Whether you’re single or coupled up, Valentine’s Day should be fun – for everyone! It’s the perfect opportunity to spend a little time self-pampering, out with your best friends, spending time with family, or cozying up to your main squeeze.
What’s the best and easiest way to show a little love? Start by pampering yourself a little bit! Most of us forget that we need to take care of ourselves once in a while. It’s not selfish or an indulgence to keep ourselves happy – it’s a self-care necessity that helps us to keep going and give our best to the people we love!
In fact, every person should set a Valentine’s Day tradition of giving themselves a little extra self-care – either to start your day right before your big night out, or as the main event (for those who don’t get enough time for themselves). Because we know some of you out there have forgotten how to take care of yourself, we’ve put together a list of little ways to show yourself some love this February, or any time you need a pick-me-up.
1) Finally find the time to go to the gym. Taking care of your health is a great way to show yourself some love and increase your happiness.
2) Relax and let go. Just for one day, eat what you want and get some extra sleep. You don’t have to stay sloppy long term, but giving up on perfectionism is a good way to lighten up your days.
3) Pick a night and take yourself out on a date. (Yes, really!) Get dressed up and eat a fancy dinner out, check out a museum or art gallery you’d like to visit, or just buy yourself flowers. It’s not weird to spend time alone – you should be treating yourself to the things you enjoy every so often.
4) Give yourself a break. Decide that for Valentine’s Day you’re not going to criticize yourself. This is really important advice, and can work for any time: Don’t ever speak to yourself in a way you wouldn’t speak to a close loved one. Stay positive.
5) Make a list of books and movies that you’ve been dying to see, and then pick one and go see it, or buy it. Then decide to spend the whole day / evening enjoying it.
6) Invest in yourself. Sign yourself up for a class, pick up a hobby you’ve been wanting to try, or try out a new sports activity. You might make new friends, uncover a hidden talent and learn something about yourself.
7) Give yourself permission to ditch the “fear of missing out” (FOMO) and decide instead to really enjoy some hermit time in your pajamas binge watching television. Don’t check Facebook. Then take this to the next level by taking a bubble bath or dancing around to your favorite embarrassing music.
8) Go big and book a vacation for yourself. Why not? When you invest in experiences, rather than buying things you don’t need, you’re guaranteed to boost your happiness and make good memories.
9) Busy moms and ladies out there: Plan a spa day, complete with a massage. Or give yourself a home manicure, pedicure and facial. Sometimes, it really is the little things that count.
Bonus tip: Really commit to yourself by deciding it’s okay to say “no” to other people’s requests sometimes. Learn to love yourself and how to recharge in a healthy way, so you can really be there for the people you care about most!