Some of us will feel cupid’s arrow this Valentine’s Day, whereas others…eh, not so much. Regardless of your relationship status, make Valentine’s Day a time to show yourself some love. 

Here are seven ways to care for yourself and demonstrate some self-love. 

1. Re-discover your passion. Pick up an old hobby, or finally make that Pinterest project. Get back into cooking, or walking, or playing an instrument. Try something new and create a new hobby. Spend your time doing something you love.

2. Dance like no one’s watching. Create a new playlist and crank it up loud while making a meal or cleaning your place. Bonus points if you really let loose and work up a sweat. Dancing is great exercise and a great mood booster. 

3. Be kind to others. You can’t go wrong with a random act of kindness, and there’s plenty of kindness needed these days. Remember the words of Aesop: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

4. Laugh. Watch a funny show or movie, or call a family member or friend with a good sense of humor. Laughing not only relieves stress and tension, it induces positive physical changes in your body. 

5. Try yoga, meditation or breathing exercises. Develop your inner awareness, focus your attention, and strengthen your mind. Improve your energy and mood, and give yourself a reset. Need we say more? 

6. Write your goals. Jotting down your goals on paper provides motivation and excitement. It helps you clarify what you really want to accomplish. Now take that paper, put it on your fridge, and visualize achieving that goal. Every. Single. Day. 

7. Take a day off social media. According to Forbes, in 2020 Americans spent an average of 58 minutes per day on Facebook, and 53 minutes per day on Instagram. If these social platforms make you feel down on Valentine’s Day, try taking a day off and use that time for one of the above items on this list! 

Whatever activities you end up doing on Valentine’s Day, our hope is that you show love to yourself and feel an appreciation for the love around you. The most important relationship you have is the one with yourself. 

Now, give yourself a big hug.