How To Celebrate Self-Love Day Authentically

National Self Love Day on the 13th of February is a day dedicated to embracing your love, compassion, and care for yourself. Society often puts so much 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 for yourself and reminding yourself why you matter. There can be several effective ways for men and women to authentically practice self-love outside of Self-Love Day, such as journaling, practicing affirmations, exercising, taking time for reflection, and attending online or in-person therapy sessions.

Self-Love Day: A shift from so much focus on romantic love in February

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 build self-compassion, self-confidence, and joy the day before Valentine’s Day so that those who may be alone on this holiday can have a renewed sense of self. 

What is self-care? 

According to the American Psychological Association, self-care generally involves “providing adequate attention to one’s own physical and psychological wellness.” It can involve any activity, not only those that benefit your physical body. Below are a few examples: 

• Exercising 
• Journaling 
• Taking a warm bath 
• Partaking in a hobby 
• Learning a new skill, such as a language 
• Taking a break from stressful responsibilities
• Spending time in nature
• Eating nutritious foods 
• Spending time with loved ones 

10 options for celebrating Self-Love Day authentically

Every relationship starts with love and kindness, and so should the relationship you have with yourself. If you’re looking to celebrate Self-Love Day this February to help yourself feel loved, consider the following practices.

Journal 

While updated evidence may be beneficial, a study in the Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology suggests that expressive writing forms, like journaling, have been associated with significant health improvements and enhanced well-being. You can journal in multiple ways. Some people journal in an app, while others journal using a physical notebook. 

Find a new hobby

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. 

Practice affirmations

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

• “I am brave.” 
• “I am so proud of my accomplishments.” 
• “I deserve to meet my goals and dreams.” 
• “I am trying my best, and my best is good enough.” 
• “I don’t need to be anyone other than myself.”

Outline your goals for the year

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 
• Getting lash extensions 
• 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, friend and 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. Take a day off work, use your PTO, and take a free 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, 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 

10. Go to therapy

Therapy can be a vital resource for anyone, and you don’t have to have a mental illness to go to therapy. Over 41.7 million Americans may see a therapist, and therapy can be a way to increase your self-love. 

You can still see a therapist if you face barriers to in-person therapy 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 instant messaging. 

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 are able to. 

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 they often resulted in a greater quality of life after treatment. 

Takeaway 

Self-Love Day in February can be a reminder to pay attention to the quality of care you give to yourself and to learn to give the same amount of energy and love to yourself as you give to others. Self-care may be the first step, and it can involve activities like engaging in hobbies, investing in your appearance, and practicing therapeutic skills. For support in understanding the importance of loving yourself, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist online or in your local area.