“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”

Am I the only one that relates the term “self-care” to a face mask, bubble bath, and dimmed lights?

Either way…

Your first act of self-care is going to be actually sticking with me, and reading this until the very end… I know very difficult. But, you got this.

You can do it.

The month of new beginnings has finally ended, and now it is February. We all know what that means… Target is exploding with everything made in red and pink, teddy bears are bigger than ever, and soon all social media platforms will flood with couple pictures galore.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and love is in the air…

A day specifically set aside to celebrate our loved ones, but it now seems to have a few nicknames. Have you heard of “Single’s Awareness Day” or “Galen-tine’s Day”

No matter the name, the meaning remains the same.

Now, do not get me wrong. I love, love, so I definitely am all for a good Valentine’s day celebration.

By celebration I am referring to my Valentine’s Day for the past three years…which includes but is not limited too….

1. Getting my hair done
2. Having a relaxing pedicure
3. Dinner with myself (I can’t cancel that again!)
4. A glass of red wine (plus a few.)

Now, that might seem a little “extra” and perhaps taking self-care to a whole different extreme.

However, every year I have celebrated this way I always think to myself. “Why do I not do this more often?” I mean truthfully I am not a “certified adult” yet, so the treat-yo-self fund is at an all time low. But, there are plenty of ways that I have learned how to care for myself without all of the hype and money spending.

I have also heard a lot of anti-valentine’s day people suggest that “You should treat your significant other like it is Valentine’s Day everyday.”

Could this mean… “You should treat yourself like it is Valentine’s Day everyday.”

Yes, yes it does. You deserve it.

“You owe yourself the love that you so freely give others.”

Love comes in all different shapes, sizes, and forms. Through practicing self-care and self-love, I have learned what truly makes me happy and helps me get through the week.

Find my Tips to Self-Care below!

1. Movement: such as lifting weights, going for a walk, kickboxing, swimming, dancing, yoga, or even rollerblading! Make it something you enjoy and try to do it a couple of times a week.
2. Clean and Organize for the week: I know this one doesn’t sound as fun, but every Sunday I like to do laundry, clean my entire house, and organize my week in my planner. It helps my anxiety and stress just knowing me and my apartment are ready for the week.
3. Learning: I have just lately been listening to a couple of Podcasts, Webinars, and even reading a lot of books. I personally love self motivational books.
4. Quietness: Sometimes I really like to take a break from social media, for two-weeks in February I have signed out of my Snap chat and Instagram to really focus on myself and my goals. I love social media, but sometimes just shutting the world off to focus on myself is really relaxing.
5. Sleep: Making sleep a priority can be really hard but your body wants and craves it. Try to get 6-8 hours a sleep at night, and allow yourself a nap on the weekends if you so desire.
6. Journaling: When your mind is thinking of 101 things, and you can’t focus. Write about it. Write it all out, it always makes me feel better to get it out on paper.
7. Menu Planning: This is one of my new favorites, I generally pick 2-3 recipes to try and make for the week. I plan out what I will have for my meals so that I know exactly what to include on my grocery store list. I also include about four different snack ideas so that I am fully prepared for my week.
8. Meal Prepping: After I have my menu written out, I like to go ahead and prepare one of my recipes on Sunday so that my Monday is less hectic! Let’s face it, Monday’s can easily get overwhelming and leave you really wanting to avoid cooking dinner. So, make it easier on yourself and plan ahead!
9. Go on an adventure: Are you having a busy week in the office? Sitting down all week indoors can turn very grey quickly. So, call up a friend or two and plan a retreat for the weekend. Go hiking, exploring, have a spa day, whatever will help you to relax and enjoy your weekend.
10. Be selfish: If I have learned anything over the past couple of years, it is to learn to say no. If you need to relax on the weekend it is “okay” to say no to all social obligations. Buy some wine. Drink your wine. Love yourself.

Self-care and self-love has always been important to me because with these two actions you can find what makes you happy… by yourself, for yourself.

No one can ever take that away from you!

Share with someone you know that needs a little self-love!