How To Celebrate Self-Love Day This February
National Self Love Day on the 13th of February is a day dedicated to embracing your love, compassion, and care for yourself. Society often puts so much focus on love for others, and with Valentine’s Day occurring on the 14th of February, people may be talking more about partners, crushes, and relationships. However, self-love can be as crucial as loving someone else. For this reason, Self-Love Day can be an excellent opportunity to spend a day caring for yourself and reminding yourself why you matter. There can be several effective ways for men and women to authentically practice self-love outside of Self-Love Day, such as journaling, practicing affirmations, exercising, taking time for reflection, and attending online or in-person therapy sessions.
Self-love: Embracing one’s worth and celebrating individuality
Self-Love Day is an annual celebration that normally occurs the day before Valentine’s Day each year. The goal behind this holiday is generally to help individuals build self-compassion, self-confidence, and joy the day before Valentine’s Day so that those who may be alone on this holiday can have a renewed sense of self.
What is self-care?
According to the American Psychological Association, self-care generally involves “providing adequate attention to one’s own physical and psychological wellness.” It can involve any activity, not only those that benefit your physical body. Below are a few examples:
- Exercising
- Journaling
- Taking a warm bath
- Partaking in a hobby
- Learning a new skill, such as a language
- Taking a break from stressful responsibilities
- Spending time in nature
- Eating nutritious foods
- Spending time with loved ones
10 options for celebrating Self-Love Day in February
Every relationship starts with love and kindness, and so should the relationship you have with yourself. If you’re looking to celebrate Self-Love Day this February to help yourself feel loved, consider the following practices.
Journal
While updated evidence may be beneficial, a study in the Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology suggests that expressive writing forms, like journaling, have been associated with significant health improvements and enhanced well-being. You can journal in multiple ways. Some people journal in an app, while others journal using a physical notebook.
Find a new hobby
It may be that you already have hobbies. However, finding a new hobby may be a fun way to explore what the world has to offer, learn, and expand your knowledge. For example, you might try a cooking class, learn a new language, start playing an instrument, or join a sports team in your area.
Practice affirmations
Don’t forget the qualities about yourself that you love. Affirmations can be defined as statements you make to yourself to increase love, self-compassion, and self-confidence. You can repeat them out loud, think about them during your day, or write them down. Below are a few loving affirmations to try:
- “I am brave.”
- “I am so proud of my accomplishments.”
- “I deserve to meet my goals and dreams.”
- “I am trying my best, and my best is good enough.”
- “I don’t need to be anyone other than myself.”
Outline your goals for the year
February can still be considered the beginning of the year, and it may offer an opportunity to dedicate yourself to your goals. Consider outlining any goals that you may not have considered in January and start taking minor steps toward them. Once you’ve created your list, promise yourself you’ll focus on one goal at a time so that you don’t get overwhelmed.
Invest in your appearance
Taking care of your appearance can be a fun way to practice love and self-compassion. Regardless of your style, you might consider partaking in one of the following activities:
- Getting a new haircut
- Dyeing your hair
- Trying a new makeup style
- Doing your eyebrows
- Getting lash extensions
- Buying a new outfit
- Taking photos of yourself that make you feel attractive
- Trying different styles to see which you like more
Spend time with loved ones
Studies show that human connection tends to be one of the most vital aspects of mental and physical health. Spending time with those you love can increase your lifespan, reduce stress, and improve your physical health.
Start an exercise routine
Exercise can also improve mental and physical health simultaneously. You don’t have to partake in heavy exercise to reap the benefits. For example, you might try calmer activities like taking a walk or doing yoga to get started. You could also try fun forms of exercise, like Zumba or other group dancing classes with friends or loved ones.
Take a break
In the 21st century, many people have busy lives filled with full-time jobs, friend and family commitments, and social events. If it seems like you have no time for yourself, consider taking some of your responsibilities away for a day. Take a day off work, use your PTO, and take a free day to show yourself love and care.
Practice your love language with yourself
Some people identify with the five love languages model by Gary Chapman when considering how they show and receive love in romantic relationships. However, you can also practice your love language toward yourself. Consider the following:
- Physical touch: Put on lotion, take a hot bath, hug yourself, wear soft pajamas in a bed with new sheets, take a spa day, massage your feet, get a massage
- Acts of service: Clean your house, hire someone to help you clean, cook yourself a meal, fill your gas tank, take a day off work for your mental health
- Quality time: Watch a TV show or movie that makes you laugh, listen to music, spend time alone to reflect, journal, partake in your hobbies
- Gift giving: Get yourself a treat, buy a new outfit, pay for a service, make yourself a gift from scratch, create a DIY project
- Words of affirmation: Write a letter to yourself, practice loving affirmations, leave sticky notes with written words of love and positivity around your house
Go to therapy
Therapy can be a vital resource for anyone, and you don’t have to have a mental illness to go to therapy. Over 41.7 million Americans may see a therapist, and therapy can be a way to increase your self-love.
You can still see a therapist if you face barriers to in-person therapy in your area. Through online platforms like BetterHelp, you can connect with a provider from home or any location with an internet connection via phone, video, or instant messaging.
Benefits of online therapy
Online therapy platforms can offer unique benefits, such as journaling prompts, worksheets for personal reflection, and group sessions, which may enable you to connect with yourself and others on the journey to loving yourself. You can also send messages to your therapist throughout the week if you have questions, and they may respond when they are able to.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Studies show that online therapy can be highly effective. One study found that internet-based interventions were usually more effective and cost-effective for clients than face-to-face options, and they often resulted in a greater quality of life after treatment.
Takeaway
Self-Love Day in February can be a reminder to pay attention to the quality of care you give to yourself and to learn to give the same amount of energy and love to yourself as you give to others. Self-care may be the first step, and it can involve activities like engaging in hobbies, investing in your appearance, and practicing therapeutic skills. For support in understanding the importance of loving yourself, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist online or in your local area.
What is the meaning of Love Yourself Day in February?
Love Yourself Day, or Self-Love Day, is observed on February 13. It falls on the day before Valentine’s Day intentionally, to encourage people to show love and appreciation for themselves before the 14th when the focus is often on romantic relationships.
How to do a self-love day before Valentine’s Day?
A self-love day can take many forms depending on what you enjoy and need. It’s often about the little things: taking a break from technology, spending time in nature, or making art. It could also be beneficial to do something to build your own self-esteem and acknowledge what an amazing person you already are, such as listing your best qualities, recognizing the moments you’re grateful for, or engaging in a skill or hobby you’re good at. You could also pick up a book or listen to a podcast about self-love, such as one by Christine Arylo or another creator.
What is the day before Valentine’s Day (February 13th, Self-Love Day) for?
The International Day of Self-Love falls on February 13—the day before Valentine’s Day. The idea is generally to engage in activities that benefit your own life and well-being outside of your romantic relationship or romantic partner, your work life, or any other element of your day-to-day. You might spend the whole day relaxing at the park with a good book, cooking yourself a nice meal, or engaging in other activities you find enjoyable. The ideas behind this day are generally to acknowledge what an awesome person you are, cultivate a positive self-image and sense of personal power, and find feelings of happiness or contentment within yourself.
How can one start embracing one’s worth and celebrating individuality?
There are many different approaches that may help you celebrate your worth and individuality. It may take time to change your view of yourself and build self-esteem, but it is possible. Listing your best qualities, practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and working with a therapist are a few examples.
What day is self-love day?
National Self-Love Day falls on February 13 each year—right before Valentine’s Day. The intention is to encourage people to celebrate their own worth before the holiday for celebrating romantic partnerships occurs.
What month is about self-love?
February may be considered the month for self-love. This is because National Self-Love Day falls on February 13 each year. This holiday is designed to teach and encourage people to discover and embrace their own self-worth.
What is the best line for self-love?
There are many different quotes that could help a person work toward a stronger sense of self-love. Some examples include “How you love yourself is / how you teach others / to love you” by Rupi Kaur and “You and you alone are the only person that can live the life that writes the story that you were meant to tell. And the world needs your story because the world needs your voice” by Kerry Washington.
How to start self-love?
Cultivating a person’s feeling of self-love can take time and effort, but most people find it to be a worthwhile task. Putting more self-love into your daily life may help you grab new opportunities, be less afraid of cultivating deeper relationships, and find a sense of contentment. Some strategies that may help you build this sense include taking regular time to yourself, regularly engaging in some type of creative activity, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing positive affirmations.
Why is self-love important?
Without self-love, you may miss the opportunity to realize your fullest potential. A lack of self-love could also lead to low self-esteem, mental health challenges, and unhealthy relationships.
How do you show self-love?
There are many different ways to show self-love. Some examples include setting healthy boundaries, watching out for negative self-talk, forming supportive relationships with others, taking enough time to rest regularly, challenging yourself, using your talents to help others, and practicing gratitude for yourself and the positive parts of your life.
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