Valentine’s Day can easily be your favorite or least favorite day of the year, but it doesn’t have to be all about romance. Whether you’re single, dating someone, engaged or married, you and I both know that you can’t fully love those around you without loving yourself first.
1. Accept That You Are Exactly Where You Need to Be Today
I once heard a saying “Be where your feet are.” At first, I thought nothing of it. I honestly thought it was pretty cheesy to say the least. But I’ve come to really value these words, and I often think about them when I get stressed out or try to plan too many things for the future while the things in front of me go unnoticed. So if you need to hear it today, you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Take peace in that.
2. Nourish Your Body
As awesome as chocolate and other sweets are, replenishing your body with clean water and real, whole food is a loving gesture and one that should be done often. I know, it’s actually crazy of me to think that anyone would just not eat sweets on Valentine’s Day, but maybe instead of an entire box of chocolates, go for chocolate-covered strawberries instead. As they say, you are what you eat. If you eat garbage, you tend to feel like garbage. Show your body that it matters by providing the high-quality nutrients it needs to be its best. 3. Work Out
Working out doesn’t make everyone super excited, but the benefits of sweating out stress are plentiful. Your body will thank you both emotionally and physically in the long run, and if you do end up eating junk all day, working out is a great way to get rid of those extra calories.
4. Buy Yourself Something Nice
This doesn’t have to be a big thing at all. I mean, it can be if you want it to be, but if you normally don’t go out for coffee, go get yourself a really good latte. If you’ve been thinking that you have needed new nail polish for the last three years, go buy some new colors! You might not necessarily need those things, but they’re small enough to where your bank account won’t be too hurt over them in the long run.
5. Declutter Your Space
Living or working in a cluttered space can really affect your mood and create a feeling of anxiety. I’m not saying you should always keep your apartment spotless, but taking a little time out of your day to tidy up can make a big difference. Get rid of that pile of laundry you’ve been meaning to wash and sort through that stack of papers you collected in the corner. It’s time to take back your space this Valentine’s Day.
6. Practice Mindfulness
According to the Harvard Business Review, the practice of mindfulness is essentially taking the time to actively notice things around you. It’s so easy to fill our schedules with one thing after another because of the fast paced world we live in. Put down your phone while walking, or try to talk to someone new on campus on Feb. 14. If nothing comes from the conversation, at least you tried.
7. Appreciate the “Me Time”
Honestly, if you don’t have plans this Valentine’s Day, take the night for yourself. Try journaling or reading a book you haven’t picked up in a while. Find a good sappy movie, put your pajamas on and fall into someone else’s romance for the night. There’s nothing wrong with a good kick-back, so if you don’t have any going out plans, just stay in!
8. Have a GNO!
If you don’t want to do any of the things above and you just really want to get out of the house, grab your gal pals and and make a night of it. You don’t have to go to a fancy dinner or dress up. Go see the latest movie, get ice cream, or attend that art class you’ve been wanting to try. There’s plenty of things to do that are out of the Valentine’s Day norm, so start looking for your Galentine’s festivities now.
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