Loving yourself is a tall order in a society that stacks the odds against you. But with some understanding and acceptance, having compassion for yourself is a tiny rebellion that starts from within. The term “self-love” gets thrown around frequently in the wellness community, and its meaning—and how to achieve it—can be mystifying. Self-help culture reminds us how important it is to “love ourselves,” while at the same time, social media urges us to pick apart our flaws and companies promise that self-love is just around the corner if we purchase their latest product. This internal conflict can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy—and that doesn’t sound like love to us. So why does it matter? While self-love may induce eye rolls from skeptics, there’s scientific evidence to back up its importance. Studies have shown that having compassion for yourself reduces stress and boosts overall well-being, encourages resiliency