This Valentine’s season, why not focus on practicing self-love in the form of self-care? Whether you’re single or in a relationship, spending time focusing on caring for yourself can be incredibly empowering. If you’re not sure where to start, try taking some time for yourself each day to do something that makes you happy. It could be something as simple as taking a long bath, going for a walk in nature, or indulging in your favorite comfort food. Remembering that you are worthy of love and connection and that continuing to explore your personal interests is an important step in creating a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Give yourself a break – take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a nap
Taking the time to give ourselves a break can be one of the most empowering decisions that we make. Taking care of our own emotional and physical needs models to others in our life the importance of self-care. Whether it’s drawing up a hot bubble bath and adding in your favorite essential oils, snuggling under a blanket with a favorite novel, or taking an afternoon nap, intentionally taking time away from the hustle and bustle of life is an act of self-love and compassion. Taking these breaks allows us to reconnect with our core needs and have the strength to face difficulties when they arise. It is ok to not always power through–sometimes taking a mental timeout can help increase our creativity, productivity, and joy for life.
Exercise – even just going for a walk can help improve your mood and energy levels
I know- you may not want to hear this one, but going for a walk can be one of the best ways to improve your mood and energy levels. Nothing beats the feeling of being out in the fresh air, surrounded by nature or great architecture, clearing your head as you move step by step towards a goal. Taking time to sneak away from our hectic daily lives and moving into any kind of exercise is essential to both your physical and emotional well-being. Setting aside 20-30 minutes to complete some kind of activity, such as walking, will make all the difference. The endorphins released during exercise can help reduce stress levels, resulting in greater mental clarity that can provide powerful insight for positive growth and development. Tie up those laces and go for a walk today. It is never too late to take the next step towards self-care.
Connect with nature – spend time outside in the sunshine, fresh air, and beauty of nature
Reconnecting with nature is one of the most empowering and uplifting experiences available to us. We can immerse ourselves in the sunshine, breathing in the fresh air, let it fill us up, and restore us. Being out among the beauty of nature brings to our conscious awareness that we are all connected – a part of something far greater than ourselves. Nature offers perspective, hope, courage, and inspiration. So put on your walking shoes or hat, put your phone away if you can manage it, open up all your senses, and get ready to be filled with the beauty that just being outside in nature has to offer.
Spend time with loved ones – they can help remind you of how special and loved you are
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by taking some time to spend with the people you love. Each moment spent with a supporting friend or family member can serve to remind us of how special and fully loved we are. Noticing and celebrating the unconditional love these individuals bring is like receiving a gift that never runs out. These moments may fill us up with strength, courage, and insight – powerful components that can help us live happier and more authentically in our lives. Show your gratitude to your loved ones, and yourself, by valuing the time you get to spend together. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you.
Write down things that make you happy – looking at them when you’re feeling down can help cheer you up
One of the best things you can do to brighten your day when it feels like everything is going wrong is to journal. Start by creating an art journal – a journal specifically dedicated to the things (or moments) that make you feel whole and happy. Don’t over complicate things. This isnt about perfection but about presence. Your journal can be as artistic, or as creative as you’d like; this is your time, so let yourself run free! Include anything that makes your heart full – from a photo of your family to a great quote, from a song that reminds you of all the good things in life to a stunning landscape. These will form reminders of where and who you are in the here and now moments as you navigate life, lifting you up in times of need and reminding you of the important and beautiful things you can celebrate.
Do something nice for someone else – it’ll make you feel good too!
Paying it forward is an amazing way to spread kindness and do something special for someone else. It’s easy to start – whether you pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line or make a small donation to a charity, do something that offers service to somebody else with no expectation of anything in return. You’ll feel great knowing your actions made an impact on someone else’s life, and you can be sure that same feeling will come back around in some form or another. No matter how big or small, take a step today to pay it forward today- your heart will thank you for it!
Conclusion
There is no better time than Valentine’s Day to show yourself some love, kindness, and care. By taking the time to consciously give yourself a break, exercise, get out into nature, connect with loved ones, write down what makes you happy and do something nice for someone else – these are all actions that will lead to higher levels of self-love. Incorporate Valentine’s Day themes of kindness, love, and connection into your daily life. Harness the power of gratitude and optimize the coming weeks by thinking of those little things we often neglect. Doing so can help people feel more connected with themselves than ever before. Take some time out for you, be it a special massage or spa treatment, holding hands with a significant other, cooking up something special along with your roommate/partner/friend, or by simply setting aside an hour to do something alone which brings you joy – now it’s finally time to treat yourself in whatever way feels gently nurturing! What will you do to show yourself some love and care? Share in the comments below!