Be Your Own Valentine This Year ❤️

On Valentine’s Day we celebrate all kinds of relationships, but as designer Diane Von Furstenberg once famously said, “The most important relationship you have in life is the one you have with yourself.”

According to experts, practicing self-care and self-love has numerous benefits, from improving focus, mental health, and overall well-being, to also strengthening the relationships you have with others.

So with this in mind, why not spend this Valentine’s Day treating yourself to a little extra self-love? Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Wine and dine yourself

Love cooking? Or is there a new restaurant in town that you’ve been dying to try? Dining alone can actually be an amazing sensory experience as you take time to really enjoy every flavor of your food without distraction. Whether it’s takeout, a six-course dinner, or just your favorite dessert, nourishing your body is an amazing way to practice self care. So don’t be afraid to set a table for one and enjoy!

2. Get all dressed up with nowhere to go

If you have a super cute outfit or maybe a new lipstick color you’ve been saving for a special event, the truth is that maybe you don’t need one! Sometimes the act of donning a beautiful piece of clothing, an over-the-top accessory, or some flattering new makeup, can be an act of self-love that’s just for you. So consider taking time to do some self-pampering and relish in getting dressed to the nines–no occasion needed.

3. Go exploring

Another incredible way to connect with yourself and feel re-energized is to seek out a new adventure. It could be as simple as hitting the beach, going for a walk in nature, or visiting a new part of town, and taking in the sights and sounds as you go. Or you could choose to splurge on a plane ticket and book a solo excursion to a must-see travel destination.

4. Practice mindfulness

Spending time alone can be powerful, when you take the opportunity to cultivate more mindful moments. This could look like doing a digital detox, practicing yoga, meditating, journaling, or making a vision board or a gratitude list. You might even take some time to write yourself a love letter, celebrating your recent successes and making plans for the future.

5. Indulge in something creative

If you have a moment to get out and get inspired, a fun way to treat yourself is to appreciate some fine art. You could take in a film, a museum exhibit, a poetry reading, or even just enjoy walking around a library or bookstore. That said, if you prefer to stay in, the good news is that many of these things are now available virtually, so you can take in the experience online, without ever having to leave your home.