We’re here to encourage more self-love on Valentine’s Day!
This day of romance, appreciation, and fancy meals out doesn’t have to just be for couples. Self-love is so important, and if you needed a day for a bit of ‘you’ time, then this is the one!
What is self-love?
Self-love encompasses many different meanings and can be expressed in lots of different ways. One person’s idea of self-love could be very different to the next.
To love yourself could allow you to have more self-esteem, appreciation for yourself, and in turn deepen relationships with the ones you love. It may also allow you to have a new lease of life for your interests and passions.
We’ve suggested some ways you could practice self-love:
Be kind to yourself
Firstly, be gentle and kind to yourself. And start paying yourself compliments!
Affirmations can be a great way to overcome self-doubt and negative feelings. They can help to improve mental wellbeing by initiating positive change.
A positive affirmation like “I am enough” carries a lot of weight and meaning, it’s something that many people struggle to truly believe about themselves.
The pure meaning is about self-acceptance and self-worth, as well as understanding that you are worthy of love, respect, and all the good things that life has to offer by simply just being you.
Self-care
Arrange a little pamper night for yourself – doing your skincare is a way you could show some love to yourself.
Book some time out in your calendar just for you, pop on your favourite movie, and make a comforting, warm drink while you indulge in a little self-care! Facemasks, hair masks, a new skin care routine you’ve been wanting to try or perhaps an at home manicure – these are all ways you could show some love to yourself!
A recent survey in America found that around 68% of women practice self-care at least once a week as a means of self-love.
So, get your favourite skin care products, hair oils and nail polishes at the ready and join the percentage!
Nourish your body
Nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs will in turn allow you to feel your best self. Though, this isn’t to say treating yourself to a meal out or your favourite takeaway won’t make you feel happy either – it’s all about balance!
At H&B we offer a range of food & drink products that will nourish your body as well as satisfy your tastebuds.
Create yourself a little food hamper full of delicious and colourful savoury snacks and sweet treats – you could even put on a tasty spread for you and your friends or family to enjoy!
Moments of wellness
Taking care of yourself mentally and physically is very important.
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that harnesses the natural fragrances of the essential oils found in aromatic plants, there is some evidence to suggest these may help enhance and balance your mind, body, and general wellbeing.
Get to know yourself better
Masturbation shouldn’t be a taboo topic; it also shouldn’t make you feel guilty or embarrassed.
It can mean you can get to know yourself in more of an intimate way. Sex toys and vibrators can allow you to find pleasure alone and tune into your body, your likes and dislikes.
Knowing what you enjoy, and experimenting with your body and sensuality can improve self-esteem, allowing you to feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin and with partners.
Practicing self-love in this way may also boost endorphins and relieve stress!
Why is self-love important?
Self-love is important for many reasons, including our mental and emotional health, and the impact it has on our relationships.
Self-love can look like:
- Trusting yourself
- Setting your own boundaries
- Having an overall deeper connection to yourself (which in turn can connect you with others)
- Talking kindly to oneself
- Prioritizing rest when you need it
64% of people believe self-love has a positive impact on their overall lives.
Practicing self-love allows us to accept ourselves for who we are and recognise our worth, encouraging us to take care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally. Feeling good about ourselves means we can be more confident and make healthier decisions, both in our personal and professional lives.
The final say
Start by scheduling time in with yourself.
It’s all well and good having a jammed packed diary and fully booked-up weekends, but taking a day just for you can be just as fun – and is very important. Sometimes we simply need to put ourselves first.
