Learn to Love yourself

The relationship that really matters is the one you have with yourself. 

Valentines Day is stereotypically associated with romance, exchanging gifts, and going out for dinner – a day for couples. But what about those who are single and independent? Valentines Day should be a day for all to celebrate. Afterall, it's a day about love, and self-love is the best love. 

It may seem unusual and hard to love yourself. Yet, it is one of the most important things you can do. Focusing on your relationship with yourself and caring about your own wellbeing, is far more powerful than relying on others to appreciate your worth. Learning to love yourself will help you build self-esteem. And it will result in healthier, happier relationships – with yourself, as well as others. 

Self-care and self-love is not selfish; it's essential. Here are some ways to show yourself some love this Valentine's Day - and every day. 

Take good care of your body 

Good health is priceless. So, give yourself the gift of feeling great by getting up and moving more. Have a healthy meal, drink plenty of water, get a good night's sleep, and have some drink-free days.  

Make fun a priority 

Do something you enjoy and inject some fun into your week. Try not to cancel time for your hobbies and self-care activities. This is you-time; an essential part of looking after your wellbeing. We all need time for fun and ourselves in order to feel good. 

Be present and see beauty in the simple things  

Noticing the beauty around you, in every single day can benefit your health and wellbeing. Whether it's the nature outside, the people we connect with, or the meals you eat – make note of the beauty in these simple things, and how grateful you are for it. Gratitude helps you find joy. 

Write yourself a love letter  

This may seem like a challenging task, but it definitely doesn't have to be. Start with identifying the things you like about yourself, what you're proud of, and your achievements. You could also focus on your successes. This is a letter you can come back to or make it a regular self-care routine. It can really help give you a boost and feel loved. 

Allow yourself some downtime 

If you're always busy, it's important to set aside some time to slow down and allow your body and mind to rest. We all need to say no at times and prioritise what really matters. Rest is a basic form of self-care and self-love. 

Practising these ways of self-love is vital for good mental wellbeing. And it can help with making good, healthy habits. But remember, self-love does not happen overnight. With time, it will settle into yourself.

Take your next step to LiveWell 

We’d love to help you take better care of your health and wellbeing. Why not talk to us and we can make a plan together?