February 12, 2021|Self-Care
When you think of love, do you think about a relationship? Most of us do. We assume that the feeling of being loved originates from another person. This is why occasions like Valentine’s Day can cause feelings of loneliness and disappointment. When we look to others to make us feel special, treasured, and cared for, we deny ourselves the opportunity to receive love in other ways.
The truth is, all you need is self-love. You can feel all the wonderful and amazing feelings you associate with being loved by someone else on your own!
Sure, it’s nice to have a Valentine. But don’t convince yourself that having one is a prerequisite for feeling satisfied, valued, or admired. You can still experience all of the positive emotions and sentiments of Valentine’s Day, simply by making the decision to be your own Valentine.
So… it’s time to put a plan in place for your special day!
Here Are 5 Self-Love Ideas for Valentine’s Day
1. Order In Your Favorite Meal
Sure, COVID-19 has put a damper on the usual dining-out experience. But who says you can’t still enjoy a candlelight dinner? Why not have your favourite cuisine delivered and create a relaxing and romantic ambiance with soft lighting, roses, or background music? Treating yourself to the food you enjoy most is an excellent way to celebrate yourself on Valentine’s Day.
If you prefer company but don’t have a romantic partner, you can also invite friends or family members to a Zoom call and make it a social event! Play games, do a craft together, or simply chat and enjoy spending virtual time together.
2. Write a Love Letter to Your Future Self
If you have ever received a love letter, you know that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with reading words that were chosen just for you. So, why not give yourself that experience? This is one of the best self-love tips, as it really is a powerful way to honour the positive traits and attributes you see in yourself. Write down what makes you proud to be you. Write down where you hope to be by the time you open the letter. Give your future self words of encouragement.
Trust us, when the time comes to open the letter, you’ll have forgotten what you wrote and reading those words will have a greater impact than even you predicted!
Here are some writing prompts to help you get started:
I hope that you are remembering to treat yourself with kindness by…
Remember that you are strong and capable of…
You are beautiful. Take the time to appreciate the things you love about your body, like your…
You are special because…
3. Make Your Own Honey and Oat Face Mask
Is there anyone who couldn’t use a day at the spa? This is a great, budget-friendly alternative that works wonders for your skin. Plus, it’s super relaxing and a super enjoyable way to pamper yourself.
Honey is a natural antibacterial, making this mask ideal for those who are prone to blemishes. But that’s not all— it’s also an antioxidant, which means it will prevent signs of aging and leave your skin feeling restored and youthful!
What better way to celebrate yourself on Valentine’s Day than checking out your newly rejuvenated reflection in the mirror?
Follow this DIY face mask recipe to get your glow on!
4. Get Cuddly
Yes, you can enjoy that warm, snug feeling even if you’re having a solo celebration. Try putting your favorite cozy blanket in the dryer for a while on low before curling up to watch your favorite movie or grab pillows from other rooms to make your bed extra comfy for the evening.
Other ideas include thick reading socks, pouring yourself your favorite hot beverage, or inviting your pet onto your bed for some quality relaxation.
We’re willing to bet that when you’re all wrapped up and snug as a bug, you’ll be glad you made the decision to be your own Valentine!
5. Make Your Mental Health a Priority
Taking care of your mind is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. If you’ve been struggling to feel healthy, happy, and fulfilled in your life, it may be a good idea to speak to a professional who can help you put a plan in place.
There are many credible professional organizations that offer online therapy sessions and affordable payment options, so you can receive counselling without leaving your home or stretching yourself thin financially.
When you take the time to evaluate what is causing feelings of stress, anger, sadness, or overwhelm and seek out solutions, you are better able to enjoy and be present in your own life.
We recommend visiting the Affordable Therapy Network website or contacting your local health authority for more information about the services available to you.
These self-love tips are just the beginning. There are countless ways to love yourself on Valentine’s Day and throughout the entire year. Don’t limit yourself to just one day! Keep experimenting with different practices until you find the ones that have the greatest impact for you— then make them a part of your regular routine!
Interested in learning how to create your own personal self-care plan? Check out our previous blog post for a complete step-by-step guide.