How to Make V-Day Me Day
Valentine’s Day is all about love (duh) but who said that meant only couples could celebrate it?
Whether single or taken this V-day, it's important to pamper yourself with the same kind of love and affection that you’d show to anyone else.
It’s easy to forget that the longest relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself, so you should direct more of your time and attention to this relationship than any other. While that might feel a little self-indulgent, we promise you it’s not. In fact, prioritising yourself and your needs will make you a better friend and partner.
Experts agree that practicing self-compassion and self-care has some serious benefits for our mental and physical health: it helps reduce anxiety and depression, foster resilience, increase energy, and even help reduce illness.
So, this February 14 (and beyond), fall in love with yourself. Here are some do-able, and fun, ways to make it happen.
Take a luxurious bath
Self-care isn’t all bath bombs and face masks, but they are damn nice. Try upping your bath or shower routine by infusing rose petals, honey, and coconut milk. Not only will this be extra relaxing, it can assist in opening your heart chakra. Combine one cup rose petals, two cups coconut milk, and a teaspoon of honey with four cups boiling water. Allow to steep for two hours. Once cooled, add to your bath or pour over your body in the shower (without straining the petals) and breathe deeply.
Write yourself a love note
“Dear me, I think you’re just amazing. Love, me” or something like that. Observe all the things that you love about yourself (it can be small, you don’t have to have established world peace), and write it down on a piece of paper. It can be challenging at first, but the goal is to become more comfortable with honouring your qualities. Keep it on hand whenever you need reminding of how spectacular you are.
Connect with your body
You didn’t really think we would leave masturbation off this list, did you? Masturbating is a form of stress-relief, self-intimacy and self-soothing that can help you regulate your emotions and enhance your mood, so of course we were going to include it. This V-day, instead of getting down with the sole intention of orgasm (yes, we know it’s the best bit), take your time to really explore your body and your desires. Relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about the destination. Plus, it’s a great excuse to gift yourself a new toy. Hello, self-love.
Get out in nature
There’s a Japanese term called “Shinrin-yoku” which literally means forest bathing. This form of ecotherapy promotes spending time in nature to relax and rejuvenate, and has numerous positive benefits, including calming our nervous system. It’s not just for nature junkies either, it can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and observing and connecting with what’s around you.
Date yourself
We all know what dating someone else looks like, and dating yourself isn’t all that different, except it’s all about you. Take yourself to dinner, an art exhibition, or the movies all on your own. Learn your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes – everything that makes you, you! The same you would a potential partner. By dating yourself, you’ll become more confident in who you are, and rely less on others for your own happiness.