Feb. 17, 2024
By Marez Melad
Staff Writer
This article is part of an in-depth reporting project about self-care and self-love.
Practicing self-care and self-love can be a challenge, but students and faculty say it is worth the effort.
Junior Ciara Ciarlandini said she practices self-care and self-love by maintaining a skincare routine every night and saying positive affirmations.
“[Self-love] is the basis of building confidence and truly caring about oneself,” Ciarlandini said. “A person can practice self-care in their daily routine by doing things that make them feel happy and focusing on what they want and not what others think about them.”
Ciarlandini said there is no such thing as too much self-love and self-care, but there is a difference between vanity and self-awareness.
“Being vain is far different than being self-aware. People learn to look in the mirror and appreciate what they see looking back at them, but vain people have nothing negative they will see in the mirror,” Ciarlandini said.
“Self-love is important because it can contribute to a person’s mental and emotional well-being.”
Sophomore Joseph Brennen said he defines self-love as prioritizing one’s own needs. He said it is good to care about other people, but one should put themselves first and make sure they are emotionally, mentally and physically at their best.
“Having a routine of going outside, getting fresh air and talking to people is good for practicing [self-care],” Brennen said.
He said meditation and getting enough sleep are essential components of self-care.
“Take a moment, see where you [are] at and see if you are caring for yourself,” Brennen said.
English teacher Dr. DiMaggio said she practices self-love by filling every day with an activity she enjoys and spending time with her friends.
“Self-love is important because it can contribute to a person’s mental and emotional well-being,” DiMaggio said. “Self-acceptance and self-love can help a person be strong when facing challenges and can help a person to love others in a healthier way.”
DiMaggio said when she thinks about self-love, she recalls the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live.” She said in the ‘90s, it featured a skit called “Stuart Smalley” in which the main character looks in a mirror and repeats the phrase, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and, doggone it, people like me.”
“Although it was funny at the time, positive self-talk is a great way of practicing self-care,” DiMaggio said.
INFOGRAPHIC BY LILY ANDERSON This infographic reflects the responses of 93 LHS students.
Physical education teacher Ms. Auteri said people can practice self-love by being positive and humble. She said words impact feelings, so people who are negative and constantly put themselves down are damaging their well-being.
“A person should always be nice to themselves and to others… and also surround yourself in a healthy environment and create good energy,” Auteri said.
She said her advice to people who lack self-love and self-care is to do what makes them happy. She also recommends spending time with people who spread love and have similar interests.
“Most importantly, remember not to take life too seriously and laugh until your belly hurts,” Auteri said. “Laughter is the best medicine.”
