10 Ways to Practice Self Love During Valentine's Season
Self Love is the Best Love
We are entering the season of love, with Valentine’s Day around the corner. As you know, this holiday revolves around expressions of love for others, but what about celebrating the most essential relationship in your life—the one with yourself? For some, being alone on Valentine’s Day may be tough; for others, it’s another walk in the park. In both cases, it’s important to pour love and appreciation into yourself during this time and, truthfully, for 365 days. You deserve to feel your best and show yourself some love, so we put together a guide on embracing solo dolo time during this Valentine’s season.
1. Mindful Morning Rituals: Kickstart Your Day with Intention
Start your day with mindfulness and self-love. Journal about self-love, relationships, your desires, and how this season makes you feel. We will forever encourage self-love affirmations that remind you how great you are. Spend some time off your screen and tune your energy inward, whether you are going for a walk to no music, practicing meditation or yoga, or reading your favorite book. Allow an intentional morning ritual to set positive intentions for the rest of your day.
Affirmations to Practice:
- I show myself love and compassion in many ways
- I am in love with who I am
- I radiate good energy and love
- I am deserving of all great things meant for me
(You can find more affirmations on our Pinterest)
2. Look Good, Feel Good: Pamper Yourself
You know what they say: “When you look good, you feel good,” and it’s the truth! Take a nice shower or bath, light your favorite candles, do your makeup, put on your favorite outfits, maybe take some pictures for Instagram, and give yourself the chance to feel good. With seasonal depression being common in the early winter months, it can be hard to roll out of bed some days, but when you do, it can make a significant difference in your mood that day. Push yourself to feel good; you deserve it.
Our team’s favorite ways to pamper ourselves:
- Face masks
- Getting our hair done
- Going to the nail salon
- Doing our makeup
3. Get Outside: Connect with the Outdoors
One of the easiest, and most free in a literal and figurative sense, ways to spend your time is to be outside. Whether it's a local park, a scenic hiking trail, or the city, spending time in nature is a form of self-care and self-love. While you are getting your steps in, you are reducing your cortisol stress levels, which is helping with your overall mental health.
4. Treat Yourself: Cook a Special Meal for Yourself
Take the time to make your favorite meals this season, and try that recipe you saved on TikTok or Pinterest a while ago. Romanticize your meals and make them an experience that you’ve been waiting for.
A few recipes we love:
5. Creative Expression: Unleash Your Artistic Side
Grab your favorite drink, turn on music to set the vibes, and start getting creative. One of the many ways we, as humans, can express ourselves is through creativity. Painting, writing, dancing, and singing are all ways to express yourself. You do not need to be Picasso or Beyonce to do this; you just need to allow yourself to embrace your emotions in that moment.
6. Mindful Movement: Exercise for Well-Being
Physical activity is a great way to boost your mood and overall well-being. Whether it's a home workout, dance class, yoga session, or a quick walk, choose a physical activity that aligns with your preferences and try to make it part of your everyday routine.
7. Digital Detox: Disconnect to Reconnect
It may sound impossible, but we promise it’s not. Reduce your screen time, allow yourself to be fully present for at least 30 minutes, and occupy your time with one of the nine other self-loving suggestions we have for you. Use this time to reflect, read, or engage in things that bring you joy without external distractions.
8. Reflective Journaling: Reflect on Self-Love
Our Self-Discovery journal has an entire section dedicated to love because we understand it is something we experience in many ways. Take some time to reflect and journal about all things love. Whether it’s self-love, love you crave, or love you have experienced, let it out and begin to feel and heal those parts of yourself. If you start to feel a little low, remember that that is okay. A way to make a comeback before finishing your journal entry is to express gratitude for what you do have.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How do you pour love into yourself?
- When have you abandoned yourself?
- How do you want your friendships to make you feel?
- What does dating yourself look like?
- What is something you value in all of your relationships?
(Found in our Self-Discovery journal under ‘Let’s Talk Love’)
9. Sit With Yourself: Enjoy Your Own Company
Spending time alone is not always easy, but once you figure out what you enjoy, you start to become your own bestie. Start by making a list of things you can do inside your home that you truly love, like rewatching your favorite Netflix show, baking, painting, or even trying new hairstyles. Then, make a list of things you love doing outside that you would not mind doing alone. Things like going to your favorite bar, shopping at Target, or taking a pottery class on pottery. Use this time to do things you’ve been waiting to do or to simply allow yourself to be. Enjoying your own company in this way can be a fulfilling and relaxing experience.
10. Reflect and Set Intentions: Look Forward with Optimism
Reflect on your experiences during Valentine’s season and how you’ve loved yourself along the way. Think about which activities and days brought you the most joy, and commit to incorporating them into your everyday life.
Next to using journaling as a tool for healing, we love a good playlist. So of course, we made you a feel-good Spotify playlist for you to jam to during this self-loving Valentine’s season.
A glimpse into our playlist:
- Self-Love by Dreamville
- Female Energy, Part 2 by Willow Smith
- Woman Like Me by Adele
- Love Yourz by J. Cole
- Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae
While Valentine's Day is seen as a way to express our love for others, do not forget that it is also a chance to celebrate the love you have for yourself through solo self-care. Embrace the chance to connect with yourself on a deeper level, and remember that your relationship with yourself is worthy of celebration every day of the year.