An Athlete's Self-Care for Valentine's Day
All kinds of love are worthy of being celebrated, that is for sure! Just don't forget to show yourself some love and self-care for Valentine's. As you show up show up for plans you make when those close to you, show up for yourself as well. Try out one, some, or all of these six healthy ways to practice self-care this Valentine’s Day.
Visit with Nature
Ahh, nothing like the sweet wind in the trees to revitalize the soul! Mother Nature puts in a lot of work to keep our Earth turning, so try paying her a visit this Valentine’s Day. Studies have shown taking a walk in nature is an effective de-stressor. It lowers cortisol levels and helps you relax. Spending some time taking a walk, jog, or even just settling into a comfortable spot in the wilderness can help you feel more content with your life. You could plan a hike, stroll around a local park, enjoy some skiing or skating, or take a walk in the woods. Any of these activities will help you to reconnect to the Earth and help you find your place on it.
Do Something Active-That You Actually Enjoy
So 6 am boot camp isn’t your thing. That’s just fine. Especially on a day focused on care and indulgence, why not treat yourself to something new? Try taking your bike for a ride, rocking out to your favorite soundtrack, or trying a GymnasticBodies workout in your living room. When it comes to fitness, there really is something for everyone, it can just take some time to find what is right for you. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to try something you’ve been waiting on. Getting your body moving is important every day, but even more so when it’s something fun, exciting, or new. Enjoying your exercise is the key to creating healthy habits that last, so choose something that sparks your interest, or challenges you in a positive way!
Relax in a Bath, Hot Tub, or Sauna
Or anywhere else a little steamy! It feels great to have a long soak after a hard training session, but sometimes, a long workout is just not going to happen. When we are overwhelmed, tired, sore, or sick, it can feel cumbersome to hit the gym for training. Listening to your body is an important skill to master in the quest for self-care. Whether or not the gym is on your agenda this Valentine’s Day, you can still treat yourself to a relaxing soak, or sauna session. Many gyms have saunas and hot tubs available in the locker room for your de-stressing pleasure. If you’re more of a private, mysterious type, you can always draw a bath a home and enjoy some tea and music to go with it. As we sludge through the middle of winter, warmth is fleeting, so treat yourself by getting nice and hot!
Visit With a Friend
Sure, Valentine’s Day is all about romance, but typically, most of the people we love are actually our friends and family. Chances are, you know at least one other person shunning the holiday for various reasons, so why not link up and enjoy an activity together? People who feel lonely are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, while those who frequently spend time with family and friends are more likely to feel content with their lives. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; simply reaching out with a phone call can count towards quality time, as could a visit over hot cocoa, a walk around the neighborhood, or a game of Monopoly. If your friendship can survive Monopoly, it is truly something special.
Cook Something Delicious and Nutritious
Maybe invite that aforementioned friend for assistance with this one! Our to-do list gets crazy, but somewhere on it, I know it says “Cook delicious, healthy recipe for dinner.” This is definitely the day to do it! Everyone else will be swarming to restaurants en masse, so hunker down at home, and finally, commit to that delicious recipe you’ve been wanting to try! Something colorful and warm is perfect for this midwinter celebration. While our hearts totally belong to pizza, it may be time to find some new favorites, and a homemade meal is always worth it!
Unplug
Simply putting away the phone for the evening and enjoying who we’re with or where we’re at can help us be more mindful and present. When it comes to happiness and love, mindfulness might be the missing link. Many people are sure that practicing this can end world suffering and lead to enlightenment. On the day-to-day, we find it helps us stay present, focused, and more compassionate for sure. One way to practice this is simply trying to be present wherever you’re at. Unplugging can help us feel a closer sense of community and more happiness in our lives, which is no surprise since as soon as we put down the phone, more human-to-human connections are made possible!
These are just of few of the many ways we’re hoping to take care of ourselves this Valentine’s Day! No matter your relationship status, the only person you can be sure will treat you right is you! Take some time to invest in yourself, since you are definitely worth it. Getting in the right frame of mind for self-love helps you open your heart to others too, making you a better friend, partner, sibling, child, parent, etc. Tell us some of the other ways you plan to love yourself this Valentine’s Day!
