Spreading Self-Love To All On Valentines Day
While Valentine's Day is just like any other day, 2020 was the year for self-compassion and self-care as a prudent part of our daily lives. As Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, it gives us all an opportunity to nurture ourselves whether we are spending this day with ourselves, a partner, our friends, or family. For better or worse, the Coronavirus has forced many of us to spend time alone with ourselves. It has allowed us time to re-evaluate and re-focus our priorities, considering who we spend the most time with? The answer is ourselves.
In what ways can we approach Valentine's Day as a time for self-reflection and recognition? This day will look different thanks to social distancing. Valentine’s Day is dedication to love and gratitude. Bella Beauty NYC has compiled a list of ways to spread love to ourselves and others through reframing the idea of Valentine’s Day for ourselves and those we love. Here are our favoriteValentine’s Day ideas for 2021:
Have breakfast in bed! Put a tray together for yourself, your partner, roommates, or family, as a simple way to say, “I love you.”
Deck out your home with heart-shaped items, treats, decor, and DIY Valentine’s Day decorations.
Take a virtual Valentine’s Day-themed class in baking, cooking, or mixology.
Send yourself and others a Valentine’s Day card that is crafty and creative. Write a personal love letter or letter of gratitude with all the reasons you love yourself and/or another. Write a letter to yourself, to open next Valentine’s Day as a keepsake!
Have a romance comedy marathon, replete with snacks. Turn your bedroom or living room into a comfortably warm and cozy at-home theater!
Cook dinner! Spend quality time in the kitchen, taking turns cooking courses with a partner or friend. Buy a meal kit. Indulge in preparing a delicious dinner over Zoom, comparing recipes with a friend.
Practice mindfulness to help ease pressure. Valentine’s Day does not have to be a day where you celebrate just love, romance, and sex. Consider ways to invest in the relationship you have with yourself and others on a daily basis. Focus on smaller gestures that are more important than a single celebration.
Order your favorite food, have a wine or beer tasting. No shame in take-out or delivery (No dirty dishes!) No reservation required. Order for another person, surprising them with a meal. Show delivery drivers and restaurant workers generosity with a bigger tip.
Order flowers for yourself. Treat yourself: take a bath, paint, sketch, do yoga, listen to a joyous playlist dedicated to self-love.
Rearrange your surroundings. Pick out a red or pink colored lightbulb. Stop by your favorite discount stores for cheaply priced Valentine’s Day decor, tapestries, and stuffed animals.