Valentine’s Day. The fast-approaching February 14 is the holiday dedicated to love…So how about this year, we devote some time to some (much-essential) self-love? We encourage each and everyBODY to celebrate the relationship you have with yourself. We know, we know, you might think self-love comes across as self-indulgent. But we’re here to tell you that it’s not. Hard science backs up the benefits of self-love.
Quite simply, self-love is good for your health.
Benefits of Self-Love
A recent self-compassion study by researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Oxford, and published in Clinical Psychological Science, concluded that participants instructed to think kind thoughts towards others and themselves experienced lower heart rates and lower sweat responses.
Among its myriad benefits, self-love also impacts your health by[1]:
- Boosting motivation and willpower
- Allowing you greater perspective
- Lowering stress levels
- Decreasing anxiety and depression
- Making you more resilient, emotionally intelligent
- Increasing psychological wellbeing
How Do Valentine’s Day and Self-Love Go Together?
Well, for starters, Valentine’s Day is the day about love, but also about relationships. And guess what? You’re in one. Whether you have a significant other or not. And it’s the most important relationship of all. So, self, allow us to introduce you to, well, self. Just call us cupid.
And make “me” the focus this Feb. 14.
10 Simple Ways to Show Self-Love
Start with a single day of self-love and go from there. V-Day seems like the perfect day to start. (Today is also perfect timing!) Make simple yet profound changes. It can be as uncomplicated as buying yourself a fresh bouquet of flowers. Trust us, take our advice. You’ll love us for it.
- Buy yourself chocolates. And lose the guilt while savoring each piece.
- Take yourself on a date. Movie? Go. Dinner reservations? Make them.
- Better yet, gather your friends for cocktail hour.
- Find something that helps you unwind. Light some candles. Take a bubble bath. Meditate. Whatever you need to relax, just do it.
- Book a beauty appointment. Get your nails done. Have your hair blown out. Better yet, wax something. Feel smooth and sexy for yourself.
- Head to a yoga class or take a walk—something that allows you to move and feel empowered.
- Embrace gratitude. Make a list of 10 things you’re grateful for.
- Go to bed early. If that’s not an option, take one night to get eight solid hours of sleep.
- Call a friend to catch up.
- Be kind to yourself. Cut yourself a little slack as you would with your own friends.
xx,
Waxxpot
[1] Psychology Today, https://www..psychologytoday.com/us/blog/feeling-it/201602/4-proven-ways-show-yourself-more-love
