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

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.

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.

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.