Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Love this Valentine's Day
Image: Rory Forbes-Lange
By: Rebekah Prendergast
*Love* it or hate it, Valentine's Day is almost here.
While it can be a joyful occasion, Valentine's Day can also be triggering for many - regardless of relationship status. It's a day that can perpetuate feelings of loneliness, unworthiness, and self-doubt.
Not all of us will receive a dozen red roses, or be swept away on a romantic dinner, and that's perfectly okay. We can't control how others will love and treat us, but we can control how we love and treat ourselves.
Let's flip things on their head this Valentine's Day by making time for the most important person in your life – you!
Here are six simple ways to give yourself the gift of self-love this Valentine's Day…
Treat your body with love and respect
The fastest way to self-love is by treating your body right. Nourish your body with healthy foods, make time to exercise, and get plenty of sleep. We've seen the effects of this firsthand with our participants who often learn to love their bodies after getting into surfing, allowing them to respect their strength and ability when riding waves.
Take care of your mental wellbeing
Your mental health is your wealth and it’s just as important as your physical health. There are many ways to take care of your mental wellbeing - meditation, journaling, and listening to inspirational podcasts are just a few. It’s important to remember not to be afraid to ask for help - you don't have to go it alone! Seek help from a friend or family member, or book in to see a therapist. If that seems daunting, why not try something more approachable such as one of our surf therapy programs?
Stop negative self-talk and doubt
It's easy to beat yourself up when you're feeling down, or if things aren't going the way you expected. Be kind to yourself, don't believe everything you think, and show yourself some self-love by hushing your inner critic. You deserve to be spoken to the way you would speak to your best friend or beloved family member.
Surround yourself with positive influences
Who, or what, makes you happy? Make sure you surround yourself with positive people and things that are in line with what you want for your life. Supportive family and friends will boost your confidence and happiness, as will activities and hobbies that bring you joy. If there are people or situations in your life that bring you down, it might be time to move on. Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn't deserve to be part of your life.
Plan something to look forward to
The last two years of the pandemic have been stressful and upsetting, and at times I'm sure you've felt like there is nothing to look forward to. Making plans for the future will not only give you something nice to look forward to, but will also alleviate stress and give you a sense of control. It could be something as simple as a lunch with friends, or a weekend away for a change of scenery.
Treat Yo’Self
Don’t wait around for someone to take you out or send you flowers - treat yourself to these things too! You could take yourself on a date or buy those fancy boxed chocolates for yourself. It might feel odd going to the cinema or out for dinner by yourself, but it can be really empowering. It's something a number of the WOW team love to do - so give them a nod if you see them there!
No matter how you end up spending Valentine's Day, we hope you incorporate some self-love into your routine! It's one of the best things you can do for your mental health and wellbeing. Remember, putting yourself first is not selfish.