Neuroscience of Self-Love: Learning How to Love Yourself When You Don't | Praise Podcast

Jesus said to love our neighbors as ourselves. But what do you do when loving self is hard? Tune in for a lot of faith with some science-backed steps thrown in. 🎧

https://momo634.com/p/neuroscience-self-love

#bible #inspiration #motivation #motivational #inspirational #MentalHealth #faith #anxiety #communication #neurodiverse #selflove #selfcare #selfesteem #love #depression

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit momo634.com

00:00:00 --> 00:00:04 Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

00:00:05 --> 00:00:08 But what do you do when loving self is hard?

00:00:09 --> 00:00:14 Tune in for a lot of faith with some science-backed steps thrown in.

00:00:17 --> 00:00:17 Hello,

00:00:18 --> 00:00:20 and welcome to Momo 634,

00:00:20 --> 00:00:24 a bite-sized podcast that's chock-full of inspiration,

00:00:24 --> 00:00:25 motivation,

00:00:25 --> 00:00:26 and positivity,

00:00:27 --> 00:00:30 straight from the intersection of faith and mental wellness.

00:00:31 --> 00:00:33 Please like, share, and subscribe.

00:00:34 --> 00:00:39 Momo 634, motivational moments just for today.

00:00:49 --> 00:00:54 We've talked a lot about automatic negative thoughts here, ants.

00:00:55 --> 00:00:59 So it should come as no surprise that I feed myself these ants

00:00:59 --> 00:01:02 because I have low self-esteem.

00:01:03 --> 00:01:07 While the loving others part of Jesus' command may prove

00:01:07 --> 00:01:08 difficult for some,

00:01:09 --> 00:01:13 I find the as-yourself part hardest of all.

00:01:14 --> 00:01:18 Then I remember that Christ died for me.

00:01:19 --> 00:01:19 Therefore,

00:01:20 --> 00:01:20 to God,

00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 redeeming my soul was worth the matchless price paid,

00:01:25 --> 00:01:28 the blood of his only begotten Son.

00:01:29 --> 00:01:30 That's love.

00:01:31 --> 00:01:35 So how can I cultivate and maintain that love,

00:01:36 --> 00:01:40 despite what the goofy ants and OCD cognitive loops tell me?

00:01:42 --> 00:01:45 I have to work at retraining and rewiring my brain.

00:01:46 --> 00:01:48 It's called neuroplasticity,

00:01:49 --> 00:01:53 and scientists say it's eminently doable with effort and dedication.

00:01:55 --> 00:01:59 Neuroscientists explain that your brain believes what it hears

00:01:59 --> 00:02:00 repeatedly.

00:02:00 --> 00:02:03 It builds pathways around those messages.

00:02:04 --> 00:02:08 So if your inner voice is harsh, your brain reinforces that.

00:02:09 --> 00:02:11 But if you feed it consistent,

00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 believable confidence statements,

00:02:14 --> 00:02:15 it starts to shift.

00:02:17 --> 00:02:18 This isn't just theory.

00:02:19 --> 00:02:23 Studies from leading universities and institutions show that

00:02:23 --> 00:02:24 structured self-talk

00:02:25 --> 00:02:30 activates the same brain regions tied to reward and self-worth.

00:02:31 --> 00:02:33 It's not about pretending you're perfect.

00:02:34 --> 00:02:37 It's about reminding your brain what's possible.

00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 Now, layer in your environment.

00:02:41 --> 00:02:42 Social media,

00:02:42 --> 00:02:43 comparison culture,

00:02:44 --> 00:02:48 and constant pressure reinforce self-criticism.

00:02:49 --> 00:02:51 Your brain trims away unused pathways,

00:02:52 --> 00:02:55 so if you rarely practice self-acceptance,

00:02:56 --> 00:02:58 those circuits weaken.

00:02:59 --> 00:03:02 Just like a muscle that's not used atrophies.

00:03:03 --> 00:03:05 It's called synaptic pruning.

00:03:06 --> 00:03:07 The fix?

00:03:08 --> 00:03:12 Daily repetition of value-based self-talk that feels real.

00:03:14 --> 00:03:17 You can't rationalize your way out of negative self-talk.

00:03:18 --> 00:03:20 You need a daily practice.

00:03:21 --> 00:03:24 One study showed that people who repeated two personalized,

00:03:25 --> 00:03:29 confident statements per day reported higher life satisfaction

00:03:29 --> 00:03:30 and resilience

00:03:31 --> 00:03:32 within weeks.

00:03:34 --> 00:03:36 But not all statements work.

00:03:37 --> 00:03:40 Things like, I am perfect, often backfire.

00:03:41 --> 00:03:43 Your brain rejects what it doesn't believe.

00:03:44 --> 00:03:48 The most effective statements are reality-based,

00:03:48 --> 00:03:49 present tense,

00:03:50 --> 00:03:51 emotionally grounded,

00:03:51 --> 00:03:53 and repeated consistently.

00:03:54 --> 00:03:58 Start your day with one clear statement that reflects your values.

00:03:58 --> 00:04:01 Not a generic quote, but something personal.

00:04:02 --> 00:04:04 I'm learning to trust myself.

00:04:05 --> 00:04:07 I deserve kindness.

00:04:08 --> 00:04:09 These aren't just words.

00:04:09 --> 00:04:12 They're tools for rewiring the brain.

00:04:12 --> 00:04:18 So tonight, before bed, say something that feels true and kind.

00:04:18 --> 00:04:21 I'm allowed to rest.

00:04:21 --> 00:04:24 I'm proud of how I set boundaries today.

00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 These aren't just comforting words.

00:04:28 --> 00:04:32 They are actively helping to rewire the brain.

00:04:33 --> 00:04:35 This isn't just motivational fluff.

00:04:35 --> 00:04:40 It's one of the most promising, non-invasive tools in modern psychology.

00:04:41 --> 00:04:42 And it works in any moment,

00:04:43 --> 00:04:44 with no cost,

00:04:45 --> 00:04:47 just your voice and your intention.

00:04:49 --> 00:04:50 As always,

00:04:50 --> 00:04:54 the science-based studies are linked below this episode at

00:04:54 --> 00:04:57 momo634.com.

00:04:58 --> 00:04:59 Put this into practice.

00:05:00 --> 00:05:03 What's one positive statement you'll tell yourself today?

00:05:04 --> 00:05:06 Chime in below.

00:05:09 --> 00:05:10 Thanks for listening.

00:05:10 --> 00:05:14 To have episodes and or the daily Bible verse emailed,

00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 subscribe at momo634.com.

00:05:16 --> 00:05:21 To receive bonus perks and support this podcast,

00:05:21 --> 00:05:23 please become a premium Substack subscriber.

00:05:24 --> 00:05:25 Additionally,

00:05:25 --> 00:05:27 check out our line of devotional notebooks,

00:05:28 --> 00:05:29 inspirational wear,

00:05:29 --> 00:05:32 and faith-based gift items at the shop button at momo634.com.

00:05:32 --> 00:05:33 Have a blessed day.