Love Thyself Through Regular Self-Care
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and love is in the air. Some of us will spend the day with a romantic partner, while others are focused on loving themselves. The holiday is a chance to express love for friends, family and that special someone. But most importantly, Valentine’s Day is a good reminder that you deserve love, too!
The best way to show yourself some love is through self-care. You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day, either. Build these self-care activities into your daily life so you can feel the love all year long.
- Watch a movie marathon: At the end of a long day, you might have time to squeeze in a few episodes of whatever you’re currently watching. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to spend the evening on a full-blown movie marathon! Settle in with a trilogy or binge-watch an entire season. Before the show begins, whip up your favorite cocktail/mocktail and some homemade trail mix. Set the right mood by lighting a few candles and curling up with your pet beneath a mountain of blankets.
- Snap photos of nature: Photographing nature has tons of benefits. You’re getting fresh air, which relieves stress and clears cluttered thoughts. Walking to a scenic location gets your workout in for the day, especially if you have to travel uphill or a long distance to get there. Photography is a fun and relaxing pastime that helps you appreciate the natural beauty around you. Taking pictures of nature is all about noticing the little details that get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily routines. You’re literally stopping to smell the roses!
- Try something new: Everyone has a list of things they’ve always wanted to try. Valentine’s Day is a good time to start crossing activities off that list. Maybe you’d like to book a fancy massage or redeem a free yoga class at your local fitness center. You could sign up for a book club or volunteer at the community garden. This helps you find a work-life balance that makes time for fun activities every day, not just Valentine’s Day.
- Throw a dance party: Dancing is the ultimate feel-good workout. Jamming to some upbeat music can release endorphins and put a smile on your face all while working up a sweat. You can invite friends over for dance-themed video games or have a solo dance party in your bedroom. The best part is you don’t have to know how to dance to enjoy this activity. Crank up the tunes and get moving!
- Get your zen on: If dancing isn’t your thing, create a calm atmosphere and go full zen. Meditation offers so many health benefits like reduced stress, better mood, increased focus, good sleep hygiene and more. Prepare your space with mood lighting, scented candles or an essential oil diffuser. Play some meditative music or natural ambience in the background. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and observe the flow of your thoughts, free from judgement.
- Savor the little moments: Find time to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, even in the middle of a hectic work day. Take a few minutes to hold a warm mug in your hands and breathe in the steam of your coffee. On sunny days, sit next to a window and bask in the afternoon sunlight. Every day is filled with opportunities to be present if you know where to look for them.
- Treat yourself to a small gift: Valentine’s Day is the time of year when people splurge on chocolate and flowers. But you don’t have to wait until the holiday to show yourself some love. Choose a new shade of lipstick, go out for ice cream or grab takeout on your way home. You might even splurge on some supplements to improve your health—body and brain! Find ways to indulge in the little luxuries every once in a while. Treating yourself is a small token that helps remind you that you deserve to be happy.
- Take yourself on a date: You don’t need a special someone to enjoy a fun night out! This is your chance to plan the whole evening and do whatever you want. Dine at a fancy restaurant, then go to the movies on your own. Or, pack a picnic and watch the sun set. Flying solo means you get to go on the date of your dreams.
Self-care isn’t reserved for Valentine’s Day. You deserve to show yourself some love every day of the year. Incorporating one or two of these activities into your routine can dramatically bolster your total mind and body wellness. When people love themselves, they’re better capable of loving others in their life. Your wellbeing should always come first!
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