Valentine's Day Self-Care & Self-Love Guide

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed

Today just felt off, like I wasn't quite in sync with myself and I couldn't figure out why. Whenever I'm feeling down, I tend to escape into Instagram, Netflix, or YouTube – sometimes all three. They're like my go-to time sinkholes; I get sucked in for way longer than I want to and feel so guilty afterwards.

After some procrastination, I gathered all my energy (which is a lot when you're feeling lazy) and made myself meditate for 15 minute. It wasn't easy; my mind was buzzing from too much screen time, but about 10 minutes in, I settled into the meditation. It takes a bit to reset after you've thrown off your body's balance with doom scrolling, but I got there.

To keep the momentum going, I hit up YouTube for some Yoga With Adriene, and her self-love session of that day was just what I needed. It felt like the universe was giving me a nudge in the right direction = Self-Care & Self-Love

Self-care baby

Today was a reminder that self-care is a solo job. It's about taking it slow, being gentle with yourself, and remembering that no one else will do it for you. I felt great after some self-care, but I noticed that when things get rough, I often fall back into habits that don't serve me well.

I want to remind everyone that it's okay to have off days or even off months. It's crucial to find what helps you feel better, and it's a personal journey.

Self-care is the path to self-love, and we could all use more of that, especially with Valentine's Day around the corner. While everyone is celebrating with others, remember the most important person to put effort, time and love in, is yourself. 💖

Valentine's Day Attitude

As Valentine's Day draws near, it's the perfect time to check in with ourselves. To help with that, I've created a 'Valentine's Day Quiz' flowchart. It's a tool to guide you through your feelings about the holiday and offer personalized self-care tips. Let's walk through it together and find out how we can best love ourselves this season!

Head over to the letter you landed on!

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A

Embrace the Excitement! Channel your enthusiasm into personal or shared experiences that truly make you happy, without getting caught up in the hype.

B

Reclaiming the Day! Consider creating new traditions that align with your values and bring joy, independent of external influences. I know this is hard but you can take this day to reflect on these thoughts.

C

Authentic Celebration! Keep enjoying the day as you always have, ensuring it reflects your genuine feelings and desires.

D

Love in All Shades! Expand your celebration to include friends, family, and self-love, making the day meaningful beyond romance.

E

Redefining Expectations! Challenge the notion that Valentine's Day is solely for couples by finding ways to honor your individuality and connections with others.

F

Digital Detox! Taking a break from social media can provide space to focus on personal well-being and celebrate in a way that feels right to you.

G

Resisting Pressure! Stay true to yourself and remember that your worth is not determined by your participation in this holiday.

H

Community Connection! Seek out group activities or volunteer opportunities to feel connected and uplifted, reminding you that companionship comes in many forms.

I

Personal Reflection! Use this time for introspection and self-care, recognizing that solitude can also be an opportunity for growth and peace.

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Now that you've identified how you're feeling, let's take the next step towards a healthier mindset with some self-care and self-love actions!

Choose Your Path to Self-Love through Self-Care

Based on your answers from the Valentine's Day feelings flowchart, let's pivot to exploring your self-care options. Follow the next flowchart to discover actions that align with your current state of mind.

Head over to the letter you landed on!

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A

Active Outdoors! Gear up for an outdoor adventure. Whether it's a hike, a leisurely run, or a bike ride, choose a route that inspires you. If you're unsure where to go, search online for local trails or parks. Or just go anywhere! Where you go doesn't matter but how you do it matters most. Stepping outside for just five minutes can instantly lift your spirits! To be sure gear up with an umbrella, and leave the phone at home!

B

Relaxed Outdoors! Find a peaceful spot outside, perhaps under a tree or by a lake, in your garden or park in your neighbourhood, and settle down with a book or journal. You can also bring a sketchbook to doodle or write in as you soak up the serene environment.

C

Creative Endeavors! Visit Pinterest for inspiration or let your current emotions drive your art. Whether it's painting, writing poetry, or crafting, let your creativity be your guide. Set up a comfortable space and allow yourself to get lost in the process. This can also be anything from redecorating your room, cleaning out your closet. Anything where you do not have to think too much is great, but do not pick a chore that feels more like work than relaxation.

D

Social Connection! Plan a coffee date, a walk, or a meal with someone you care about. If meeting in person isn't an option, schedule a video call to stay connected. Consider playing an online game together or watching a movie in sync.

E

Culinary Creations! Flip through a cookbook or browse food blogs for a new and exciting recipe. Take your time to savor the cooking process, and maybe even share the final dish with neighbours or friends.

F

Relaxing Self-Care! Light some candles, play soft music, and add bath salts or bubbles to enhance your relaxation. Afterward, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and dive into a novel or journal your thoughts.

G

Physical Activity! Choose a workout video or a fitness app to guide you through a session. If you prefer something less structured, put on your favorite music and dance around your living room, or try a new yoga flow.

H

Mindful Relaxation! Designate a quiet corner for meditation, complete with cushions and calming decor. Use a meditation app if you like guidance, or simply focus on deep breathing and let go of your daily stresses.

I

Quiet Day! Commit to a tech-free day. Practice deep breathing, light stretching, or restorative yoga. Consider spending part of the day in nature, simply observing the world around you without distractions.

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As we wrap up, remember that self-care isn't just a one-time act; it's a continuous practice, especially around emotionally charged times like Valentine's Day. Whether you're spending the day with loved ones, friends, or on your own, the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Use the tips and guides we've explored to nurture that connection. Take care of yourself, not just on Valentine's Day, but every day. Here's to loving ourselves and spreading that love around!

xoxo

Sharon

PS: I will be trying to take care of myself by doing some cold shower therapy, I will document on this soon :) & by having a drink with friends!

PSS: this post might feel a bit chaotic starting from a bad day going to self care and valentine's day but that is how I got to the topic in my mind! :))