Self-Care Rituals To Make You Feel Amazing This V-Day

It’s no secret that at HB HQ, we take self-love and self-care very seriously so this V-day, instead of shifting the focus to someone else, why not use that energy to do something for you? While it may seem indulgent, in a recent study by Psychology Today, self-love was said to improve productivity and strength while decreasing depression. Whether you treat yourself to a movie marathon or turn your apartment into a DIY spa, dedicate the day to self-care, because there’s no denying we need it. Here are five self-care rituals that’ll make you feel SO good!

1. Watch an Old Movie & Mask

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Do you ever find yourself craving the familiarity of your fave old movie or series? One of those that you’ve probably seen a hundred times but it still makes you feel all warm inside. Apparently, there’s a scientific explanation for this: “mere exposure effect,” meaning that we like something more simply because we’ve been previously exposed to it. Combine that with a good dose of nostalgia and you’ve got the recipe for a great evening in. Our go-to shows? Sex and The City, The Fresh Prince or Gossip Girl. Feeling for a movie? Legally Blonde, Pretty Women, Bridesmaids, or the ultimate rom-com, The Notebook, always does the trick.

Of course, for the sake of our glow game, we often also take this opportunity to do a hair and face mask. To save our dry winter skin, we’ve been using the WISHFUL Thirst Trap Cocoon Mask, $9, which is drenched in the most hydrating serum packed with rose, aloe, and sodium hyaluronate to leave your skin hella-soft with a radiant glow. For our hair, we love the Shea Moisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega-3-6-9 Rescue + Repair Hair Mask, $12, as it’s super-rich and feels so luxurious on our locks. Check out more of our fave hair and face masks.

2. Connect With Your Body

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Taking the time to connect with your body is super important, especially now since we’re spending the majority of the day inside while we WFH. Whether you go for a long walk or do an at-home workout, getting your body moving will help increase serotonin levels (the happy hormone), lifting your mood.

Another great way to connect with your body is through self-pleasure. By taking the time to appreciate your own sense of touch, you’ll begin to feel more in tune and more at ease with your body. Not only does it feel great, but it also has a ton of health benefits, from stress relief to pain relief, not to mention it works wonders for your glow game. (Check out how orgasms can improve your skin here.)

Another great way to connect with your body is as simple as taking time to nourish your body and skin with body oil or your fave moisturizer. This can help you de-stress and can even help drain toxins from your body.

3. Practice Being Kind to Yourself

More often than not, we tend to be hard on ourselves – seriously, we all tell ourselves mean stuff sometimes. Instead, this Valentine’s Day, take the time to be kind to yourself. Imagine how you might speak to a child or your friend – supportive, kind, considerate, sweet – and speak to yourself in the same way. That means no criticizing, harsh comments, or negative self-talk.

Instead – and it might feel weird at first – consider writing yourself a love letter. List all the reasons why you’re amazing, and what you’re doing well. If you don’t want to write a letter, consider listing out five things you’re proud of. Taking the time to engage in positive journaling will not only increase mental and emotional clarity but it can also fuel creativity.

Another great activity to try is to practice gratitude. Simply write down 10 things you’re grateful for and read them out loud. One study showed that it’s been shown to reduce depression and increase happiness, while another study showed that it reduced aggression and increased empathy.

4. Take Time Out to Focus on You

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This V-Day, focus on yourself and your own mental and physical well-being, above all else. Whether that’s having a hot bubble bath and reading a book while chomping on some chocolate or organizing your room with good tunes blasting. Try a DIY facial or give yourself a haircial; whatever it is that focuses on you and makes you feel good, do it! Valentine’s Day is also the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something you deserve, whether that’s a book, a new beauty product, or a comfy pair of sweats.

5. Do Something you Love

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Nothing says me-time like doing something you love. It’s so easy to get caught up doing life admin, catching up on work commitments, or meeting friends, that we don’t often get around to doing the things we *actually* enjoy. Whether you decide to cook your fave meal, listen to a podcast (check out our faves here), sketch, dance, bake cookies, walk your dog, or go to your fave place, do something for yourself!

It’s important you take the time to do the things you want to do purely for you and schedule them as you would a coffee with your friend. You can even consider scheduling in some “me-time” at the same time each day (consistency is key), and dedicate it solely to something that fuels your soul.

Happy Valentine’s Day, beauties… Remember, you are amazing and you can do anything you set your mind to!

For more amazing tips, check out seven life hacks everyone should know.