Menu
As wonderful as it feels to do something special for those we love on Valentine’s Day, there’s another relationship that’s just as important to nurture: The relationship we have with ourselves.
Today, what are you going to do to show yourself love?
For the past 22 years, ever since my first son was born, I regularly have what I call “Luxury Loren Days.” I block off a day in my calendar where I’m unavailable for meetings and then I pamper myself. I get my hair done, get a massage, get a mani-pedi—whatever feels nurturing that day.
And even though I call it “Luxury Loren Day,” it’s not a luxury at all—it’s a necessity. We all need those moments when we show ourselves love and recharge our batteries.
Think about it: Where is the first place the heart delivers blood to? Itself! Just like the heart—you must love and take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.
When we do this, we then have more love and energy to give to our partners, friends and families.
So, set aside your Valentine’s Day dinner and gift giving plans for a moment and do something today to love yourself.
Here are 10 ideas to get you started:
Get out your photo albums and scrapbooks and relive your favorite memories, whether it’s your wedding, the birth of your children or hanging out with your old college buddies.
If you don’t have any photo albums, now’s the perfect time to create one! Pick out your favorite digital photos and get them printed with a service like Snapfish or mpix.
You can also get gorgeous wall prints made from your favorite photos and hang them up in a special place where you can see them and appreciate them every day.
Chances are, you’ve been meaning to print out the most special photos from your phone for years. So why not actually do it today as a present to yourself? Then next year, you’ll have a special photo album or wall of photos to look back on! 🙂
Remember when you fell in love for the first time? And you couldn’t help but write down everything you loved about that special person—whether you sent the note or not?
Here’s your chance to write a good old-fashioned love letter again—but to yourself this time!
Go ahead, write down at least ten things that are amazing about you and that you love about yourself. If this sounds silly and embarrassing, just remember that you don’t have to share this with anyone. It’s just for YOU.
When writing this letter, really MEAN IT. Then, read it back to yourself and let it sink in. You are one-of-a-kind!
Go ahead, put on an outfit that you feel amazing in and do what makes you feel good, whether that’s getting your hair done or giving yourself a facial and a mani-pedi.
Maybe you just want to get dressed up and go to your favorite spot for lunch—or tell everyone you’re unavailable and go for a long, hot soak in the bath.
Or maybe your idea of pampering yourself is pouring a glass of wine and watching one of your favorite movies. There’s no wrong way to do this, just do something to make yourself feel good!
We all have those things that we love to do, but sometimes we get busy and we forget to do them!
If it’s dancing, go to a dance class (alone or with a partner!) or just put on some music and have your own dance party at home.
Maybe you love to knit or cross-stitch but your old projects are collecting dust. Brush them off and get back into it!
Or maybe you simply long to take a walk in nature. Go for it! (Hopefully the weather permits! 🙂 )
You know how when you’re on vacation, it’s so much easier to relax? You’re away from your routine and nothing can bother you. But then when you get home, it’s back to your regular routine and regular stresses.
Treat yourself to a staycation—even if it is just for one night. Get a babysitter if necessary and leave all worries behind! Go out with your friends or just order in and have a quiet evening at home. Whatever you do, pretend you are actually on vacation and don’t think about things like your “to do”s or bills.
If it’s hard to get into vacation mode at home, you could stay in a hotel or Airbnb closeby just to get away from it all. It’s amazing what even one night away can do for your soul!
Go into a quiet room free from distractions, lie down or sit comfortably, put your hand on your heart, let go of negativity and focus on loving yourself.
There are tons of guided meditations to help you do this, like this self-love meditation from Yoga International.
Try a guided meditation or just sit in peace, embracing your own love for yourself. You are worthy and deserving of love!
Get out a piece of paper and write “I am” down the left-hand side 10-20 times. Then, next to each “I am,” write down positive adjectives that describe yourself, such as “I am hilarious” or “I am a good singer.”
Then, say each affirmation out loud and really believe it! Even if you don’t feel like each one completely describes you in that exact moment, say it and own it 100 percent. You have it in you!
We often talk negatively about our bodies because of how they look—but we forget to appreciate the amazing things that they can do.
To reconnect with your beautiful body, do something active to honor it. This could be hot yoga, spinning, pole dancing or just going on a long, intense run.
Push your body to the limit and appreciate how powerful, strong and resilient you are!
What have you done in your life that you are most proud of? This could be anything: A work accomplishment, raising your children, leaving a dysfunctional relationship, standing up for a loved one or winning a competition.
Make a list of these accomplishments and appreciate each one. Think about how you felt on that day and take pride in what you’ve done!
We all have those days when we feel “meh,” especially if we have busy professional lives or we’re taking care of small children.
Remind yourself how beautiful you are with a professional photo shoot. Get your hair and makeup done, put on a favorite outfit and hire someone to capture you in your best light. When you get older, these photos will truly be priceless!
If you want to get in touch with your sexy side, go for a boudoir photo shoot. This could double as a gift for your partner, of course, but it will also help you feel your most radiant and confident!
So, what will you do to love and honor yourself today? I’d love to hear all about it!
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day—full of love for yourself and for others! 💗
Ⓒ 2023 LOREN LAHAV • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED