6 ways to practice self-love this Valentine’s Day

In a world surrounded by adverts promoting relationships, it's more important than ever to treat yourself with kindness this Valentine's Day. From self-gifting your favourite finds to instilling mood-boosting rituals, here are some fantastic ways to declare yourself your own Valentine and prioritise self-love.

Romantic getaway this, galentine’s celebrations that, what ever happened to practicing some good old fashioned self-love? As we’re all aware, February 14 has become weighed down with significance thanks to a little something called capitalism, and while we’re all for sentimental gestures and dreamy dates, there’s a lot to be said for spending the day in your own company.

Whether you’re happily single or all loved up, it’s always a good idea to dedicate some time to yourself. A sad truth for many of us is that we don’t carve out the time, energy and money to treat ourselves, check in with ourselves, and romance ourselves. Self-dating is an emerging trend online, and rightly so. Who better to spend some quality time with than yourself?

With that in mind, we’re highlighting some simple ways to practice self-love this Valentine’s Day.

Practice random acts of (self) kindness

Why is it so much easier to splurge on others than it is on yourself? We see a bunch of flowers or a book we know a loved one would love, and we snap it up straight away. But when it’s for ourselves, we question whether we deserve it. What on earth is that about? Whether it’s a caramel almond and sea salt KIND bar and a €6 coffee, a sheet mask, or a quirky little overpriced mug, buy it for yourself and spend some time actively revelling in it.

Learn to say ‘no’

Look, this is a safe place to admit that sometimes we make plans when we’re feeling particularly sociable that we just don’t want to follow through with once the date looms large. But you have permission to protect your me-time, and no one’s going to punish you for that. Send that rain check text message and feel the relief fill your body. Instead, do something that will bring you joy. Take yourself out for a dip in the sea, pull up an online yoga video to follow along with, paint, read, or just lie on the couch and stare at the ceiling — you do not have to have something to show for yourself at the end of every day. Simply existing is enough.

Banish your productivity guilt

Did you know that apparently you can relax without throwing the washing on, hoovering the floors or doing the food shop? And that chores can be put on hold, in favour of prioritising yourself? Flabbergasting news indeed. Take the day to yourself, flip the switch from ‘doing’ mode to ‘being’ mode, and give yourself an actual break. Oh, and while you’re at it, put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ mode. No matter how much we try to convince ourselves otherwise, the world really can wait for a little while.

Create a ritual to indulge in

If you haven’t firmed up your signature self-care routine, now’s the time. Change your bed sheets, run a bath, pour yourself a crisp glass of wine. Burn some incense, light some candles, play your favourite songs on repeat, indulge in your favourite sweet treat. Bring your duvet into the living room and make yourself a couch bed.

Pick up a book, put down the book, and switch on your favourite comfort movie. Stay up past midnight if you want to, and thoroughly unburden yourself from any imagined consequences. Just chill out, for the love of god!

Do a quick but efficient dung-out

Sometimes, I think the language around personal organisation and life admin can make it appear incredibly daunting. ‘Clothing cull’, ‘wardrobe detox’, ‘outfit overhaul’ — they sound like something one would need professional help with. But the humble dung out is plain and simple.

You just open your drawers, pull out the solo socks that have been floating from washing machine to dryer back to drawer for months now and put them in a bag. Then, toss out the underwear that always pinches you in the wrong place. The laddered tights and too-small bra can exit stage left also.

Finally, a hot girl walk

When you’re hellbent on relaxation but don’t want to feel like an out-and-out couch potato, a leisurely walk can work wonders.

Take it at your own pace, listen to a podcast or a playlist you made back when you were in college, don some fabulous athleisurewear, and find a perch to enjoy a little sweet treat. My current fixation is KIND’s Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, and the fact that there are no artificial flavours, preservatives or secret ingredients doesn’t hurt either.

Shop the full KIND Snacks Ireland range today on their website.