Whether you celebrate it or not, Valentine’s Day is inescapable. Our social feeds are full of declarations of love, pictures of flower bouquets and adverts for all sorts of V-Day ‘essentials’. It’s quite a polarising day – whilst some love the romance, others find themselves feeling out of sorts. It could be that you feel you’re unable to tell that special person how you feel, alternatively, you may feel it highlights your loneliness. It feels as though society is trying to tell us that being in a relationship is the best thing... Enter Galentine’s Day.
Galentine’s/Palentine’s Day really takes the emphasis off being single. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your friendships and makes the whole occasion a bit more inclusive. In fact, over recent years it has come to dominate social media far more than the traditional celebration.
But, regardless of what you’re celebrating, we think there is one thing you should be celebrating more than anything. And that is you. So if you’re feeling a little low we think, rather than focussing your energy on other people, why not take Valentine’s to fall back in love with yourself. Have it as a day of self-love. Fall back in love with your own company or those wobbly bits you try to avoid seeing in the mirror. It’s time to fall back in love with you in all your glory – give your body that love it so rightfully deserves and treat yourself. You never know, you might actually enjoy it.
Here’s some ideas on how you can show yourself some self-love:
Take a long hot bath
Pop on some relaxing music – a power-down playlist (maybe some acoustic versions of your favourite tunes). Alternatively, try listening to a podcast – these are a great way of surrounding yourself with a sociable atmosphere whilst enjoying your own company. Why not try lighting some candles? Find aromas that will help to calm your mind; bergamot and geranium are known to be good.
Watch a film
Find a feel good film to watch on Netflix. There is plenty of choice across the various streaming platforms so you’ll definitely be able to find something that will take your fancy. Get a blanket, a hot drink and hunker down for the evening.
Pamper yourself
Get yourself feeling glam! It’s amazing how much this can affect your mood and emotions. Something as simple as popping on a fresh t-shirt, a red lippy or a simple mani-pedi can really help.
Nourish your body
Cook yourself a nutritious dinner. If you want a bit of a night off there heaps of companies such as Home Slice where you can order a homemade pizza kit. And if you want to have a little treat for after then do it!
Unplug
Have a bit of a technology hiatus. Okay so we’ve suggested Netflix, which technically falls under this. But we’re talking social media here. Pop your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and switch off for the evening so you can really focus on you.
Remember, there is no right way on how to give yourself some self-love. It’s about finding what works for you and makes you feel good.