It’s safe to say that we all have at least one bitter thought about Valentine’s Day and the way it is conducted in our culture. It’s too unnecessary, too isolating, too commercialized, too dramatic, etc. However, taking a step back, it is certainly possible to look at the disputed holiday in a positive light: Valentine’s Day makes for a period of 24 hours in which everyone is consciously making an effort to be extra loving.
We can all, always, use more love. Although most would go on to say that Valentine’s Day is only for sharing love with our romantic interests, I would like to propose that, this year, we ignore this rule. There is someone else who deserves some love just as much (if not more). Who would that be? You!
Even if you do happen to have a boyfriend, girlfriend, lover, or crush this year, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to practice some good old self-love. There has never been a better time! So…get going and dedicate a small portion of your February 14th to reminding yourself why you’re so great (seriously though, you really are).
Here are some subtle ways you can confess your love to yourself:
1. Start with making your bed.
If you don’t already do this every morning, you should start. Although it can seem like the biggest pain when you’re rushing and trying to get ready for your day, taking the 30 seconds to do this will set a very positive precedent for your day. You may think that’s ridiculous, but making your bed will always provide at least a small sense of pride and accomplishment. What better way to show some love to yourself than to make sure your first task of the day is a success!
2. Eat a big, healthy meal.
Although it might be hard to track down the exact food you’re looking for on campus, go out of your way to do this. Treat yourself to something delicious downtown or make a grocery run and buy the ingredients to make something you haven’t had in a while. You can’t go wrong.
3. Clean and organize your room.
You can do this on a small-scale if you don’t feel like doing a seasonal full-room cleaning just yet (save that for Spring). A good place to start is your desktop; try to clear it off completely! The recycling bin is your best friend.
4. Watch the sunset.
I know that it’s absolutely bone-chilling outside, but try bundling up and heading outside for 10 minutes to say farewell to the sun for the day. If you have enough energy to trek all the way to the quad and watch it there, it’ll be worth it!
5. Make some art.
Explore your creative side by spending 30 minutes writing, drawing, painting, or anything else you can think of. This is a great way to unwind, even if you don’t tend consider yourself artistic.
6. Read for pleasure.
Crack open that book that has been sitting on your bedside table since the beginning of second semester. Even if you just read 50 pages, you and your mind will be much better off.
7. Dance to your favorite jams.
Do this alone or with friends! Blast your favorite feel-good playlist and pretend you’re a character on “Girls.” You won’t regret it.