8 Reasons to Show Yourself Some Love This Valentine’s Day

PUBLISHED Feb 14th, 2021 & UPDATED ON Jan 25th, 2023

We all know the 14th of February is a day for L-O-V-E. But for so many of us, Valentine’s Day might be the most dreaded holiday to ever exist. Maybe reading those Hallmark cards with cheesy poems makes you eye roll so fucking hard. Seeing huge bouquets of roses might cause you to break out in hives (and not ‘cause you’re allergic!). Even if you’re the biggest romantic in the world, Valentine’s Day puts sooo much pressure on everyone to be coupled up (and happily so!) that it can suck the romance right out of you! Even the couples feel the pressure to make a big deal out of this day.

It’s time to emphasize some self-love this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Even if you have amazing plans lined up with the love of your life, take at least one small moment to yourself. Here are some simple reasons why:

1. Your “me time” is important

When was the last time you fit some “me time” into your busy schedule? And no, your after-work routine of making dinner and going to bed as usual doesn’t count. We’re talking about setting some time to practice self-care by doing things just for YOU. We can’t stress this enough: it’s so important to prioritize yourself and enjoy your own company. ‘Cause you’re the best! Who wouldn’t wanna spend time with you?!

2. You might be feeling lonely

Holidays can make a lot of people feel really lonely, especially a holiday that’s entirelyyy centred around love. If that’s you, we just wanna say: we see you. Your feelings are valid. If Valentine’s Day in particular feels like a lonely day for you, that’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about, we promise! Instead of seeing this as a lovers-only day, make the day about showing yourself some love. Call it an “I <3 Me” day instead! That’s a holiday that deserves to be celebrated!

3. You’ve been hard on yourself lately

Have you been kinda hard on yourself lately? Not feeling your best or lacking confidence? Maybe even doubting your own worth? We’re here to remind you that we’ve all been there and it’s normal to feel down about yourself sometimes! So this Valentine’s Day, let’s challenge the nasty inner critic who makes you feel like you’re not good enough. Look, I think we should break up, Inner Critic. It’s not me… it’s you.

4. You’ve forgotten what you love about YOU

Since you’re making this Valentine’s Day a self-love day, it’s time to reflect on all of the things you looove about yourself. Is it how everyone in your life seems to share their deepest secrets with you because of how trustworthy you are? Your whip-smart ability to crack jokes on the spot? Or maybe it’s your dazzling smile that brightens every room you walk into (it’s okay to admit this)! There’s endless, ENDLESS things you might love about yourself that go unnoticed way too often. Try writing them down as a little love note to yourself! That’s some swoon-worthy stuff right there.

5. Single or not, love is pretty awesome

Whether you’re single AF or #taken, you gotta admit: love is a pretty awesome feeling. As corny as it is to say, love makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! It’s the feeling you get when you’re watching a movie and the characters who are ‘Meant 2 B’ finally end up together. It’s the feeling that inspires the greatest artists of all time to write novels, music, and create beautiful art! So go ahead and show yourself some love on this day. Start with self-gratitude (focus on why you’re such a rockstar), then follow that up with all the movies, food, and drinks that you LOVE!

6. You could use a reason to celebrate

Having a routine can be great, but it also gets pretty boring after a while. The great thing about holidays is that we have something to look forward to! Sure, they can be kinda superficial and cheesy and stressful to plan… wait, what were we saying? But despite those lil’ annoying parts of holidays like Valentine’s Day, the fun part is the celebration! Make sure your self-love day is all about FUN to make up for the shitty day (or week) you’ve been having. That’s what holidays are for, right?

7. You deserve to treat yourself

Flowers. Chocolate. Those cheesy V-Day cards. This may come as a surprise, but Valentine’s Day gifts are not just reserved for people in a relationship! Treating yourself on Valentine’s Day is a way to show yourself love and appreciation. And it doesn’t have to be red, covered in hearts or wrapped in a bow! Is there a book you’ve been wanting to read but have just been too damn busy to start? Now’s the time. The cashmere sweater that’s been sitting in your online shopping cart for weeks now? Time to check that baby outttt.

8. Self-love is great for your mental wellbeing

Self-love is a great practice to implement this Valentine’s Day. Buuut here’s an idea: what if you incorporated that into everyday? What a concept! But it’s true, loving yourself is really important. It affects how you see yourself, how you feel and your overall state of wellbeing. So after V-Day is over, ask yourself how you can show yourself some love in your everyday routine. Even the smallest things count!

Ok, valid points were made. If we’ve convinced you to make Valentine’s Day a self-love day, you might be wondering: Sure… but how? Great question! Here are just a few Valentine’s Day ideas to show yourself some love and turn it into your new fave holiday:

– Cook your fave meal or order take-out

– Watch your favourite rom-com (we know you have one)

– Have a mini dance party in your living room

– Sing some Hozier at the top of your lungs

– Light the best-smelling candles you own

– Gift yourself that one thing you’ve been wanting for a while

– Journal about what self-love means to you

– Write a list of things you love about yourself

And last but certainly not least: buy some discount chocolate the days after V-Day. This one is non-negotiable. We hope you have a great Valentine’s Day, friend!