It’s that time of year again. You’ve made it through the holidays, things are finally starting to wind down a bit, and you’re dreaming of longer days and warmer weather. You walk through the dollar section of Target (because let’s be honest, you can’t go to Target and NOT check out the dollar section) and you notice red and pink garland, heart shaped window stickers, and chalk board signs reading “Be Mine.” The candy aisles are filled with conversation hearts and boxes of assorted chocolates. Every greeting card you see is covered with hearts, glitter, and a baby with a bow and arrow.
That’s right, it’s Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or hate it, let this Valentine’s Day be the day you give something special to the one person you likely forget about every year. Yourself! Let the day dedicated to showing love to others be the day you start showing love to YOURSELF with a little self-care.
Let’s explore the four main areas of self-care:
- Mental
- Physical
- Social/Emotional
- Spiritual
A good self-care regimen includes engaging in activities that fulfill all four areas, so let’s discuss some ways you can incorporate self-care not only into your Valentine’s Day, but also your everyday life!
Mental- This can be something as simple as taking some time “off.” Not just off of work, off of everything! Watch that show on Netflix you’ve been wanting to see. Start that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand for weeks. Take a nap! Not able to take time “off” around Valentine’s Day? No worries! Take your lunch break to listen to a podcast you enjoy, or that new album you just downloaded. Give your brain time to recharge, and you will likely end up more productive than before.
Physical- This doesn’t mean going to the gym every day, or training for a 5k (although those ARE great forms of self-care for some people) Something as simple as going for a walk, riding a bike, or doing yoga are all great ways to show yourself some love. Along with fueling your body with food that makes you feel good, and plenty of water! Nothing more romantic than 64oz of H20 right?
Social/Emotional- This Valentine’s day, reach out to a family member or an old friend that you haven’t spoken to in a while. Reconnect and let that person know you are thinking about them! Other great forms of social/emotional self-care include going to a sporting event, participating in a how-to class (I’ve been wanting to start gardening, so you can hold me to this one!) or volunteering at a community event.
Spiritual- Spiritual self-care is not limited only to prayer and attending religious services. Something as simple as taking a walk in nature, or meditation can recharge your spiritual self. There are some great meditation apps out there that can help you get started. What a great Valentine’s Day gift to yourself!
It’s important to remember that what works to recharge one person may not work for another, and that’s okay! Explore different methods of self-care, and decide what works best for you.
This Valentine’s Day, write a love letter to yourself with your self-care plan! Keep it in a special spot and remember that self-love is just as important as the love you have for others! And go ahead and get that adorable chalk board sign from the dollar section because YOU deserve it!