The Science of Self-Love: Why Being Kinder to Yourself Actually Works

Mary's Cup of Tea: the Self Love Podcast for Women · Sep 17, 2026 · 34m

There’s a lot more to self-love than feeling good about yourself. Though self-compassion is clearly associated with better mental health, stronger relationships, healthier behaviors, and greater resilience, the interesting part of the research is what happens underneath all of that: how changing the way you relate to yourself can actually change the way you behave, especially when you fail, struggle, or suffer.

So let’s dive into the science of self-love and self-compassion to uncover some surprising ways they can change your motivation, emotional regulation, and relationship with failure…