Why Self-Love Matters this Valentine’s Day
There is a big push every year during February to spend money on gifts and date nights. Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, many of us can be left feeling like we are pouring out of an empty cup. This is why we need to make sure we remember one thing. Self-love.
No, I don’t mean being selfish or forgetting to share love with those you care about, but every single holiday we tend to get lost in the shuffle of spending, going out, being present for others, and often forget to give ourselves the same amount of grace and love.
Self-love comes easier to some than others. For those of us who struggle with self-love, it can feel like a chore, like we are being greedy or doing something unnecessary- like wasting money or time on things that won’t have a positive impact on our lives. Self-love will look different for everyone. Slowing down and doing things that are good for you and bring you joy is a very important practice. It can lower stress, help you recharge and prepare you for whatever life throws your way.
For some, acts of self-love look like allowing yourself to sleep in on a day off, even just giving yourself a day off. Maybe you decide you are going to buy some ready-made meal preps instead of spending all day cooking. Maybe you decline a few extra afternoon meetings and treat yourself to a home-cooked meal. Maybe, you finally book that Pilates class, that spin class, or take a private with an instructor that you have been procrastinating. Perhaps, to you, self-love looks like waking up and journaling words of affirmation, then buying a pair of pants from your favorite brand that makes you feel beautiful, or taking the time to take a long shower and do your hair. Maybe it means creating space in your life to practice positive self-talk and blocking people and social media accounts that create negativity in your life.
Self-love will look very different to very different people, but one thing remains - we need to be kinder to ourselves, fill up our cups, and then let that overflow into how we treat others. If we are filling ourselves with love and light, it will be easier to share that abundance with the people around us. This doesn’t mean we should be self-centered but rather care for our minds, bodies, souls, and sensory experiences. That may not always equate to something of monetary value, but it may equate to something with intrinsic value.
This Valentine’s Day I challenge you, to do one thing for yourself, or make space for a few moments where you can show yourself love. Wake up and take that fitness class you promised yourself that you would attend, make a healthy lunch decision, watch a movie that brings YOU joy, journal your affirmations, or remind yourself how amazing you are. THEN- go out and share love with your spouse, significant other, best friend, girl squad, whoever it may be. When we care for ourselves it shows others how we should be treated. Our healthy habits can benefit those around us inadvertently.
I always encourage my clients in the studio to take care of themselves outside of the studio. I strive to make the studio a place of rejuvenation, quality work, and inspiration. No matter where people come from, they will leave the studio feeling like they did something good for themselves that day and feel brighter and emotionally lighter than when they came in. A place of support. ♥︎
I hope you find all the self-love this Valentine’s Day and do something sweet for yourself, because you deserve it!
Xx
Malissa
