Self-Love: Connecting With Yourself
Happy Valentine's Day Eve! ♥️
Valentine’s Day is often marketed to those in relationships, but we recognise that for some, it can be a difficult time of year. Divorce, unhappy relationships, and bereavement can all be contributing factors to why a day dedicated to love and relationships can be hard.
However, at Innerminx, we always have a ‘glass half full’ mentality and love to share the importance of self-love and connecting with yourself. Having strong values and a relationship with yourself is crucial to your long-term happiness. This could involve setting boundaries, improving your physical well-being, taking care of your mental health, or even examining your sexual wellness and how that could be affecting you.
So, if you’re feeling any way this Valentine’s Day, here are our top five tips for making it a day to celebrate yourself.
1. Start your day right and eat something that makes you feel good
Before you roll your eyes, groan, and say “No, I’m not having a lemon water and a smoothie” - don’t worry, that’s the last thing we’re going to suggest. The art of self-love is also about indulging every now and again and letting yourself enjoy things. Living a life of restriction isn’t enjoyable, but living a life of balance is much more fulfilling.
If that’s what society considers a ‘clean’ breakfast, then great. If it’s pastries or a huge fry-up, then do it. Today is all about doing things you love, and allowing yourself to enjoy food is a great way to connect with your body and start the day right.
2. Write down three things you’re proud of and three things you’re grateful for
This one is especially for those suffering from Imposter Syndrome. We aren’t shrinking violets today. Get the pen and paper out and write three genuine things you’re proud of. It could be a work achievement, a goal you’re close to reaching, or you may have got out of bed and felt good. No matter how big or small, being proud of yourself is important. In addition, write down three things you’re grateful for. This amazing grounding exercise forces you to be present and acknowledge good things in your life.
3. Get some movement in
We know that for the majority of you reading this, it’s going to be cold where you are. However, we don’t need to pull out any statistics for this article - you already know how good movement is for you. If going for a walk in the cold doesn’t set your soul on fire, do something low-impact like Yoga or basic Pilates. If you want to challenge yourself, go to a workout class. Movement will naturally release endorphins, and it’s even better if you can do that movement outside.
4. Give yourself some space to ‘feel your feelings’
Connecting with yourself isn’t just about gratitude, sunshine, and rainbows; it’s also about being with your emotions and allowing yourself to process them. You might be feeling sad, indifferent, or even frustrated today. Don’t stress about forcing a veil of happiness over every activity. Give yourself time today to sit with your feelings and journal them if that helps.
Here are some prompts you can try:
What emotions are you feeling today?
Why do you think you’re feeling this way?
How long have you felt this way?
Journaling can also feel like a release, as it can be a physical and mental way to express those feelings. Additionally, expressing your feelings in a place other than your home (for example, outside in nature, going for a walk) is a physical way to help the feelings move out of your body.
5. Buy yourself a gift
Is there a piece of clothing you’ve wanted for ages? Do you want a full-body massage? Is it flowers? It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but today is an excuse to treat yourself to a gift. Whatever it may be.
Valentine's Day doesn’t just need to be a day for couples, it can be a day to reflect on self-love and how important it is to nourish yourself and ‘fill your cup’. The person you have to spend the rest of your life with is yourself, so don’t forget how important it is to show up for you!
