Valentine’s Day is an overly commercialized holiday, yet it remains to hold the power of making people without a significant other feel lonely. Not to worry, I’ve got your back this February 14th with some simple ways to show yourself some love. Feel free to try one or all of these self-love practices this month to remind yourself of how lovable you are!
1. Treat yourself to an at-home spa night
An at-home spa night seems cliché, but it can mean anything and involve something different for everyone. Face masks, candles, a bubble bath, a good book and a yummy tea may seem like a given, but I encourage you this Valentine’s Day to try and take it a little further. I like to incorporate some yoga (my favourite is YogaWithAdrienne on YouTube), a hair mask, an at-home pedicure and putting on some whitening strips. Remember to show yourself some physical love this month and try something new for your body.
2. Take yourself out for a coffee date
This is one of my favourite ways to check in with how I’m feeling and show myself some love. I think it’s difficult to remember that you don’t need a significant other to ask you out on a date; look in the mirror and ask yourself! If you’re here in Waterloo, some of my favourite places to visit are The Bauer Kitchen, Seven Shores, Williams and Coffee Culture. You can put on some makeup, do your hair, throw on an outfit that makes you feel good and grab a coffee or snack in your own company. Choosing to do things for yourself by yourself can be intimidating but trust me, it’s so rewarding.
3. Write yourself a love letter
This can be a super intimidating task, but I challenge you to try this out. Whether you journal regularly or it’s something you’ve never tried, consider this to be a mindful writing task and a practice of self-love. Sit down with a pen and paper or your writing medium of choice and write yourself a kind, compassionate letter filled with love. This can mean anything you want it to; it’s very versatile! You can look up some prompts or simply write what you love about yourself. Either way, take this time to remind yourself of how valuable you and your love are.
4. Get outdoors and get moving
Moving your body is the best way to show yourself some love and getting outside makes it much better. Soak up that vitamin D and honour your body and its powerful heart, mind, soul and breath by strutting your stuff. Hot girl walks have been trending for a while now, for good reason, but you can do any movement of your choice. Moving your body helps to increase your body’s levels of serotonin and dopamine (big words, I know), which ultimately helps lower that stress and increase those smiles. You and your body are so worthy of love this Valentine’s Day, so get outside and get moving to show yourself some love.
5. Spend some tech-free time with friends
In this digital age, we spend hours staring at our screens; whether it’s for school, work or personal use, technology seems to consume our days. I encourage you this Valentine’s Day to spend some tech-free time with friends to show your BFFs and yourself some mindful love. Surround yourself with those who love you and remove yourself from the digital world. It can be so refreshing to spend uninterrupted time with yourself and others and it is bound to make you feel connected and loved. Truthfully, spending time with your galantines is always better than having one valentine.
6. Watch your favourite rom-com
Grab some snacks, dim the lights, light a candle and take off those jeans because it’s time to get cozy. Rom-coms are good any time of the year, but the proximity to February 14th makes them that much better. Whether you watch them alone or with friends, turn on your favourite rom-com and just hang out. Own your you-time and try to disconnect. Forget your to-do list, put down your phone and bring your attention to yourself. It’s easy to bombard your mind with thoughts when you are feeling low. Take some time to clear your head space and remind yourself that love is all around and within you!
There is no way you’ll be feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day when trying out one of these self-love practices. Whether you’re taken, single or “it’s complicated,” self-love remains to be the most important kind of intimacy any day of the year; so whether it’s February 14th or April 14th, check back in and try something new to remind yourself of how lovable you truly are.
Happy loving (because you’re totally cute jeans)!