It’s February and many people are searching for the perfect gift for loved ones, friends, and significant others. Whether you are looking for chocolate candies, flowers, or adorable stuffed animals, there is no doubt that the season of love is in the air. Everywhere you turn there’s something to buy for a loved one, dates and dinners to organize, and romantic activities to schedule. It doesn’t matter if your single, dating, or in a relationship, February is set aside as a month of love!
With that in mind, it’s alarming how many people will forget someone very important – their self! Many times, we get so overwhelmed in the care of others that we overlook how important self-love is. Time goes by and we feel overwhelmed and stressed out about the many to-do’s and before we know it we can get into the habit of focusing on our shortcomings rather than appreciating what we accomplishing. This month, here’s four ways to give yourself a little self-love.
Write a Love Letter to Yourself. This may sounds a bit much, but writing a letter or a note to yourself is a great way to keep positive and affirm your good qualities on a daily basis. What’s something you are proud of? An accomplishment, a quality, a talent? Give yourself an affirmation that you can keep and come back to when you are feeling blue.
Set Aside Time to Relax. This is a must do. Whether its a trip to your local beauty shop or a quiet lunch in the park, take time for you! Take a breather. Enjoy the day, smell the flowers, and most importantly, relax!
Do something you’re good at. Taking time for a hobby that you enjoy is a great self-esteem booster. Self-esteem and self-love often go hand in hand, and participating in a hobby you’re good at will not only boost your endorphins, but will bring out the best version of you. If you love to cook, then cook! If you love to run, then grab those sneakers, head outside and run for your life. If you’ve always wanted to paint, sign up for a painting class.
Organize Something. This may be more therapeutic than you initially think. Cleaning out your closet, room, or storage can positively affect your mind. Getting rid of old things will make room for new things to come in to your life! Cleansing your mind can sometimes work in the form of letting go of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. that remind you of a certain time in your life that links to a negative vibration. Don’t chase what’s already happened; love yourself enough to know the best is yet to come.
Research suggests that self-love and self-acceptance could lead to greater satisfaction with your life — but it’s something that few people practice. This month as you think about those in your life you care about, be sure to put yourself at the top of the list!