Real Beauty, Real You: Why Self-Love is the Key to Happiness
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- Mar 24
- 5 min read
March is Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women from all walks of life. It’s a reminder to uplift each other, challenge outdated norms, and embrace the unique qualities that make every woman extraordinary. One of the biggest challenges women face today is the pressure to meet unrealistic societal expectations, often leading to self-doubt and unhealthy comparisons.
In our conversation with Ms. Elle Torres, a psychologist from Doctor Anywhere, we explored how women can break free from the cycle of comparison and cultivate self-love. Here’s what she had to say about embracing authenticity, setting boundaries, and supporting each other in a world that constantly demands more.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
"These unrealistic expectations come from many places—society, traditions, family expectations, and even our own inner voice telling us to be perfect," says Ms. Elle. "Women are often told to balance everything—from career to relationships, to motherhood, and personal well-being. This can make them feel like they’re never doing enough or that they’re never enough. But the truth is, perfection is an illusion. Every woman has her own strengths, her own dreams, and her own journey."
The constant pressure to meet external standards can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic stress can negatively impact mental and physical health, increasing the risk of conditions like depression and heart disease. The key to overcoming this? Shifting the focus from external validation to self-acceptance.
Social Media and the Comparison Trap
Social media can be a double-edged sword. "It can be a beautiful space for connection and inspiration, but it can also make us feel like we’re falling behind," explains Ms. Elle. "It often shows only the best moments of people’s lives, making it easy to compare our reality to someone else’s highlight reel. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt."
Studies show that excessive social media use is linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem. The key to maintaining a healthy relationship with social media is mindful consumption. Ms. Elle advises: "Remind yourself that what you see online isn’t the full story. Everyone has struggles—they just don’t always share them."
How to Start Practicing Self-Love
Embracing self-love begins with treating yourself with kindness. "Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can learn to appreciate what makes us unique," says Ms. Elle. "Taking small steps like practicing gratitude, speaking kindly to ourselves, and celebrating personal achievements can make a difference."
Some practical ways to cultivate self-love include:
Daily affirmations: Replacing self-criticism with positive self-talk.
Journaling: Writing down accomplishments and things you're grateful for.
Setting boundaries: Distancing from people or situations that fuel comparison.
Practicing self-care: Prioritizing rest, hobbies, and activities that bring joy.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), self-compassion is linked to improved mental health, increased resilience, and greater life satisfaction.
The Power of Setting Healthy Boundaries
"The first step is acknowledging our limits," says Ms. Elle. "It’s okay to admit when something is too much. Learning to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty is essential for protecting your time and energy."
Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about ensuring emotional well-being. Ms. Torres suggests prioritizing self-care: "Rest, hobbies, and personal time aren’t selfish—they are necessary. Surround yourself with positivity and distance yourself from situations that make you feel inadequate."
Lifting Each Other Up
Women don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. "We rise by lifting each other," says Ms. Elle. "Sometimes, the best support is simply reminding another woman that she is already enough."
Encouraging honest conversations, celebrating each other’s wins without comparison, and offering a listening ear can make a big difference. "Instead of pushing impossible standards, we can create a culture where women feel seen, supported, and valued—just as they are."
Ms. Elle Torres leaves us with a powerful reminder: "You are enough. You always have been. You don’t have to fit into a mold or meet anyone’s expectations to be worthy. Your value isn’t determined by how you look, what you achieve, or how much you do for others—it’s in who you are."
Instead of chasing impossible standards, embrace what makes you different. "That’s where your true beauty lies."
If you ever need support, seeking help from a mental health professional, like the experts at Doctor Anywhere, can be a great first step toward embracing your authentic self. You can use the Doctor Anywhere app for convenient and discreet online sessions with psychologists.
You can also subscribe to DA Healthwise annual health plan for just ₱99/year. Enjoy 24/7 discounted video consultations with mental health experts and doctors anytime, anywhere!
Unlike traditional health insurance plans with fixed monthly fees, DA Healthwise operates on a pay-per-use basis. This means you only pay for doctor consultations when you need them, eliminating the burden of monthly premiums.
DA Healthwise subscribers will get discounted rates on all video consultations with a variety of healthcare professionals, all conveniently accessible through the Doctor Anywhere app:
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Our healthcare providers are available daily, including weekends and holidays, ensuring you get the care you need anytime. General practitioners are available 24/7, on-demand, with an average wait time of 5 minutes, or by appointment. Our mental health experts and specialists are also available daily by appointment.
Download the free Doctor Anywhere app and use a promo code on your first video consultation to save:
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One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet. Promo runs from Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024. *Promo runs from May 1, 2024 - Apr. 30, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024. ^Promo runs from June 3, 2024 to June 2, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-194645 Series of 2024. Visit https://www.doctoranywhere.ph/promos-and-discounts for more information.
Sources:
1. Torres, Elle. Interviewed on 26 February 2025.
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