Celebrate Self-Love Day For Mental Health On February 13th

National Self-Love Day on the 13th of February is a day dedicated to embracing love, compassion, and care for yourself. Society often puts a significant focus on love for others, and with Valentine’s Day occurring on the 14th of February, people may be talking more about partners, crushes, and relationships. However, self-love can be as crucial as loving someone else. For this reason, Self-Love Day can be an excellent opportunity to spend a day caring foryourself and reminding yourself why you matter. There can be several effective ways to authentically practice self-love, such as journaling, practicing affirmations, exercising, taking time for reflection, and attending online or in-person therapy sessions. Explore ways to have a happy Self-Love Day below.

Self-Love Day: Embracing one’s worth and celebrating individuality

International Self-Love Day is an annual celebration that normally occurs the day before Valentine’s Day each year. The goal behind this holiday is generally to help individuals practice self-compassion, promote self-belief, build self-confidence, and experience joy the day before Valentine’s Day.

What is self-care? 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care is defined as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.” Below are a few examples: 

• Exercising 
• Journaling 
• Taking a warm bathor engaging in other activities that feel good
• Partaking in a hobby 
• Learning a new skill, such as a language, which can promote self-belief 
• Taking a break from stressful responsibilities
• Spending time in nature to feel calm and centered
• Eating nutritious foods 
• Spending time with loved ones 
• Getting enough sleep

10 ways to celebrate Self-Love Day

Every relationship should involve love and kindness, including the relationship you have with yourself. If you’re looking to celebrate Self-Love Day this February, consider the following practices and ideas.

Research supports the use of expressive writing, such as journaling, to promote mental health and improve resilience. You can journal in multiple ways. Some people journal in an app, while others journal using a physical notebook. There are many specific ways and methods to explore your emotions through writing, but you can simply write anything that comes to mind and take notice of any themes or revelations that arise.

It may be that you already have hobbies. However, finding a new hobby may be a fun way to explore what the world has to offer, learn, and expand your knowledge. For example, you might try a cooking class, learn a new language, start playing an instrument, or join a sports team in your area. 

Don’t forget the qualities about yourself that you love. Affirmations can be defined as statements you make to yourself to increase self-love, self-compassion, and self-confidence. You can repeat them out loud, think about them during the day, or write them down. Below are a few loving affirmations to try: 

Outline your goals for the year

Self-Love Day in February can still be considered the beginning of the year, and it may offer an opportunity to dedicate yourself to your goals. Consider outlining any goals that you may not have considered in January and start taking minor steps toward them. Once you’ve created your list, promise yourself you’ll focus on one goal at a time so that you don’t get overwhelmed. 

Invest in your appearance

Taking care of your appearance can be a fun way to practice love and self-compassion. Regardless of your style, you might consider partaking in one of the following activities: 

• Getting a new haircut
• Dyeing your hair 
• Trying a new makeup style 
• Doing your eyebrows 
• Buying a new outfit 
• Taking photos of yourself that make you feel attractive
• Trying different styles to see which you like more 

Spend time with loved ones

Studies show that human connection tends to be one of the most vital aspects of mental and physical health. Spending time with those you love can increase your lifespan, reduce stress, and improve your physical health. 

Start an exercise routine

Exercise can also improve mental and physical health simultaneously. You don’t have to partake in heavy exercise to reap the benefits. For example, you might try calmer activities like taking a walk or doing yoga to get started. You could also try fun forms of exercise, like Zumba or other group dancing classes with friends or loved ones. 

Take a break

In the 21st century, many people have busy lives filled with full-time jobs, friends, family commitments, and social events. If it seems like you have no time for yourself, consider taking some of your responsibilities away for a day as self-love. Take a day off work if your budget allows, use your PTO if possible, and take a full day to show yourself love and care. 

Practice your love language with yourself

Some people identify with the five love languages model by Gary Chapman when considering how they show and receive love in romantic relationships. However, you can also practice your love language toward yourself. Consider the following: 

• Physical touch: Put on lotion, take a hot bath, hug yourself, wear soft pajamas in a bed with new sheets, take a spa day, massage your feet, get a massage
• Acts of service: Clean your house, hire someone to help you clean, cook yourself a meal, fill your gas tank, take a day off work for your mental health 
• Quality time: Watch a TV show or movie that makes you laugh, listen to music, spend time alone to reflect, journal, or partake in your hobbies
• Gift giving: Get yourself a treat, buy a new outfit, pay for a service, make yourself a gift from scratch, create a DIY project
• Words of affirmation: Write a letter to yourself, practice loving affirmations, leave sticky notes with written words of love and positivity around your house 

Go to therapy

Therapy can be a valuable source of support for many people, and you don’t have to live with mental illness to benefit from working with a therapist. Over 60 million individuals in the US received mental health treatment in 2024, and therapy can be an effective way to increase self-love. 

You can still see a therapist if you face barriers to in-person treatment in your area. Through online platforms like BetterHelp, you can connect with a provider from home or any location with an internet connection via phone, video, or live chat. Professional support can be a great tool for addressing any mental health challenges you may experience.

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy platforms can offer unique benefits, such as journaling prompts, worksheets for personal reflection, and group sessions, which may enable you to connect with yourself and others on the journey to loving yourself. You can also send messages to your therapist throughout the week if you have questions, and they may respond when they can. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Studies show that online therapy can be highly effective. One study found that internet-based interventions were usually more effective and cost-effective for clients than face-to-face options, and these online interventions often resulted in a greater quality of life after treatment.