We all know that Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with romantic love, or the idea of couples celebrating their relationship. No matter your relationship status this year, I want to encourage you to practice self-love this Valentine’s Day. Self-love is a crucial part of our mental health and well-being. It’s not just about feeling good in the moment, but about embracing ourselves and taking active steps to nurture our mental and emotional health.
The idea of self-love can sometimes get lost or misunderstood so we are here to set the record straight! Self-love is love, just directed inward instead of outward. Self-love is about cultivating compassion, respect, and understanding for yourself. Showing love and care to ourselves can help us improve our relationship with others and most importantly, enhance our mental health.
Here are some ways that you can practice self-love this month:
Write yourself a Love Letter – Maybe this one seems a little silly at first, but the results can be transformative. Take a moment to reflect on everything that you love about yourself. Consider your strengths, achievements and qualities that you appreciate.
Set Healthy Boundaries – Valentine's Day and other holidays can come with their own set of societal expectations. Whether it’s family, friends, or even social media – it's okay to set the boundaries you need and decide what feels right for you. Setting boundaries is a great way to prioritize you!
Treat yourself to self-care – Think about the activities that you LOVE to do when you're by yourself. Whether it be reading a good book, crocheting a sweater (my personal favorite), or taking a walk-through nature – remember that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s about listening to what your mind and body need in that moment.
Reflect and release – This holiday can bring up feelings of loneliness and sadness for some, and that’s okay. You’re not alone in those feelings and it can be helpful to take time and reflect on those emotions and release them through an exercise such as journaling, exercise, breathing techniques, or talking to your provider at Allow Health.
True self-love is about being vulnerable and accepting yourself as you are. Try to acknowledge your imperfections and embrace them. We are all worthy of love – not just from others but from ourselves.
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