Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, but, even if you’re coupled, there’s an even more important relationship you should be working one: the one with yourself. So, whether you’re gearing up for a weekend solo, or just need some “me time,” here are some foolproof ways to show yourself some love, on Valentine’s Day and everyday.
Give yourself a spa treatment
It might sound cliché©, but this is one of the most necessary steps in a self love routine. Decide on one night each month or week or whatever you can manage and clear your schedule. Light some candles, put on some music and take that green tea bath. Do that avocado face mask. Do that coconut oil hair treatment. Paint your nails. Touch up your eyebrows. Whatever it is that makes you feel like the most fabulous creature on earth, do it.
Make a list of things you like about yourself
You have strong legs, you know how to make people laugh and your hair grows really fast. Or maybe you’re a good listener, have nice hands and can pull off a hat like it was made for you. There are so many things about you that are worth loving, so take a couple minutes and make a list of all the things you love about yourself. Maybe even put the list on your bathroom mirror for those mornings when you need a gentle reminder.
Dress and do your makeup how you like it
That black pencil skirt and tight turtleneck outfit that makes you feel like an absolute boss? Wear it. Wear that dark red lipstick that makes you feel like a total femme fatale. Wear the boyfriend jeans and worn in tee and beanie that makes you feel impossibly cool. Wear that hot pink tracksuit and white sneakers that make you feel like an early 2000s pop star. If it makes you feel good, buy it in every colour and wear it every day.
Eat in a way that feels good to you
If you know that the cheese plate your friend put out is going to upset your stomach, don’t eat it. If red wine gives you a headache, don’t drink it. If you feel like you should be ordering a salad for dinner but all you want is pasta, get the pasta. If everyone else is ordering pasta and all you want is a salad, get the salad. Get to know what foods make you feel bloated and tired and what foods make you feel healthy and happy.
Exercise in a way that feels good to you
Exercise can make you feel strong, gorgeous and radiant or it can make you feel like tired, discouraged and inadequate, so get your fitness in whatever way feels good. If the thought of doing squats and kettlebell swings at CrossFit sounds like your personal nightmare, go to barre instead. If the thought of getting up early to go for a run makes you want to stay in bed, do some sun salutations. Do exercise that makes you feel good in your body.
Spend time with people who love you
You know those people that are full of kindness and compliments and leave you feeling loved every time you see them? Like your best friend, when she goes on about how great you look? Or your boyfriend, when tells you how proud he is of your success? Or your mom, when she reminds you how strong and capable and kind you are? Spend time with those people. Spending time with people who love you will remind you to love yourself.
Forgive yourself
One of the most important steps in loving yourself is forgiving yourself for not doing all the things that you feel like you’re supposed to be doing. It’s ok that you only made it to the gym once this week. It’s ok that you didn’t go the birthday of that friend of a friend that you don’t even like. It’s ok that your house isn’t clean. At the end of the day, don’t think about all the things you didn’t do. Think about the things you did do and know that tomorrow is a new day.
