Valentine’s Day Self Care Routine (2023)
Single people don’t have to feel left out of enjoying Valentine’s Day. Love extends beyond just couples.
You can use this V-Day 2023 to follow an amazing self-care routine. Here are some good self-care ideas for loving yourself on February 14th.
1. Have a good stretch
According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching is a good way to increase our flexibility. But beyond the physical benefits, there are mental benefits as well.
Colorado State researchers concluded the simple act of stretching helps increase serotonin levels. If you’re unfamiliar with serotonin, it’s what helps reduce stress and manage your mood
For some examples of stretches that you can do, check out this article on stretches for stress relief. If you’re into yoga, here’s another article on calming poses for yoga relief. Some good stretches in the morning will hopefully get you off to a good start to your day.
2. Serve yourself breakfast in bed
Breakfast isn’t known as the most important meal of the day for nothing. Eating a balanced meal in the morning can help give us the energy we need to have a productive and enjoyable day.
You can put together your favorite breakfast meal and enjoy it in bed. You’ll give yourself the duel comfort of a delicious meal in your mouth and a soft bed to lie in.
While you’re at it, give yourself some tea to calm you. Make sure you’re keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day too, as that has been found to reduce anxiety.
3. Have flowers sent to you
You can skip the roses (unless they’re one of your favorite flowers). Have some flowers you really like the smell of sent to you.
In a WebMD article, it was noted that researchers concluded flora scents can soothe stress. Before the big day, look for flower shops in your area that have the flowers you like and see if you can schedule them to be delivered to you. As an added touch, you can write yourself a personal note that will make you feel good.
4. Write yourself a love letter
A study that came out a few years ago found that writing a love letter is good for our well-being. The feelings that you write down don’t even have to be romantic, as you can write words about a friend or family member you care about. Communications professor Kory Floyd expressed that writing a love letter may calm us faster than other practices like journaling or meditating.
5. Take yourself out
There’s no shame in going out on your own. You could enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant or just take a walk outside.
There’s been more than enough research that’s shown nature can help us relax. Try taking a moment in your day to enjoy the beauty of nature.
6. Treat yourself to a gift
Just as some couples give each other gifts, you can too. Go to a store you like and buy whatever you want that’s within your budget.
Research has shown spending on experiences or objects can give us some happiness. For all the care and commitment you’ve devoted to your joy and well-being, buy something really nice to make yourself feel good.
7. Get a massage
This can be a nice way to replace the comforting touch you might yearn for with being alone. A Time Magazine article noted that massages can reduce stress and increase feel-good hormones.
But if you’re not interested in getting a professional to massage you, self-massages and foam rolling can be just as effective. You can check out this Healthline article on how to ease pain with self-massage.
If you get on Facebook or TikTok, you’re likely going to see couples publically expressing their love for each other. While that’s great for couples, it might make you feel more lonely.
Besides that, psychologists say a social media break can help improve our psychological well-being. You can learn some tips that’ll help you with taking a break from social media.
9. Remember what you’re grateful for
Couples often use this time to remember all the things they’re grateful about with their partner. You can do that as well with yourself.
Think about the things you have to be thankful for in your life. Appreciate the person you’re growing to become. Soon enough, hopefully, you’ll find someone you can make feel special for the rest of your life.