Some might say that romantic movies tell us we all need a partner to get through life. I, on the other hand, disagree. I think romance movies, aside from entertaining us immensely, tell us something else. I think they try to remind us that love exists everywhere, and often in places we don’t expect. For that reason, I compiled a list of five methods of self-care that I think do a great job of tending to your mental and emotional state.
In other words, if you want to love anyone this Valentine’s Day, love yourself.
1. Start Your Day Off With a Cup of Tea/Coffee
This seems so basic, but trust me when I say that starting your day off properly? Total necessity. I don’t feel like my day starts until I get my hands on a cup of chocolate coffee. I almost named this particular passage “Misty Mornings” because I feel like that gives off an image all on its own. For instance, you know in Edinburgh or mountain tops, when the ground is covered in thick layers of mist in the mornings? Imagine waking up, curling up in a cardigan and soft blankets with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the early morning as the rest of the world sleeps on. You will not know pure, simple love until you spend a few quiet hours alone with some gentle music and a cup of something steaming.
2. Movie Night
I will defend the sanctity of movie nights with my life. The best part about them? They don’t even need to come at night- you can enjoy movie night at any time of the day. Preferably, I think keeping it till after sundown works best because then you get something to look forward to at the end of the day. Whether you want to rewatch Fantastic Beasts or maybe pop in a corny romcom with popcorn (see what I did there, with the corn?), movie night helps you destress. So pick a movie you know you always enjoy and treat yourself!
3. A Gift From You to You!
Anyone else totally guilty of this? It happens to me all the time. Every year, no matter the holiday, even Eid, I will without fail buy myself a present. As a gift to myself. In fact, I think Valentine’s Day especially ought to mean that you deserve a gift. Who will get you a gift out of love better than yourself? So, this Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to a gift. Maybe a candle, maybe a book, maybe a new outfit—whatever you want. Sky’s the limit!
4. Time for Some Self-Grooming
Hear me out. Going to a salon, getting your hair done, your nails done, dressing in new clothes that make you feel beautiful—it will completely change your mindset. Invest in moisturizer, perfume, face masks- anything that you think will help refresh you and force you into a moment of silent work. Sometimes I won’t do anything more than paint my nails, but even that, and especially using colors that make me feel pretty, lifts my spirits in extraordinary ways. It works as a way to tell yourself that you deserve the attention, care and time. And you definitely do.
5. Time with Friends
Why not get flowers for your bestie? Why not share a box of chocolate with them over a marathon of one of the greatest series ever made- The Twilight Saga? Who made the rule that Valentine’s Day comes only for couples? More importantly, why do we keep listening to that silly rule? I say that Valentine’s means you get to love whoever you want, including your friends. Spend the day at a café, taking a walk, enjoying a picnic in the park. Bring cupcakes with pink frosting and heart-shaped candy. Make Valentine’s Day into Love Whoever Day.
So many ways to love this Valentine’s Day, so little time! I personally think you can and should love yourself all year round, but for this particular article, I hone in on February 14th. I don’t know why people dread this holiday so much, as I absolutely adore it. I think it’s a day of beautiful colors, flowers and happiness. And I don’t think it should mean anything less by confining it to one kind of relationship.
