In the month of love, it can become overwhelming with the amount of expectations placed upon us from friends, family, significant others, and even society leading up to Valentine’s Day. For those who may not have a loved one to share this holiday with, it can project a sense of emptiness or loneliness within the self that can transcend into further negative feelings and actions. Although the idea of acknowledging and practicing the art of self-love may come across as selfish or unheard of to most individuals, it is an act of caring for our health in a multitude of ways. In a time where the unimaginable has happened, where virtual services have dominated our social interaction and functioning, taking the time to practice loving yourself is more important than ever.

Scheduling Counseling Sessions or Support Group Meetings

In practicing self-love, our mental health and well being is instrumental in taking care and showing an appreciation of ourselves. Nurturing this aspect of ourselves through attending therapy sessions or uplifting one another in support group meetings can enact a sense of gratitude and serenity by allowing yourself room to express your inner thoughts and emotions in a safe and secure environment.

Planning A Valentine’s Date With Yourself

For some individuals, the holiday itself is centered around spreading love in different ways to different people and having that affection reciprocated to you. This may not always be the case, however, and it is important to reflect on how you feel about yourself. Taking time to treat yourself to your favorite film with a wonderful meal,  a new outfit, or even going for a walk in the park, allows you to get in touch with your inner affections towards yourself and nurture your mind, body, and soul. In a sense, treating ourselves and developing a healthy sense of self love will allow us to spread that further onto those that we care for and hold dear to our heart.

Writing A Self-Addressed Valentine’s Day Letter

Self encouragement and confidence is best addressed when we reflect and affirm these words of wisdom to ourselves. A self-love spin on the Valentine’s Day card is a creative way to deliver that message to yourself by writing yourself a letter or multiple letters prior to the holiday and opening them the day of as you are greeted by words of encouragement and love from within.

Our respective journeys to self-love and acceptance are ones that are unique and impactful to our ever-growing character. While times are uncertain and we may face eras of self-doubt or insecurity it is important to reflect upon and remember our own sense of resilience and power regarding the trials and tribulations of the human experience.