Yesterday was Valentine’s Day. While the commerciality may not be appealing, there is joy in expressing affection for our significant other with some sort of gift or celebration. We easily acknowledge the importance of spending quality time to nurture our relationships. But kind words and sweet actions can extend beyond our one and only. As we continue to move through the northern hemisphere winter, it can be the perfect time to show ourselves the same thoughtfulness and attention by honoring the self.

Good self-care is having respect for our own well-being and happiness. It starts with recognizing where we can judge or be critical of ourselves, especially when negative thoughts or feelings arise. We can learn to pause in times of emotional reactivity and take a deep breath. In that space, we can choose a more compassionate behavior – we can choose kindness.

How do we cultivate this inner space? A great place to begin is with mindfulness, which is the simple act of being aware of the present moment. Mindfulness does not need to be practiced on the meditation cushion, in fact, there are unlimited opportunities to engage in presence.

Here are a few ideas to give yourself the gift of presence and, in turn, self-love:

Unplug: set the phone to silence mode, practice micro-meditations focused on gratitude, deep breathing or sensory details (sound, sight, smell, taste, texture)
Listen: journal using prompts, savor a cup of tea in silence, do nothing while being mindful of the experience
Learn: read a book, make something, volunteer
Play: prepare a healthy dinner or an indoor picnic, move your body in a fun activity, perform random acts of kindness
Rest: take an essential oil bath, watch the sun set, create a routine to deepen sleep

The very act of slowing down, even for a short amount of time, can have great benefit. By committing to a consistent self-care program, your partner, family and friends will feel the effects as your stress levels decrease and well-being increases. The better we are at taking care of ourselves, the more energy we have to share with others.

Journal Reflections: How healthy are your self-care practices? What is a workable plan to recharge your batteries and show yourself more kindness in the coming weeks? Have you scheduled your next self-care date?

Tokens of Love