In the fast-paced world we live in, self-care often falls to the bottom of our priority list. But for Hannah Love, self-care is not just an option—it’s a non-negotiable part of her daily routine and a cornerstone of her healing journey. Through her experiences, Hannah has learned that taking care of oneself is essential not only for personal well-being but also for being able to support and uplift others.
Hannah’s journey toward understanding the importance of self-care began with years of neglecting her own needs. Like many, she believed that being strong meant pushing through pain, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil without asking for help or taking time for herself. “I thought self-care was selfish,” Hannah recalls. “I believed that I had to be everything for everyone, even if it meant sacrificing my own health and happiness.”
This mindset led Hannah down a path of burnout and emotional distress. She found herself constantly drained, both physically and mentally, with nothing left to give. It wasn’t until she reached a breaking point that she realized the importance of making self-care a priority. “I had to learn the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup,” she says. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have the energy or the strength to take care of others.”
One of the first steps Hannah took toward incorporating self-care into her life was learning to set boundaries. She began to say no to things that didn’t serve her well-being, understanding that protecting her energy was crucial to her recovery. “Setting boundaries was a game-changer for me,” Hannah explains. “It allowed me to focus on what truly mattered—my health, my peace of mind, and my happiness.”
In addition to setting boundaries, Hannah developed a self-care routine that became a daily ritual. This routine includes activities that nourish her body, mind, and spirit, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. “Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself,” she says. “It’s about doing the things that make you feel good, that restore your energy, and that help you connect with yourself on a deeper level.”
Hannah also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in the practice of self-care. For many years, she was her own harshest critic, constantly striving for perfection and beating herself up for not meeting unrealistic expectations. But as she began to embrace self-care, she also learned to be kinder to herself. “Self-compassion is a vital part of self-care,” she explains. “It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend.”
Through her work as a mental health advocate, Hannah now encourages others to make self-care a priority in their own lives. She believes that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity—something that should be integrated into daily life, not just reserved for special occasions. “Self-care is about making a commitment to yourself,” she says. “It’s about recognizing that you deserve to be cared for, just as much as anyone else.”
As Hannah prepares to share her journey at TEDx Miami, she hopes to inspire others to take their self-care seriously and to recognize its role in overall well-being. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of self-care, and she aims to show that when you make self-care non-negotiable, you not only improve your own life but also enhance your ability to support and uplift those around you.
Through her upcoming talk, Hannah will share practical tips on how to integrate self-care into daily life, offering insights that she has gained through her own experiences. Her message is clear: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential for living a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life.