviewing and nurturing a collaborative relationship with clients to address crises, ongoing life stressors, and symptoms of mental health diagnoses.
Preferred treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Interpersonal Therapy
EMDR-trained
Passionate about working with the geriatric population, as well as survivors of trauma and individuals (of all ages) who experience depression and anxiety.
Fun Fact(s): A Lexington native, presently living in Berea, KY, who enjoys nature, crafting, and writing poetry.
Enjoys working with people in all stages of life, drawing on their strengths to move through life’s struggles and live fully in ways that once seemed impossible
Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology
Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri
Fun Fact(s): I’ll choose a family hiking, camping, or hammocking adventure over a fancy dinner 8 out of 10 times, especially if all the kids, grandkids, and giant Labradoodle come along.
Undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Child & Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.
Over one year experience in case management, serving individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances in a community-based setting.
Special interest in the vulnerable population.
Fun fact(s): I love football
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Kentucky State University and a Master’s in Education from Lindsey Wilson College
I have training as an Adlerian therapist who utilizes a CBT approach
I have a special interest in anxiety, depression, and suicide
I love to work with clients of all ages and populations
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy swimming for self-care and walking with my dog.
Undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services
Master’s degree in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
I enjoy working with individuals & families who have been impacted by abuse. I have a passion for assisting and supporting clients to reach their highest potential. I meet clients where they are and accommodate treatment based on individual therapeutic needs.
Fun Fact(s): I love to golf!
Several years of experience working with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), identifying food deserts in Kentucky, and assisting families facing food insecurities. Enjoyed working with at-risk youth and hosting groups geared toward empowering teen girls.
TF-CBT trained
EMDR-trained
Interested in CPT, Art Therapy, utilizing ACEs, and trauma-informed care with diverse populations. Would like to help remove stigmas associated with mental health and eliminate barriers to service.
Passionate about the fact that healing from trauma can be powerful and positive for everyone
Fun Fact(s): An avid reader and absolutely loves relaxing at the beach
Undergraduate degree in psychology at UK. Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I love working with children of all ages, their resiliency is inspiring!
Fun Fact(s): I have a VERY active puppy named Oaks! We love to spend time outside.
Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Spanish
Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Kentucky
In Training for EMDR
Two years of experience working with adolescents and parents
Can provide therapy services in English and Spanish
I enjoy working with people of all ages and walks of life.
Fun Fact(s): I love trying new hobbies and foods. My favorite hobbies right now are cooking, weightlifting, pickleball, and reading.
Undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Kentucky, master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy
I have a special interest in LGBTQAI+ populations, transgender transitioning support and gender-related support, grief and bereavement
I love to work with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have pet reptiles including a turtle and several snakes
Over six years of experience as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Expertise in helping victims of domestic violence
EMDR-trained
Likes working with people of all ages and developing solid therapeutic relationships with clients, providing a space where people can feel safe and heard to promote healing and positive change
Fun Fact(s): She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her (adorable) dog
Undergraduate degree in history from Asbury University.
Deep appreciation for person-centered work.
An avid reader of classical and fantasy literature.
Writer of stories.
Fun Fact(s): I prefer manual typewriters to computers by far
Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree and has Undergraduate degrees in Anthropology & Criminology from West Virginia University
Special interest in PTSD and trauma care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and foster parent support
I enjoy working with junior high and high school-age clients
Fun Fact(s): I love punk rock music, sewing my own clothes, and spending time at my family’s farm!
Undergraduate in Social and Criminal Justice from Georgetown College
Experience with case management from the detention center
Enjoys making various connections within the community for further collaboration of services
I love working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): The beach is my happy place; I go as often as I can.
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University
7 years of case management experience in the residential and community setting
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and am interested in gender-related support, ASD, and medically complex populations.
Fun Fact(s): I love to explore caves with my family and read anything fantasy. Avocados are my favorite food!
BASW from the University of Kentucky
10 years of case management experience
I enjoy working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have 2 dogs and love to garden
Passionate about helping adults and children with all areas of mental health
Graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors’s and the University of the Cumberlands with a Master’s.
Background in substance abuse treatment
Credentials: M.A., L.P.C.A., and T.C.A.D.C.