The Journey to Self-Love Through Self-Care
02/04/2022
We spend our days and nights taking care of others, finally collapsing on the sofa with our minds already racing about the next day. Where’s the self-love? What happened to self-care? A lack of it can affect our physical and mental well-being as well as our self-esteem.
In fact, according to everlywell.com, a lack of self-esteem “impacts your decision-making process, your relationships, your emotional health and your overall well-being. It also influences motivation, as people with a healthy, positive view of themselves understand their potential and may feel inspired to take on new challenges.”
Dr. Lena Weinman, medical director at Douglas J MedSpa in Okemos, agreed that self-care is important.
“Self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact,” Weinman said.
In winter months seasonal affective disorder also plays a role in how we feel about ourselves physically, and Weinman encouraged those suffering to speak with a health coach/therapist, regularly exercise, eat plenty of fruits and veggies, get into a better sleep routine, and consider light therapy. She also said boosting energy can come from a multitude of sources. Weinman said a focus on supplementation of zinc/vitamin C/B vitamins, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, meditation/mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and engaging in meaningful/enjoyable activities can make a difference.
It’s not only women who need self-care; men can benefit as well, according to Weinman. She is seeing an increase in men looking into med spa services.
“The study of beauty and aging typically focused on the female face/body,” said Weinman. “The increasing interest in cosmetic procedures, by men, is multifactorial. A desire to be more competitive and youthful in the workforce, the growing social acceptability of cosmetic procedures, and increased awareness of the safety and efficacy are all contributing factors to the increase in male patients.”
So where do you begin with self-care and how does it relate to aesthetic services?
“Self-care … encourages a normal practice of eating well, exercising, spending time with others and quality sleep,” Weinman said, adding that self-care in the form of aesthetics can help individuals recharge, recenter and rebalance in their own well-being and happiness.
It’s up to the individual to decide how far self-care travels. But Weinman’s experience working with women as a board-certified OB-GYN and the combination of the two specialties — obstetrics and gynecology — has led to a diversity of medical understanding and patient needs. Her passion for advocacy of women’s general and mental health has easily transitioned into the Douglas J MedSpa environment, allowing for continued advocacy of health and wellness with aesthetic self-care.
Weinman will tell you with passion that aesthetic self-care can play a part in self-love that will do the heart some good.
To find out more about Weinman or to schedule a consultation, visit douglasj.com or call (517) 349-0430.