"People look good; now they want to feel good."
I heard this sentence 6 years ago while watching Li Elderkoort speak at a Business of Fashion conference.
Fashion executives know the importance of self-care, especially in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry.
The one coaching tool my clients have found the most valuable to amp up on self-care is taking the 5 love language test.
It blows my mind each time, knowing it's also entertaining and free.
The 5 Love Languages are a set of personality traits Dr. Gary Chapman developed, describing how we give and receive love:
Words of Affirmation;
Acts of Service;
Receiving Gifts;
Quality Time;
Physical Touch.
Understanding your dominant love language can be incredibly powerful in learning what makes you feel cared for and loved.
It's also important to recognize the love languages of those around you, especially your partners, friends, and family members, to better communicate with them and show your love to them in ways that resonate with them.
Figuring mine allowed me to communicate differently at home: Receiving gifts scored highest on my son's list and the lowest on mine; a relief for my husband:)
Now, how do the 5 Love Languages impact our self-care routine?
Well, once we know your love language, we can identify the activities that will help us feel most loved and incorporate them into our daily routine as acts of self-love.
For example, my love language is Quality Time; scheduling time to do something I really enjoy and create some "me time" between work and kids.
If your love language is Words of Affirmation, notice the voice in your head. Can you make it kinder? Journaling is a great tame that voice and shift it to speak to yourself more kindly, boosting self-esteem.
Plus understanding the love language of those around you is incredibly beneficial in building and maintaining healthy relationships at home and at work.
If you're in a leadership position, recognizing your team members' love languages allows you to communicate with them in a way they feel cared for, and ultimately build a more positive and productive work environment.
I invite you to take the 5 Love Languages test and discover how such a simple and fun tool can also result in powerful opportunities for self-discovery and self-worth.
Let's prioritize self-love this summer and let me know how your love language gave you insights on yourself and those around you.
Your future self will thank you.
Warmest,
Agathe