The EastCoaster

By: Claire DeMarco 

1. Spend time with friends!

Whether or not you are spending this Valentine’s Day with a significant other, it is important to remember that this is a holiday that celebrates love of all kinds— that means your friends too! There are so many fun things about Valentine’s Day like themed parties, fun snacks, good games, and cheesy movies that are perfect to enjoy with all your friends. There’s a reason why so many of us love a good “Galentine’s Day” celebration, and that’s because there’s no better way to practice self-love than to surround yourself with people who love you, support you, and lift you up. 

2. Self-care day

Perhaps the most obvious answer for practicing some self-love this Valentine’s Day is to include self-care into your routine. Taking a moment away from all the noise of your daily work, school, family, and social life to rather engage in alone time can feel like self-care. If you want some tried and true self-care tips, have a spa day complete with a bath, a facemask, and some themed scented candles. 

3. Romance books and movies

Even though they can sometimes feel cheesy, and even a little bit of a downer depending on your relationship status this February, romance books and movies can also be a great way to get into the spirit of things while also taking some time for yourself. Books and movies are there to offer our minds and spirits an escape from our problems and our stresses, and Valentine’s Day provides us with a wide selection in the romance genre to help us take our minds off our busy lives. 

4. Flowers

There is no better way to brighten a room (especially in the dead of winter) than with a fresh bouquet of beautiful flowers! Show some appreciation for yourself by taking the time to select and display some beautiful flowers. Your living space deserves some cheer, and you deserve the flowers! Being that it’s Valentine’s season, there are wide selections of flowers at almost every grocery store to bring a little cheer to you and your space. 

5. Spend some time outdoors

After surviving some of the darkest times of the whole year (literally…the sun has been setting at 4pm) it’s important to get outside and enjoy some sunlight. While February is still chilly, it still has some wonderful sunshine that allows us to see the beginnings of spring peek through. And if you’re superstitious, like me, you believe that Groundhog’s Day is giving us any early spring! Spending some time away from phones, work, and stress and getting into the sunlight is a great way to recharge your body and practice self-love. 

6. Treat yourself

Possibly the most important and most fun is to take a chance to treat yourself. You deserve it! While so many outlets are pushing relationships and reliance, take a moment to appreciate and treat yourself for how hard you work and how much you do. Whether your idea is making an order of that shirt you’ve been looking at forever, taking yourself on a movie date, or simply getting yourself a fancy coffee before work, treating yourself to something special “just because” this Valentine’s Day is sure to improve your mood.

Enjoy these steps to self-love and show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day!