As that time of year looms again, with roses and chocolates and romantic music, many of us start to feel blue. What if we don’t have a partner to shower us with love, or what if we simply want to provide that for our selves? That’s where a self-love Valentine’s Day comes in.
This guide provides 14 practical suggestions to celebrate self-love this Valentine’s Day, from journal prompts and uplifting quotes, to craft projects and self-gifting.
Is February the Month of Self-Love?
The origin of Valentine’s Day, and why it’s celebrated in February, is disputed. Some historians trace its origins to Pagan celebrations and rituals of fertility, while others claim it stems from a Roman execution of two men named Valentine in the 3rd century.
In any case, despite it’s traditional purpose of showing love between romantic partners, it can also serve as an important reminder to prioritize our own self-care. In fact, taking the opportunity to practice self-love on this day can set a positive tone for the rest of the year.
But never fear, it doesn’t have to look like a self love valentines speech in front of the mirror. We will break down some useful ideas in this article.
Can Valentine’s Day Be About Self-Love?
Absolutely, yes! In fact, this has become a growing phenonmenon over the years, as people, whether single or taken, acknowledge the deeper importance of loving yourself first.
Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual growth – Deborah Khoshaba Psy.D.
Any day can be about self-love if you choose, but what better place to begin than by repurposing the couple-centric Valentine’s Day, to make it about honoring your own worth and wellbeing above all.
How to Make Yourself Happy on Valentine’s Day
We know – Valentine’s Day can be a little depressing for those of us who don’t have romantic partners to buy us thoughtful gifts or take us out on a date. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others in different circumstances, but why not take the opportunity of Valentine’s Day to channel all the energy we would put into a romantic partner into ourselves?
You might start with framing the day as a total and complete Self-Love Day.
How to Do a Self-Love Day
A self-love day will look different for each person. After all, what one person finds to be relaxing or fulfilling can differ greatly from others. So start by thinking honestly about what makes you feel good, maybe write a self love valetines paragraph or letter to get you going, then incorporate some of the self love Valetine’s Day ideas below into your special day.
Activities for a Self-Love Valentine’s Day
1. Self-Love Valentine’s Journaling
Journaling encourages a deeper level of instrospection and self-awareness, perfect for your self-love day.
Here are some prompt ideas to get you going:
- What does self-love mean to me?
- What are my favorite ways to nurture my mind, body and soul?
- What are three things I appreciate about myself?
- What is one thing I am proud of myself for recently?
You also might include some self love valentines quotes that resonate with you. Affirmations and meaningful words like this can be a great aid in cultivating self-worth:
- “You alone are enough, you have nothing to prove to anybody.” – Dr. Maya Angelou
- “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton
- “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” – Brene Brown
- “You are what you believe yourself to be.” – Paulo Coelho
2. Craft a Self-Love Vision Board
Crafts are a great way to celebrate self-love on Valentine’s Day, and could be the perfect way to get kids involved if you have them. Take it as an opportunity to delve deep into the things you love and cherish about yourself, and find a creative way of displaying that through a physical or digital vision board or bulletin board.
3. Write Yourself a Loving Card or Letter
No one to write you a card? No matter. What’s more meaningful than love and validation found from within yourself? Self love cards are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether a brief paragraph or a whole self love essay, thank yourself for the unique qualities you bring to the world. Putting pen to paper in this way will help to give your self love valentines meaning.
4. Take a Relaxing Walk in Nature
The concept of the ‘mental health walk’ has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. Exposure to nature has been linked to all kinds of health benefits, both physically and mentally, so what better way to honor your self-love?
5. Practice Self-Love Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation are wonderful forms of self-care and a great way to show yourself love on Valentine’s Day. If you aren’t a confident yogi, no problem, there are plenty of freely available guided meditations and flows that can be found online. Go inwards in meditation, and bask in the endorphins of exercise.
6. Bake Something Sweet for Yourself
There’s nothing like a sweet treat, especially when lovingly made. Find a simple recipe and make a ritual out of the whole process, from preparing the ingredients to finally sitting down to tuck into the spoils of your labor.
7. Create an At-Home Spa Experience
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a thorough pampering session. No need for a spare pair of hands or a luxury budget, just the gift of time, a few products and a self-love frame of mind. Run a bubble bath, light some candles, play some music and kick back.
8. Curate Your Personal Self-Love Playlist
Everyone has a certain few tracks that light up their day. Whether it’s soft jazz or heavy metal, make a playlist with all your favorite, feel-good tunes to accompany you as you journal, walk, pamper or craft. After all, even science agrees that music has wonderful health benefits.
9. Make Your Own Dream Gift Hamper
Why wait for a gift to come to you, which you might not even like, when you can create the perfect gift for yourself? Create your self love valentines day basket, gift or hamper from the basis of your own likes and desires. Some ideas might be your favorite foods or pampering items, just make sure it’s what helps you to feel good.
10. Explore a New Hobby
Particularly when we become adults, trying new things becomes more daunting, or simply not a priority. But that one thing you’ve always wanted to give a go? Now’s the perfect time! Whether it’s ceramics or horse riding, take Valentine’s Day as the excuse to give it a try.
11. Plant Something in your Garden
Gardening can be an excellent self-love tool. Nurturing growth, being in nature and enjoying the fresh air are all ways to take care of your own mental wellbeing. By planting a new seed, bulb or tree, you nurture life and by extension, your own wellbeing and sense of connection to the earth.
12. Let Go in a Solo Dance Party
Time to throw a self-love Valentine’s Day party for one. As we know, music is a proven mood-booster, and dance can have the same affect! Embrace your freedom of expression and dance to your heart’s content, shaking off stagnant emotions and embracing the silliness of it all.
13. Unplug for the Day
Say goodbye to your devices for the day. Who needs to scroll on Instagram and look at other couples on Valentine’s Day, when you can take that time and energy and put it towards taking care of yourself? After all, ample evidence shows that taking a digital detox is great for our mental health and wellbeing.
14. Create Freely
Whether your prefered medium is painting, collaging or drawing, take this self-love valentines as an opportunity to flow creatively, with no boundaries or judgement. This can be a really helpful mindfulness activity, and a form of self-expression that nurtures the soul.
How to Spread Self-Love Beyond Valentine’s Day
Remember that self-love doesn’t have to wait til Valentine’s Day. Far from it. Make self-care a year-round habit by incorporating it into your routine, or having one day a month where you really focus on yourself. Not only is this good for you, but it also positively impacts your relationships and dynamics with others.
We hope you enjoy your Self-Love Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget to put yourself first today, filling your own cup so that eventually you have more to share with others. After all…
If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else? – RuPaul
Resonate with the self-care concepts in this article? Check out our recent piece, Heal Through Writing: Powerful Journal Prompts for Healing and Self-Care.
References
RACV. “Valentine’s Day Ideas to Share the Love.” RoyalAuto, RACV, https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/lifestyle-home/valentines-day.html. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
Kantar. “How Valentine’s Day Is Transforming into a Season of Self-Love.” Kantar, https://www.kantar.com/uki/inspiration/consumer/how-valentines-day-is-transforming-into-a-season-of-self-love. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
Morin, Jennifer. “A Seven-Step Prescription for Self-Love.” Psychology Today, 8 Mar. 2012, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-hardy/201203/seven-step-prescription-self-love. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
Felsenthal, Julia. “The Power of Powering Off Your Phone for Just an Hour.” Psychology Today, 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-good-life-ritual/202203/the-power-of-powering-off-your-phone-for-just-an-hour. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
Clay, Rebecca A. “Nurtured by Nature.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, Apr. 2020, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
Harvard Health Publishing. “Tuning In: How Music May Affect Your Heart.” Harvard Health, 1 Mar. 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/tuning-in-how-music-may-affect-your-heart. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
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