By Galena Flores, SNAP- Education Program Assistant, and Tillamook County Wellness Contributor
Valentine’s Day is often associated with grand romantic gestures, chocolates, and flowers, but at its core, it’s a celebration of love. Additionally, for those who may not have a partner, it can sometimes feel like a day of loneliness, often referred to as Single Awareness Day. Let’s start looking at Valentine’s Day differently. While we may frequently focus on showing love to others, it’s just as important to show love to ourselves. Self-care is the ultimate act of self-love, and what better time to prioritize it than during a season dedicated to the heart?
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care isn’t just about indulging in spa days or treating yourself to your favorite dessert—though those can be wonderful! It’s about intentionally caring for your mental, emotional, physical, and, if possible, financial well-being. In our busy lives, we often put others first, whether our families, jobs, or community commitments. We usually push our own needs aside. However, there’s a reason why flight attendants instruct us to put on our own oxygen masks first before assisting others. Ensuring our own well-being first enables us to better support those around us. Taking time to nurture ourselves allows us to show up more fully for the people and responsibilities that matter most. Seeking guidance is also a form of self-care. This could be reaching out to a friend, a family member, or a counselor.
Simple Ways to Practice Self-Care
If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few simple yet meaningful ways to prioritize self-care this Valentine’s Day:
1. Nourish Your Body
Remember to eat like you love yourself! Fuel yourself with foods that make you feel good—both physically and emotionally. Cook a nutritious meal, enjoy a cup of tea, or savor that piece of chocolate guilt-free. You can find healthy recipes on www.FoodHero.org. Meal planning, shopping smart, and preparing healthy meals can also be a from of self-care as it takes the stress away of meal time. Try meal prepping at the beginning of the week to save time and make healthier choices easier.
2. Move in a Way That Feels Good
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether it’s a walk outside, a yoga session, or dancing in your living room, find movement that brings you joy. This could even be something small, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from the door when going somewhere. Did you know that getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week can significantly lower your risk of developing chronic diseases? Small daily changes can add up to make the biggest impact. It’s also a natural antidepressant that can help brighten these cold, dark winter days.
3. Prioritize Rest
Give yourself permission to slow down. Take a nap, go to bed earlier, or spend some time reading a book without distractions. It’s okay to skip an event if you need time for yourself. Establish a nighttime routine to help you wind down. This could mean putting electronics away at a certain time or taking a few minutes before bed to stretch. Listen to your body and rest when you need it.
4. Engage in Activities That Bring Joy
What makes you feel truly heart happy? Maybe it’s painting, gardening, playing music, playing with your fur babies, or simply taking a mid-day nap. Carve out time for the things that make you happy. Start small by dedicating 10 minutes a day to something you love. Treat it like an important meeting with your boss—one you wouldn’t cancel.
5. Set Boundaries
Saying ‘no’ can be an act of self-care. Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries that allow you to prioritize what truly matters. Boundaries help create balance in your life and prevent burnout. They allow you to manage your emotional well-being by limiting interactions that drain you and focusing on those that uplift you. Setting boundaries might look like turning off your phone during personal time, declining commitments that overwhelm you, or clearly communicating your needs to others. Remember, setting boundaries is not about shutting people out; it’s about making space for what brings you peace and fulfillment.
6. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself as you would a dear friend, and let go of perfectionism. You are worthy of love and care exactly as you are. Self-compassion also means acknowledging your progress, no matter how small, and celebrating the effort you put into improving yourself. Give yourself grace on difficult days and remember that setbacks are a part of growth. Practicing self-compassion can also involve journaling positive affirmations, engaging in self-care activities that make you feel valued, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and encourage you.
A Valentine’s Day Promise to Yourself
This Valentine’s Day, promise to love yourself a little more and be kinder to yourself. Whether that means treating yourself with kindness, taking a break, or simply acknowledging your own worth, Understand that taking time for yourself might feel unusual, and change can be scary and uncomfortable, but prioritizing self-care is essential and takes time. Self-care is not all or nothing; it’s about taking it one day at a time. Recognize that you are just as deserving of the love and support you give to others. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. You are important and you matter to so many people.
So, while you’re celebrating love in all its forms, don’t forget to celebrate yourself too. You deserve it.