February may not be as stressful as the holiday months, but for some it can bring up heartache and self-love issues. Even if you have a partner, the over commercialized and mushy-love hype is enough to make anyone's brow sweat. And although this guide spotlights the month of love, the advice can be used any month of the year.
Pick a day to celebrate you. Spend one whole day doing things you love, big or small. Get pampered with a massage and manicure, watch your favorite movies, treat yourself to cupcakes and tea, catch up on a book you'd like to read or re-read a favorite. Celebrate you by allowing yourself to do the things you love.
Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. - I know, all this gratitude stuff ends up on everyone's list, but there's a reason for it...it works! Make love lists about yourself, your partner, your life. Tape them all over the house.
Snuggle with a furry friend. No one can deny the power of cuddling with a pet. Don't have one? Borrow a friend's or visit an animal shelter. You might fall in love ;) And if none of these are a possibility, just look at pictures of cute animals. You'll laugh, you'll smile, you'll feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. - I know, all this gratitude stuff ends up on everyone's list, but there's a reason for it...it works! Make love lists about yourself, your partner, your life. Tape them all over the house.
Snuggle with a furry friend. No one can deny the power of cuddling with a pet. Don't have one? Borrow a friend's or visit an animal shelter. You might fall in love ;) And if none of these are a possibility, just look at pictures of cute animals. You'll laugh, you'll smile, you'll feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Spray lavender on your pillow and drink a calming tea before bed. Look for teas that have chamomile, lemon balm, and/or lavender in them. A tea I like - Mountain Rose Herbs' Peace Tea. It's an infusion of chamomile, spearmint, lavender, cinnamon bark, passionflower, and rose petals.
Choose a positive affirmation and repeat it everyday for the rest of the month. Julia Cameron and Louise Hay have some of the best.
Try this exercise from SARK and write yourself an over-the-top love letter full of rainbow-colored sentiments to yourself.
Choose a positive affirmation and repeat it everyday for the rest of the month. Julia Cameron and Louise Hay have some of the best.
Try this exercise from SARK and write yourself an over-the-top love letter full of rainbow-colored sentiments to yourself.
Dearest Delightful Moonbeam of Joy,
You are beautiful in so many ways. Let me count them!
Practice meditating twice a week. If you're more advanced, bump up the amount of days or length of each session.
Spend 20-30 minutes a day moving your body. Our bodies are meant to move, dance, and stretch. If you can't fit in 20-30 minutes, squeeze in at least 10 minutes of stretching in the morning or before bed. Remember to warm up your body so as not to pull a muscle.
Give yourself a love token: a heart-shaped rock, a heart charm, a manicure of tiny pink hearts, something to remind you how loved you are.
Spend 20-30 minutes a day moving your body. Our bodies are meant to move, dance, and stretch. If you can't fit in 20-30 minutes, squeeze in at least 10 minutes of stretching in the morning or before bed. Remember to warm up your body so as not to pull a muscle.
Give yourself a love token: a heart-shaped rock, a heart charm, a manicure of tiny pink hearts, something to remind you how loved you are.
Be up front with your partner about your expectations for Valentine's day. No one can read your mind, so instead of being disappointed, let your loved one know what you're thinking. If you want to go out to the new Italian place, say so and make reservations beforehand. If you could care less about all the gush and gifts, make it known so your love bunny doesn't sweat over the small stuff. Communication is key whether you've been in a relationship for 3 months or 3 years.
Detox. Give your body a break and treat it to some delicious, but healthy foods. I like Whole Living's 21 day detox action plan.
Rather not give up sweets or want to sneak in a few? (I'll never tell) Instead of dishing out for the store bought box o' chocolates, bake some brownies, or your sweet of choice, and infuse it with all your creativity and love (that's you + your time + effort). :)
Dare to love your body. Try this exercise I learned in my Nia White Belt training: stand in front a mirror naked and simply observe everything about yourself, from the way your arms dangle to the shape of your belly button. The trick is to observe, not scrutinize. Try it a few days in a row to get comfortable with your whole body and let go of the inner critic.
Detox. Give your body a break and treat it to some delicious, but healthy foods. I like Whole Living's 21 day detox action plan.
Rather not give up sweets or want to sneak in a few? (I'll never tell) Instead of dishing out for the store bought box o' chocolates, bake some brownies, or your sweet of choice, and infuse it with all your creativity and love (that's you + your time + effort). :)
Dare to love your body. Try this exercise I learned in my Nia White Belt training: stand in front a mirror naked and simply observe everything about yourself, from the way your arms dangle to the shape of your belly button. The trick is to observe, not scrutinize. Try it a few days in a row to get comfortable with your whole body and let go of the inner critic.
A little bitter about <3 day? Replace "I hate valentine's day" with "Everyday is a celebration!"
Hand make some pretty valentines and snail mail them to your friends and family. Everyone loves a good snail mail, especially when it's handmade.
Indulge yourself with a warm bath full of rose petals and a glass of champagne. Treat your body and mind to relaxation. Let your muscles and bones give out a sigh and your mind smile with contentment.
Hand make some pretty valentines and snail mail them to your friends and family. Everyone loves a good snail mail, especially when it's handmade.
Indulge yourself with a warm bath full of rose petals and a glass of champagne. Treat your body and mind to relaxation. Let your muscles and bones give out a sigh and your mind smile with contentment.
We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.
~Marilyn Monroe
