Did you know being kind to yourself lowers anxiety and stress and helps build self-esteem? It’s almost Valentine’s Day and it is the perfect time to treat yourself to some extra love and care. This list of items is carefully curated to show you how to give yourself some love this Valentine’s Day.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines self-love as having proper regard for and attention to one’s own happiness or well-being. Cambridge Dictionary defines self-care as the practice of doing activities that you enjoy or that are relaxing, especially in order to improve or avoid stress. So basically, taking time for a little self-care is putting self-love into practice.
1. Dry Brushing
I’ve been dry brushing my skin for years to remove dry skin and help my skin feel softer using this GranNaturals Bath & Shower Dry Skin and Body Sisal Brush. Now that dry brushing has become more popular, there are many brush options available. Choose a brush with natural fibers and you’ll get benefits like improved blood circulation, skin exfoliation, and cellulite reduction.
2. Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness
Personal growth is a passion of mine. I have a growing list of books about a positive mindset, self-love, and finding lasting happiness. After just having read Atomic Habits and Lighter, this Vex King Good Vibes, Good Life is a book recommendation that gets amazing reviews and just maybe my next personal development book choice.
3. Heart Lotion Bars
Packed with cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, beeswax and organic rose petals, these heart lotion bars will nourish and hydrate your winter skin and make a sweet little gift to give to a friend or family member too!
4. Manduka eKO Yoga Mat
Yoga is one of the greatest ways to practice self-care. There are numerous studies about the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being. As interest in the mind-body-spirit connection grows, many people are looking to alternative methods to reduce stress, improve health and manage health-related conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss, and quality sleep. Having the right tools makes it much easier to show up for yourself and get the benefits of yoga. The Manduka eKO yoga mat combines an eco-friendly, biodegradable construction with high performance for joint protection and non-slip grip. I have practiced on this mat for a couple of years and have been happy with the grip and durability of this mat.
5. AHA Reflect Effect Mask
The most amazing exfoliation mask for your skin, even for sensitive skin. This AHA Reflect Effect Mask takes just 10 minutes, use two forms of exfoliation (AHA glycolic acid & bamboo particles), and leaves your skin feeling so smooth. No time to fit in a spa visit? This mask is often described as a facial in a jar that you can do yourself at home with all clean and safe ingredients.
6. Rose Quartz Roller
Incorporating this Rose Quartz Roller into your skincare practice promotes lymphatic drainage and blood flow, reduces puffiness and wrinkles, supports relaxation, helps the skin absorb oils and serums, improves skin elasticity, and promotes circulation. Give your skin some extra love with this little precious stone tool.
7. Clean Swipe Hyaluronic Lip Balm
Take care of those lips! Winter brings on chapped and dry lips. This elevated Clean Swipe Hyaluronic Lip Balm provides effective moisturizing benefits with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed, and avocado seed oils, plus a blend of mango and murumuru seed butters, this nourishing formula is extra conditioning, without being greasy.
8. Heart Bath Bombs
Dropping 2-3 of the mini heart bath bombs for the perfect escape. You get only safe, nourishing ingredients that soothe and moisturize skin, no artificial dyes, or fragrances. They are scented with essential oils and topped with organic dried flowers. You can find a selection of bath bombs at Brighten and Bloom.
9. Chocolate
Would it be a Valentine’s Gift Guide without a sweet treat? After reading a recent article about metals found in some popular chocolate brands, I have been on the search for some brands that are safer. This Taza Chocolate Organic Mexicano Disc Stone Ground, Variety Pack looks like a fun and affordable way to sample some of these safer and highly rated chocolate varieties.
10. Flowers
Flowers are a form of self-care. A behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh-cut flowers are present in the home. Bringing flowers into the house on cold winter days brightens the space and provides joy. I always love supporting local farmers and gardeners. Natural Beauty Flower Farm is a local favorite. Check out their website for available options. You can also find affordable options for flowers at Trader Joe’s if that is local to you. For a mail-order option, this Just Right burlap-wrapped bouquet from Farmgirl Flowers looks gorgeous.
I hope this inspires you to spend a little time showing yourself some love this Valentine’s day with things that bring you happiness, comfort, and relaxation and to show gratitude for the loved ones around you.