Self-Love on Valentine's Day
Photography by Sarah Halwani
Here we are again. It’s almost Valentine’s Day. The holiday many of us absolutely dread regardless of our relationship status. It’s a day that can send even the most levelheaded person into a tailspin, due to high expectations, the feeling of being “alone” or simply just feeling the pressure to spend money to “prove” our love for someone. You guys get it.
No matter what “situation” you find yourself in on Valentine’s Day this year, I think it’s time that we reframe our mindset when it comes to this Hallmark holiday… which in reality is just another day. Maybe this year, you can make your Valentine’s Day a little bit more about yourself and a little less about proving your worth or how much you love your significant other.
How can you do that? With some self-care, of course! There is no better way to show yourself some love than by truly caring for yourself, and I am a huge fan of self-care in whatever way feels right for you. Not sure what I mean? Here are 3 ideas for how to love yourself on Valentine’s Day (or all weekend since it falls on a Friday this year)… and beyond:
1. Hit up your favorite workout class. One of the easiest ways to almost instantly feel better about yourself and do something good for your wellbeing is to get moving. I don’t need to go into detail about the benefits of exercise… we alllllllll know by now that it’s not only good for the body, but for the mind, as well… so tomorrow, start your day by going to your favorite yoga class, or maybe sweat it out at SoulCycle. Whatever it is that gets you excited to workout and leaves you feeling amazing and accomplished after… just go do it!
2. Buy yourself flowers. Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone or with someone, you can still take a moment out of your day to appreciate you. Buy yourself a nice bouquet of flowers or a little potted plant to brighten up your desk at work. Being around flowers and plants can have a positive impact on your mental health… and it’s been proven that floral scents can help take the edge off and make us feel less anxious… a win/win!
3. Take a bath. Studies have proven that taking a bath at the end of the day can improve your mood significantly due to the warmth of the water, the isolating sensation it creates, and the horizontal position of the body (which we associate with relaxation and vulnerability). So, when you’re winding down for the evening tomorrow night, consider drawing yourself a warm bath with alllllllll of the luxuries you can think of to go along with it… epsom salt, essential oils, bubble bath, candles… and maybe even some crystals and a glass (or two) of wine if you really wanna go there.
So, to wrap it up: love it or hate it, try making Valentine’ Day a little more about you this year (even if you have someone to celebrate with… self-love is still important). Pick one of these three things with the intention to celebrate yourself and see how you feel! Or try all 3 if you have the time to do so… that will really leave you feeling zen AF, and I guarantee that you will give many less f*cks about how you spent or didn’t spend your Valentine’s Day. Personally, I’m going to workout class in the morning with one of my girlfriends… and then I think I’ll treat myself to boujee $7 coffee at my favorite coffeeshop… and then I’ll be spending the evening celebrating with my boyfriend… the best of both kinds of love!
And no matter how you’re celebrating this year, from the bottom of my heart, I hope your day is full of all the love and light you can imagine. Happy Valentine’s Day!
xo,
Kelsey