Take good care of yourself this Valentine’s Day

Do you feel overworked and overwhelmed? Too many things to do and too little time?

Self-care is all about how a person takes care of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Sure, you could send yourself flowers or a giant teddy bear holding a faux-velvet heart for Valentine’s Day, but in this fast-paced modern world we’re betting what would really hit the spot is some extra time caring for your health and some serious relaxation.

You can start small, and just take a little time for yourself. Find tranquillity in the time you set aside to care for your own needs. Make this Valentine’s Day a day to love yourself back; a chance to relax, and just breathe out slowly.

Start with these steps:

Physical Self-Care

• Exercise regularly. Find a sport you enjoy, that you can do on your own or with a group of people. Exercise is one of the best ways to increase the brain’s serotonin levels, as is interacting with friends. Serotonin is also known as the ‘happy hormone’ and it is your body’s way of managing low mood and stress.
• Cook for yourself and take pleasure in putting together simple healthy meals. If you’re dining alone, it can be tempting to just get takeaways and eat over the sink. But enjoying a meal that you’ve cooked especially for yourself is a rewarding experience. It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive; a healthy and nourishing meal can be quick, satisfying and a chance to unwind after a busy day.
• Look good to feel good. A new haircut or style can brighten your mood as much as it can your hair colour. They say a change is as good as a holiday, so change your appearance on the outside to mirror the positive changes you are making on the inside.

Mental Self-Care

• Stop the negative self-talk. Don’t criticise yourself for eating too much, spending too much money or not spending enough time with your family – it happens to the best of us.  Ask for support when you need it. Remember life is chaotic, and recognise issues as a way to correct your path in the future. Don’t beat yourself up about it.
• Be selective with the people you spend time with and choose quality over quantity. Happiness is contagious, so spending more time with happy people will boost your mood, too.

Spiritual Self-Care

• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Try to see the bigger picture and be grateful for every small ‘gift’ in your life.
• De-clutter your emotions by letting go of regret and guilt. Do your best to forgive and move on.
• Keep productive emotions like hope, love, and ambition but don’t expend energy on maintaining negative emotions.

So this Valentine’s Day, give yourself a gift or three and …..

• Sleep an extra hour on the weekend, or get up early and enjoy the peace and quiet while you relax with a book and a cup of green tea.
• Play like a child. Try doing a cartwheel, climb a tree, and laugh from your belly at something silly.
• Be your own best friend. Enjoy your own company while you watch a movie or head to your favourite café.
• Pamper yourself. Have a long bath and give yourself a manicure.
• Try and take a day off from worrying. Try writing your concerns down to get them out of your head – then tell yourself you can deal with it all later.
• You can’t buy happiness, so put away the credit card for the day.
• Load your iPod with your favourite tunes and go for a run or walk. Go ahead and blast  Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’!
• Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Use the time to reconnect and ask them what’s going on in their life.

Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to be the best version of yourself.

Be passionate about loving the people closest to you, and give yourself pride of place in that group.

Care for your body even more by getting outdoors regularly, so you reap these benefits of nature.