Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate all types of love. For many people, that means celebrating their romantic partners. Personally, I think there are other things to celebrate on Valentine’s Day. What about celebrating the most important relationship you’ll ever have- the one you have with yourself? Why not try something new and practice self-love this Valentine’s Day.

How Self Love Helps Romantic Relationships

When I was single, I hated Valentine’s Day. People spent so much time focusing on couples and shaming those who didn’t have a partner. Finally, I realized that I had a much more important relationship to celebrate- the one I have with myself. I started focusing on learning to meet my own needs, going to therapy, practicing self-care, and learning to truly love who I am, inside and out. 

Once I reached a place where I didn’t need anyone else to make me happy, it weirdly got easier to have relationships with others. I found support and strength within myself and I found freedom in my interactions with friends and family. Instead of depending on loved ones to create joy, they just got to be themselves and I got to be me. 

When I realized that I didn’t need a relationship to find happiness, I fell back into a relationship with my Ex, now fiance. Yet, this time it was healthy, not toxic. We were focused on being better together. 

Relationships are great additions to life, but you have to learn to live your life first. You have to learn to be happy with yourself before you can do life alongside someone else well.

So, this Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate in a different way? Instead of focusing your energy on having a significant other, or not, spend your holiday caring for your mental and emotional health and loving who you are today.

How to Show Self Love This Valentine’s Day

The most important thing to remember when celebrating Valentine’s Day self-love style is to focus on spending time meeting your own needs. Practice self-compassion, relieve stress and lower anxiety. Yes, pamper yourself, but keep your health in mind.

Sometimes when we think of all the things we enjoy, we come up with a list of unhealthy habits. I challenge you to truly love yourself by finding a balance between the unhealthy things you love and the healthy ones. 

It’s OK to indulge in that glass of wine but don’t down the bottle. Have a piece of chocolate or two but don’t eat the whole box. Watch your favorite show but don’t spend the entire day in front of the TV. Life is all about balance. You want to feel good at the end of your Valentines Day/self-love day. That means choosing healthy ways to care for your body. 

How to Have a Self-Love Day

A self-love day is exactly what it sounds like, you dedicate the day to loving yourself and doing things you enjoy. Make space for your passions and dreams. Find appreciation for the life you have. You can even work to make amends with the past and find hope for the future. Focus on self-care and do whatever you need to so that you feel refreshed and renewed at the end of your self-love day.

Self Care Ideas

• Get up early and take some quiet time for yourself 
• Exercise
• Take a walk/hike outside in nature
• Read
• Journal- writing is a great way to clear your mind
• Take a relaxing bath or shower
• Light some scented candles 
• Diffuse aromatherapy oils 
• Try a salt float
• Make yourself a nice meal and eat it in peace, without any distractions.
• Wear something that makes you feel pretty or sexy, even if it’s just for yourself.
• Go out to lunch/dinner with a special someone. This doesn’t just mean a romantic partner- think a friend, loved one, maybe even your mom! Just enjoy a meal with a person you appreciate.
• Eat foods that nourish your body.
• Meditate
• Spoil yourself at the spa! You could get a massage, a manicure/pedicure, a haircut, or all of the above.
• Go to therapy- processing life with a therapist is a super helpful way to care for your mental health.
• Write a list of all you have to be grateful for
• Pray
• Spend time with friends
• Enjoy time with family
• Play- channel your inner kid, or borrow a kid if you don’t have one, and relieve stress by being silly. Go to the park, play hide and seek, the key is to laugh and forget you are supposed to be a responsible adult.
• Create something
• Treat yourself- buy yourself a small gift or special dessert
• Listen to music or a podcast
• Watch your favorite movie or show
• Laugh
• Drink enough water
• Dance
• Watch the sunset/sunrise
• Sit by a body of water
• Put your phone away
• Take a day off- forget your responsibilities for 24 hours

Remember that the relationship you have with yourself is one worth celebrating. Take time for self-care and practice healthy habits, not just on February 14th but every day. If you need some more ideas for showing self-love, here are more articles about the importance of self-care:

• Love Your Body Affirmations
• The Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
• To Know Yourself is to Love Yourself

Remember, our lives are a gift. Celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, and not just romantic love. Notice the gift that you are to the world. Boldly embrace your passions and be your unique, beautiful, self.