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Practicing Self-Love This Valentine’s Day

Baileigh Hannah Student Contributor, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! To my readers who are in relationships, I hope you have an amazing day with your loved one! And, to all my single readers, keep your head up! Relationships do not define who you are and the stage of life you are in. I wanted to write about self-love not just for the single ladies on here, but also, just for women in general. I feel like we are constantly being told that we are not enough, and that needs to change. Here are a few ways we can take time out of our day to focus on ourselves and our well-being!

Build a Self-Care Routine

Women are constantly held to high expectations in society for how we should look and act. This leads to women thinking that the person they are is not enough, and they need to change themselves to mold into what the “ideal woman” is. If this has been put in your head, I want you to take these negative thoughts, crumble them up and throw them as far away as you can. You are enough! To show yourself some love, take time for some self-care! This can include: structuring your own workout routine, taking a nap, trying a relaxing activity, cooking/baking for yourself and engaging in new hobbies. Have you ever wanted to try crocheting? Or baking a new dessert? Or finally, taking that yoga class you’ve been thinking about? Jump into it! The world is yours to grasp.

Practice Positive Talk

There’s a universal quote out there that we are our worst critics. If we only say negative things to ourselves, then those negative thoughts are going to stick with us and kick the positive ones to the curb. Instead of bringing yourself down, build yourself up! You can say simple things throughout the day, like: “I am confident, “I am beautiful” and “I forgive myself.” Your friends, family and other people in your life think you’re an amazing person, so you have to trust in yourself and be positive!

Enforce Your Boundaries

There may be people in your life that are toxic, or make you feel like they bring the worst out of you. You may be putting all your effort into these relationships, leaving no time for yourself. You don’t necessarily have to cut these people off, but maybe create some boundaries in these relationships so you can have some time for yourself and your own needs. At the end of the day, if too much time with a person is leaving you drained and exhausted, it may be a good idea to put a little time and distance between you! Your health comes first!

All in all, love yourself! You are an amazing, hard-working person that deserves the world! Make your life as happy and meaningful as you can. Thanks for reading!

Baileigh Hannah

Illinois '25

Baileigh is a passionate English major that also loves to dabble in creative writing. When she isn't writing, you can find her rewatching The Office, reading a book, or listening to new music!