Self-Love

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Looking after your mental health in 2025

Monday, 20 January, 2025

Self-love is defined as the intentional choice to show up for yourself, support your needs and wants, and honour your limitations. It means having an appreciation, affinity, and positive regard for yourself, understanding your own value, and treating yourself in a loving way.

At Bath Spa University, we understand the journey isn’t always straightforward, which is why, throughout January across our website and social media platforms, we are promoting self-love and asking the experts how you can best support your own needs.

Renowned author, social media influencer and BSU Education Studies and Drama Graduate Josh Fletcher, also known as Anxiety Josh, begins our look at self-love by defining its importance in everyday life.

Josh spoke to BSU in 2024 about his mental health journey and emphasised how important it is to show kindness to yourself as well as others:

“Self-love begins with tapping into the compassionate side of yourself and learning to turn it inward. While we’re often quick to show kindness and understanding to others, we can struggle to extend the same grace to ourselves. This is often due to negative beliefs or biases we’ve internalised, convincing us that we’re somehow less deserving. But the truth is, the rules of compassion don’t change just because it’s you. Practicing self-compassion is essential - it’s the voice that offers encouragement, support, and confidence, reminding you that you are just as important as anyone else. Don’t let yourself be the barrier to your own self-love.”

Being a university student comes with its own challenges, making it all the more important to look after oneself when the going gets tough.

At BSU, we are proud to offer a range of services through Student Wellbeing, providing a forum for you to discuss your needs and permitting access to safe spaces throughout our campuses. Our free Student Wellbeing helpline also offers professional wellbeing support alongside our on-campus services.

At this time of year, self-love is arguably more important than ever. Short, dark days and financial strain can impact mental well-being. Pressure from New Year’s resolutions can lead to comparison and self-criticism. Self-love helps you stay grounded, prioritise mental health, and avoid burnout. January is the best time to be kind to yourself and set realistic goals.

Easy Steps to practice Self-Love:

• Make peace with fears and focus on what matters most.
• Let go of perfection and view failure as a chance to grow.
• Acknowledge worries and embrace being human.

Signs You’re Practicing Self-Love:

• Prioritisingmental and physical needs and embracing all emotions.
• Finding purpose, celebrating progress, and recognising strengths and weaknesses.
• Treating yourself with the same kindness you’d show a best friend.

Remember: self-love is the foundation of a happier, healthier life.

Check out our social media accounts, where we discovered how members of the BSU community practice self-love.