Different love languages – one healthy heart

Chances are you’ve heard of the love languages. This concept, first introduced by pastor and author Gary Chapman, suggests that everyone has a preferred way of expressing love and affection, whether through words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, physical touch, or quality time.

Here’s a thought, though: just as it’s crucial to show appreciation for the people in your life, you need to give yourself a little love, too. Here’s how you can apply the love languages to your heart health.

Physical touch: Caring for your body

Whether it’s a hug or a handshake, it doesn’t matter how you experience affection – the effects are the same. Within minutes of touching someone (or being touched), your brain releases oxytocin, a hormone essential for human bonding and connection. Oxytocin further plays a role in regulating moods and reducing stress.

Touch also stimulates the production of dopamine and vasopressin, other feel-good hormones that contribute to overall wellness. That’s why it really does help to have a hug when you’re feeling low or why a simple touch on the arm when you’re talking to someone makes you feel more connected.

Of course, there are other ways to get that ‘feel-good’ factor. Gentle exercise, like walking, stretching, and yoga, is especially effective here. It helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) while releasing endorphins, nature’s painkillers. There’s a caveat here, though: excessive high-impact exercise may, in fact, place strain on the body. Always listen to what your body is telling you, and if you feel pain or fatigue, take a pause.

Words of affirmation: caring for your mind

Many of us get angry with ourselves in difficult situations, berating when we should be encouraging. But would you speak to your best friend in the same way? Here’s why it’s important: when the messages you give yourself are kind or positive, they build your self-esteem. That, in turn, keeps you motivated and makes you feel capable and competent.

If you’re battling with this, try journaling and mindfulness. It’s a good way to keep track of your mindset, which helps you grow from a paradigm of ‘how could I get that so wrong’ to ‘I’m trying my best, and when I know more, I can do better’. If you need a little help moving towards this mindset, consider speaking to a mental health professional who can help you address deeper issues and equip you with tools to navigate challenging situations.

Quality time: Being present for your health

What’s on your mind right now? Chances are you’re thinking of deadlines or your endless to-do list – all worthy concerns, to be sure, but what about making time for fun? Many of us feel guilty when we use our time to explore new hobbies or even just relax. Society tells us that being productive is more important.

However, connecting with the pastimes and people we love not only helps us reduce stress (crucial for mental health) but also ultimately leads to greater productivity and creativity. Time spent doing what you love, rather than what you should be doing, is a shortcut to joy.

Acts of service: Doing small things that add up

Did you know that doing good for others actually has benefits? That’s because acts of service – whether it’s volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, giving blood, or simply doing a favour for a friend – help build connection, which is key to mental wellness. Acts of service also help to stimulate those happy hormones, dopamine and oxytocin. Since we feel good about ourselves when we help, acts of service build self-esteem, too.

And while you’re looking out for others, don’t forget to look out for yourself. Self-care isn’t only about bubble baths and pamper sessions. It’s about doing the hard (and not very glamorous) things, like getting preventive health screenings. Scheduling a cholesterol check or a mammogram now is one way to ensure your health and happiness.

Gifts: Investing in your future self

We might take for granted basics like sleep and nutritious food, but these are the basics of good health. Did you know that sleep, for instance, helps to boost heart health by regulating blood pressure and assisting in weight management? It also helps to lower inflammation, which is linked to heart disease.

Your diet is another critical part of your heart health toolbox. Opt for foods like oily fish (high in protective omega-3 fatty acids), wholegrains (great at lowering cholesterol), nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Of course, these are just the building blocks. Sometimes, we need a little extra care. So, check in with yourself regularly: do you need to talk to a therapist? Is it time to take a holiday to avoid burnout? Remember that these are not indulgences; they are an investment in your future wellness.

Any love language will do

It doesn’t matter which love language you choose. Each one has the potential to enhance your heart – and general – health significantly. Every action you take to nurture your physical well-being and safeguard your mental health counts. And choosing self-care is the greatest act of love.

Written for Medihelp by Lisa Witepski