Do you accept yourself as you are?
Many people are not comfortable with themselves in their daily lives. There are several aspects of their lives that they do not accept: physical flaws, their personal situation, their abilities or lack thereof, the environment around them...
Due to the daily stimuli surrounding us, we create an idyllic image of our life or how it should be. When we perceive that reality is different, or we are aware that it is not all as we would like, a feeling of frustration, anguish, or anxiety is generated, which also influences low self-esteem. Real life is not a perfect Instagram post, or an edited advertisement where nothing is imperfect, and we must be aware of that. Comparing ourselves to these idyllic images is part of the problem; comparing ourselves to other people is the other part. We tend to look only at what we fail to do well, but which other people do accomplish. This creates in our minds the idea that we are not enough.
What is "Wabi-Sabi"?
Today we bring you a term from the East related to acceptance and the imperfections of life. The term Wabi-Sabi comes from Japan and was part of a 12th-century philosophy, which they expressed through decoration, but more than decoration, it was a lifestyle. Wabi-Sabi is based on observing the world as it is, and accepting it as such. This term accepts the imperfections of nature, the natural cycle of life, with its growth and decay.
How can we define it simply?
Nothing is perfect and nothing lasts forever. Wabi-Sabi shows love for everything that has some imperfection, and that is what you should learn to do to improve your mental health. You have to see, as in this philosophy, that every "defect" or "imperfection" you believe you have does not make you less, but rather that you are a unique person.
Are there any benefits?
Yes, accepting the natural imperfections of life brings a series of benefits. Psychologist Tomás Navarro explains that learning to live with these imperfections is not complacency, and it changes your world. By seeing that you are an "imperfect" person, you begin to see that you can learn a lot to improve, and this opens your mind, allowing you to change positively. It also helps to better adjust your expectations, making them more realistic, so the decisions you make will be achievable, and this will avoid the frustration we mentioned at the beginning of the blog.
If you apply this mindset to the other aspects of your life, whether family, relationships, etc., you will realize that imperfections lead to improvement.
For example: We are not the perfect couple, so we will commit daily to improving in that aspect, and that is not bad, quite the opposite.
What tools do I have to improve my self-esteem?
First, we introduce you to assertiveness. Using assertive communication will help you feel free and set limits to social impositions. If you learn to manage this, your thoughts regarding what society thinks will not affect you as much, and you will be able to focus on your own goals.
Secondly, you must be responsible for your life. This means you must perform tasks by yourself, even if it means facing new challenges (which is even more positive). In many situations, we think we are not capable of performing a task and try to get someone else to do it. When you do this, you feed the idea in your head that you are worth less than other people and that you do not have the same capabilities. Therefore, facing these situations by yourself, even if it does not go well, is good for you. As I mentioned before, Tomás Navarro explains that not doing something well only leads to improvement.
Seek healthy habits in your life. Exercising and eating a good diet will help you feel better. It is not about seeking an ideal physique or following strict diets. It is about getting some exercise to improve your physical health and eating a balanced and natural diet. Food is very important for mental health.
Although it may seem strange, numerous studies show that there is a relationship between the microbiota located in the intestine and the brain. Researcher Yolanda Sanz explains how the digestion of food generates microorganisms that are part of biological stimuli and affects emotions or the endocrine response to stress.
Some elements, such as the chemicals found in non-natural cosmetics, also affect our health. These harmful elements, known as endocrine disruptors, alter the normal functioning of our hormonal system. This has negative consequences for our physical and mental health.
That's why our last recommendation is: Always embrace what is natural, what is imperfect, not only for the planet but also for yourself!
