Valentine’s Day. It's traditionally a day of love, chocolate, roses, and hearts. Whether you are single, married, divorced, dating, or in a long-term committed relationship, Valentine’s Day can bring up a variety of emotions. This year, despite your feelings for or about Valentine’s Day – try observing the holiday in a new and unique way.
No matter your relationship status, you are in a life-long relationship with yourself. We spend so much time taking care of others, working hard at jobs, studying, or stressing about life that often, we forget to take care of ourselves. It takes effort to love and acknowledge the relationship we have with ourselves.
Here are some suggestions on how to have that perfect “Love Yourself” Valentine’s Day.
- Create a vision board. A vision board is a display that has words or pictures on it that shows what you want to do, be, or have in life. Many people feel that by creating a vision board, you reinforce your intentions and help manifest them into becoming reality. Start your self-love journey by clarifying what it is you want, creating it on a visual board so that you can see it each day, and then working on making it happen. Check out Pinterest for many ways to create your own vision board.
- Have an at-home spa day. Take the day, or even just an hour or two, and pamper yourself. Get all the supplies you need in advance – bubble bath, a robe, slippers, an eye mask, some soft music, and anything else you may need. Since it is Valentine’s Day, maybe splurge on some chocolates, peppermint bath salts, and a natural sea sponge! Take time to soak in a tub, relax, take in the aromatherapy, and enjoy it. Just be still and disconnect for a while.
- Send yourself a love letter. Letter writing has become a thing of the past, but letters used to be exciting to receive in the mail. On this Valentine’s Day, spend time writing a letter to yourself – maybe to your future self. Mail the letter, or give it to someone else to mail on a certain date. Ask them to set a reminder in their calendar so they do not forget. It will be a wonderful surprise when you receive the letter one day, especially since you may have forgotten that you wrote it.
- Sing your heart out. You may know that exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress, but did you know that singing does, too? It is a type of aerobic movement, so it also releases oxygen into your blood, improving circulation. So, this Valentine’s Day, pick out your favorite song, and serenade yourself.
- Try something you’ve always wanted to do. Do you have a bucket list of things you have wanted to try but have been too busy or nervous to tackle it? Do you have an adventurous side, but have been scared to “go for it?” Now is the time to try skydiving or bungee jumping. Maybe you’re hoping to try something more relaxing that you have not gotten around to like aerial yoga or camping? Sign up for a class, or book a campsite. Is there creativity inside that you want to let loose? Try out a paint-your-own-pottery studio. Whatever it is, go ahead, take the leap, and sign up. If you do not want to go alone, check out meetup.com and see if there is a group already started. If not, start one of your own and see who else decides to join in on the fun!
No matter what you choose to do, don’t let Valentine’s Day go by without celebrating your love for yourself. Of course, you can celebrate others as well, but be sure to take care of your first and longest relationship.