Celebrate You! Self-care tips for Valentine's Day

Whether you are single, in a relationship, or it's complicated, remember to treat yourself first, then share with others!

Valentine's Day can be a tough holiday, but you can make it special by filling your cup with self-love and care. Plus, there's Galentine's Day, the perfect antidote to all the relationship drama and a great excuse to have fun with your friends.

Who said Valentine’s Day is only for romantic love? Forget the traditional norms, and take time to show yourself some extra care! And remember, Galentine's Day (the greatest fictional holiday ever) falls on Valentine's Eve, so celebrate with your fabulous friends first, then spoil yourself with meaningful self-care acts of kindness, from taking time to get stuck into a creative project to DIY facials at home or indulging with a good book… make it all about YOU!

 

Remind yourself that you are Stronger Than You Think


First up, What is Galentine's Day??

Only the ultimate excuse to hang out with your friends! (Read this for even more reasons!) Galentine’s Day was made up by fictional character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, in the cult comedy show Parks and Recreation in 2010 and is the ultimate antidote to the relationship pressure of Valentine's Day.

"What is Galentine's Day? Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies." Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation, Season 2, 2010


Dive into a compilation of scenes from Parks and Recreation in celebration of Galentine’s Day

Galentine's Day is the perfect time to get together with your closest friends and celebrate what you value in each other. Read my tips on how to compliment your friends here. 

You could spend the morning swapping stories over brunch, then plan a chill afternoon with a DIY paint and sip party using a paint-by-numbers kit or watching a cheesy rom-com. Make time for quality bonding in readiness to be gentle with yourself if you know Valentine's Day will be hard.

 
Friends working on a paint by number kit together. They are working on the fun and friendship design

Set up an at home DIY paint and sip party using matching paint by numbers kits.

 

The Importance of Self-Love: Why You Should Put Yourself First this Valentine's Day

Forget the flowers and chocolates; it's time to show yourself some much-needed TLC this Valentine's Day. Practising self-love is essential for feeling content with life. After all, we can't expect others to appreciate us if we don't appreciate ourselves. You know the oxygen mask saying! Self-love is a powerful and essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Valentine's Day has become synonymous with love, appreciation, and adoration from your significant other. But what about taking the time to love ourselves first? So go ahead, light that candle, wear your special outfit, use the fancy plates, and give yourself a compliment; because there's no better way to celebrate than showing love for who matters most: YOU!

Adopting a self-love mindset will give you greater self-confidence, self-worth and appreciation throughout life; there's no better present than that.

5 ways you can practice self-care on Valentine's Day

  1. Treat yourself to an evening out. Unwind watching a movie or take in the beauty of nature with a leisurely walk - whatever it is that makes you feel special!

  2. Unplug and release the stress. Start your own calming routine - whether it's a long soak in an essential oil bath or just taking five minutes to enjoy soothing music.

  3. Pamper yourself with a spa day. Spend time doing your nails, indulging in a luxurious face mask, or book an aromatherapy massage. Or get creative and make something special from the ingredients in your kitchen - you'd be surprised what kind of beauty treatments are hiding away right there!

  4. Show yourself some love with a special treat. If there's something you've wanted for a while, why not treat yourself to it? You don't need anyone else's permission or approval to make yourself happy. 

  5. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, spend time with friends! Practice self-care by spending time with people who love and care about you. Valentine's Day isn't just for couples!

Soy wax scented creative abundance candle featuring a bold quirky portrait of a woman with pink wavy hair surrounded by tropical flowers. Hand poured in Adelaide.

Light you Creative Abundance candle and enjoy the fragrance of spring blossoms as you set up a self care creativity ritual.

 

How to make the most of Galentine's Day

It's time to get your girls together! Galentine's Day is the perfect chance for you and all of your besties to show each other some much-deserved love. Since its creation on Parks and Recreation, this holiday has become an annual tradition that you don't want to miss out on.

Gather your besties because it's time to plan the ultimate Galentine's Day!

  1. Have fun with decorations, get a playlist with the tunes you all love dancing to and make sure you have your favourite snacks and drinks.

  2. Make your friends feel extra special with small but meaningful gifts. Show them you appreciate their friendship through handmade goodies, heartfelt cards, a scented candle or a big hug!

  3. Enjoy each other's company! Go and have dinner together, watch a movie, get your nails done, or just chat over coffee.

Let you besties know how much they matter, drop a card in the mail letting them know what their friendship means to you — from always being there for late night venting sessions, hilarious inside jokes, or just having someone to occupy the same space with. Whatever it is that makes those special relationships so unique, make sure your friends feel seen.

 

Loving yourself first: the most important thing you can do for yourself

When the fun of the Galentine's celebrations has passed, make sure you remember that just because society says you need to be celebrating with a romantic partner, there are lots of other people you can show love and kindness to, especially yourself!

Showing yourself some extra TLC doesn't make you selfish - it's a way to look after your well-being and be your best version. Think of self-love as an investment allowing you to recharge so those around you can benefit from your presence.

Show yourself some extra love and share the celebration with your besties!

Whatever you decide to do this February, show yourself some extra love and appreciation. Self-love is essential for a healthy and balanced life, so practice self-care and prioritise yourself!

Whether it's taking a relaxing bath, spending the day alone with your favourite book, or doing something fun with friends - do whatever makes you feel special and valued - make sure to do it! And remember that you don't need anyone else's permission or approval to make yourself happy. Go get it already!

Happy Galentine's Day to you! Enjoy celebrating self-love today and every day 💕😍

Let me know, how will you be celebrating?

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Sandra Gale

Artist and illustrator dreaming up fun and colourful creations from my sunny Adelaide studio.

https://sandragalestudio.com
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