Self-love is not selfish

Take the Self-Love Challenge—Practicing Self-Compassion and Care in February

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there is much abuzz about things to do with your +1 to celebrate romance and love. But one area we often forget about on Valentine’s Day is remembering to love ourselves as well. Practicing self-compassion and care can have profound effects on your well-being and improve your overall mental health. Here is a 7-day challenge to jump start and fuel your self-love engine.

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1. Daily Positive Affirmations:
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Start each day off in front of your mirror and say positive affirmations to yourself. Choose statements that will uplift and empower you, such as:

“I am worthy of love and respect”

“I am deserving of success and will achieve my dreams”

“My potential is limitless and I am constantly growing”

“I choose happiness and joy in every moment of life”

“I am at peace with who I am and am constantly evolving for the better”

“I am resilient and can overcome any obstacles in my path”

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2. Gratitude Journaling:

Each day, write out 3 things you are grateful for in your life. Reflecting about positive aspects of your life will help you shift your mindset and think about good things. Focusing on them will foster a sense of appreciation for yourself.


3. Mindful breathing:

Practicing deep and intentional breathing allows us to be more present and mindful in the moment. Simply take 5 minutes to pause and reflect on your breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Think of inhaling in the scent of a fragrant flower and then exhaling out the candles on the birthday cake. Doing this will help calm your mind and reduce stress.

4. Healthy Boundaries:
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Identify one area in your life where you can set a healthy boundary. This could mean saying “no” to baking cookies for the upcoming school bake sale or declining an invitation to go out with your colleagues after work. It can also mean taking a pause on social media for one evening. This will free up some well-deserved “you time,” where you can prioritize your own well-being.

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5. Pamper Yourself:

Now that you have set aside some time for self-care, you can treat yourself with the kindness and attention that you deserve. Enjoy a bubble bath, read a good book, or listen to some relaxing music while practicing your skin care routine. Schedule that massage that you’ve been putting off or unwind while you swim some laps. Whatever it is, enjoy this time with yourself.

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6. Perform Acts Of Kindness Towards Yourself:

Treat yourself to something extra special—go ahead and order that dessert, spend an extra hour sleeping in, or start the morning off by actually sitting and drinking your coffee while doing the Sunday crossword puzzle. You deserve to treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a good friend.

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7. Contemplative Writing

Pull out your notebook and reflect about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Explore times when you engaged in self-compassion and acknowledge areas where you’ve shown care to yourself over the week. Celebrate your accomplishments.

Remember that self-care is an on-going journey. The more you practice, the more you can adapt these and incorporate them into your regular routine. Listen to your needs, give yourself a hug, and be patient with yourself as you cultivate a more caring and compassionate relationship with the most important person in your life—YOU!

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