We’re quickly approaching the day that you either love or it makes you roll your eyes in despair - Valentine’s Day. This year has got us thinking, self-love is more important than ever before as we live through these uncertain and often anxiety-inducing times, whether or not you’re fully loved up or a strong singleton (shout out to Galentine’s Day). In response to this, we’ve put together some tips to give yourself the love and care you deserve!
#1. It’s Not Sweat, It’s Sparkle!
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, a workout is the last thing you’ll want to be doing on Valentine’s Day, but exercise really is one of the most powerful forms of self-love. With gyms currently closed, spend some alone time with your body without any outside pressures and just do what makes you feel good. How about a relaxing yoga sesh or putting on your favourite girl-power playlist and dancing around your room, exercise releases happy endorphins that will leave you feeling alive and shining.
#2. Self-Love Is the Best Love
Start the practice of making Valentine’s Day special FOR YOU. Instead of hibernating all day, think of it as an opportunity to do all your favourite things. Watch your favourite film, call your best friend, take yourself on a walk with a podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to or read a self-love book (We recommend Untamed by Glennon Doyle or Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster). If you have a special someone in your life, you can adapt your activities so you both can enjoy them!
Valentine’s day is also one of the best days to treat yourself! If you haven’t bought yourself flowers before, do it - it feels really great and you hella deserve it. It’s also a great time to buy something you’ve had your eye on for a while or something you know that’ll make you feel gorgeous (perhaps a hand-printed Periodical loungewear set, or maybe the world’s first biodegradable vibrator from Blush Novelties Gaia - ultimate self-love for both you and the planet!)
#3. Good Food = Good Mood
We’ve all heard of ‘eating your feelings’ (especially during your period), which can lead to overloading on a whole tub of ice-cream, all the chocolate you have in sight with a sharing bag of crisps on the side. Although, we’ll be the first to say don’t ever let anyone tell you that’s not okay (I mean c’mon, it’s a rite of passage for Valentine’s Day) but we suggest doing it mindfully - it’s all about what is going to leave you feeling fab. All those carbs and sugary treats can be overwhelming for your body and cause your energy levels to crash (putting a downer on your day), instead, why not nourish your body with delicious nutrient-rich treats that you wouldn’t normally splurge on - fancy dips, yummy antipasti, maybe a home-made chocolate fondue with your favourite berries?
#4. When in Doubt, Zen it Out
When has a little pampering ever gone amiss? We’re talking baths, candles, face masks THE LOT. A good ol’ pamper session not only makes you feel special, it also reaps benefits for your body. There’s plenty of recipes out there for some natural face masks if you haven’t got any at home (and this is a perfect joint activity if you are sharing Valentine’s day with a friend or partner).
Time to get naked! Self-love bath rituals are really a thing, baths are perfect for relieving any tension in your body, by chucking in some essential oils, a bath bomb or some bath salts, not only will you smell divine, you will feel divine too!
Use all your favourite products, your best smelling moisturizer, your go-to perfume. Give yourself all the TLC, (yes, this would be a great time to try that new vibrator). Wear your favourite outfit, the one that makes you feel super good, whether that’s your tracksuits, the party dress you haven’t had a chance to wear yet or perhaps your best underwear paired with a Periodical kimono - trust us, you’ll be floating around feeling like the goddess you are.
#5. The Best of You Is Yet to Come
We know this is easier said than done but it’s time to give yourself a little pep talk, the negative things you say to yourself are things you wouldn’t dream of saying to family members, friends or someone you barely know. Why treat a total stranger better than yourself!?
There’s no complete guide on how to stop negative thoughts but incorporating daily affirmations can certainly help. Valentine’s day is the perfect day to write down all the things you love about yourself, think of it as a love letter, read it and then read it again, again, and again. If this is something you have not done before, it might take some practice but it could be the start of a regular practice of self-love and gratitude. Reminding yourself (ideally daily) on everything you have yourself to thank for will only help to multiply the appreciation, confidence and love you have for yourself - and hopefully each time your letter will get longer!
Note to reader: YOU and YOUR BODY are strong, powerful and beautiful. As hard as it may be, be kind to yourself and remember that all the love you’ll need is waiting to be released from your life-long lover (yourself!). Happy Self-Valentine’s Day!
