Romantic comedies will have you believing that Valentine's Day is all about unbridled love from that handsome stranger you met at a coffee shop. For some people, that may be the storybook that is written for them. For most people, the story is a little less Hallmark and a little more reality TV.
Whatever your situation is, you shouldn't wait for someone else to treat you to the skincare routine you deserve for Valentine's Day, you should treat yourself. Self-care is often referred to as self-love and why not give that twist to a holiday that is typically made for sappy love songs and rose petal pathways.
For Valentine's Day, self-love might look like treating yourself to a skincare routine that works for you year round. Maybe you need to purchase a gentle exfoliant that you can use at home and will leave your skin feeling refreshed. You'll want a great daily facial cleanser, with bonus points for being vegan. Depending on your specific needs you may need any one of the following for your routine including a serum that suits your skin type, a lush moisturizer and a treatment for the skin around your eyes. Once you have your entire skincare routine covered you'll be able to show yourself some serious self-love throughout the Valentine's Day and beyond.
Self-love doesn't stop with skincare. There are a variety of things you can do to make sure you are treating yourself with the dignity and respect you deserve each and every day. Consider some of the following things that will allow you to wrap your arms around you and show yourself significant self-love.
1.) Stop with the negative self talk. One of the worst things you can do for your mind, body and spirit is to talk negatively about yourself. When you look in the mirror in the morning replace phrases like, "oh my hair looks terrible today" with phrases that are full of encouragement and appreciation like, "I love how my highlights look today, they really stand out." This goes for everything in your life too. Lift yourself up, do not tear yourself down.
2.) Forgiveness is key. It is ok to make mistakes, it is part of life. If you do one thing this Valentine's Day that is all about self-love make sure you consider forgiving yourself for the mistakes you make. Whether you make a mistake at work, in a relationship or anywhere else in your life, allow yourself the grace to have made that mistake, learn from it and then move on.
3.) Congratulate yourself. The more you focus on the positive the greater your chances are that you're going to love yourself and the life that you are leading. When something goes right, shout it from the rooftops, pat yourself on the back and celebrate the victory. You should be celebrating victories big and small so you can be throwing yourself a little internal party each and every day.
Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day with a significant other or not, you should be celebrating with the most important love of your life, YOU. Treat yourself to an enhanced skincare routine and then start to practice self-love everyday. Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways you can take your day from blah to great with just a few changes in phrases.
