More than Loving Others

With February, comes imaging of hearts, cupid, and love all around.  February 14^th is Valentine’s Day and is often a day known for letting your loved ones know how much they mean to you. As you write cards, shop for chocolates, or pick out the perfect flowers, don’t forget to show yourself a little love this holiday as well. 

Loving yourself is important to your self-worth.  It is at the core of your wellbeing.  This does not mean that you have to turn to being selfish or narcissistic.  Loving yourself is simply an appreciation and understanding of who you are as a person.

Here are a few ways to love yourself this Valentine’s Day:

Listen to what you’re feeling:  It is easy to ignore our own feelings.  With hectic schedules, it is easy to push ourselves on the backburner again and again.  This, however, can be exhausting.  Take time to listen to what you’re feeling and respond to it.  Knowing the root of your feelings is important in helping to keep yourself happy.

Take care of your body:  Switch the cake for an apple and the television show for a run.  Staying health is a great way to show yourself some love.  Eating right and exercising has positive results for overall happiness.  What better way to love yourself physically than to give it the necessary things it needs to survive!

Have balance: Having a balanced life can be easier said than done.  It is easy to get caught up in working too much or not working enough.  Having a balance between work and play helps to take away any anxiety you may feel.  Though work can be important, it is also important to give yourself a break too. 

Compliment yourself:  We are often our biggest critics.  It is easy to judge ourselves and our failures.  Rather than constantly bringing yourself down, work to rather bring yourself up.  Show yourself some love by complimenting yourself on a project finished or a good deed done. 

Treat yourself:  There is nothing wrong with treating yourself from time-to-time.  Something as simple as a relaxing bubble bath or taking time to read a good book can be very rewarding.  Letting yourself indulge in a little luxury can be a perfect way to show a little love.  Treat yourself after a long day of work, once a goal is met, or on a special holiday.

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a day for loving others.  Challenge yourself a little further this holiday and take time to love yourself a little as well.  As Lucille Ball once said, “Love yourself first and everything falls into line.  You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”