A BAD B*TCH’S GUIDE TO SELF LOVE

Hey queen! If you’re finding yourself flying solo this Valentine’s Day, don’t worry! First of all, remember that your worth is determined by YOU, not by your relationship status. You are enough - always remember that. With that said, we put together the ultimate self care list so you can show yourself some of that good love.

1.) Start your day with positive affirmations.

This one may feel a little silly but there is scientific evidence supporting the idea that positive self talk and thinking contribute to your emotional and mental health. So how do we create an affirmation? First, focus on where you have the most negative self-talk, and then choose affirmations that battle those issues. Choose affirmations that are short so they are easier to remember. Affirm your positive statements in the present tense. Use such phrases as ‘I am’ rather than ‘I shall be’. The mind will work harder to turn the thought into reality if it is challenged to provide immediate results. Lastly, stick to only using positive words, for example choose “I am healthy” vs “I am not out of shape.”

2.) Stay active!

No need to get crazy on this one, just try to get in a couple days of exercise in every week. Lately, we’ve been loving boxing, barre and hot yoga. If you’re looking for fun new ways to work out, definitely check out ClassPass to try new workout studios in your area! Exercise has countless health benefits including better sleep, stress relief, weight loss, increased energy, improved brain health and memory, and so much more! Love yourself and move a little, dolls <3

3.) Eat healthy.

Nothing wrong with indulging in delicious foods here and there but there is no denying what we put in our body is directly tied to our physical health. Read up on the health benefits of different foods and try your best to keep a lifestyle and diet that makes you feel good (and look good)! There are tons of fun healthy recipes out there so you can get creative. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t have to mean that you’re eating plain, boring food! There are nutritious meals and recipes jam packed full of flavor. Bon appetite!

4.) Drink water.

It’s a busy life we live and sometimes we are moving from one thing to the next without taking care of the essentials. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush out toxins from your body, improves your complexion, promotes healthy weight management, boosts energy, and sooooo much more! Don’t forget to hydrate!

5.) Meditate.

This one is a little harder to get into because when we think about the word “meditate” alone it makes us believe that we have to completely clear our mind and achieve a nirvana level of peace right off the bat.This is unrealistic to do on your first attempts so it can be discouraging. It’s so easy to beat ourselves up for not being able to quiet our mind enough to unlock inner peace, but meditation, like anything, requires practice and discipline. Start off slow by practicing a few minutes a day and allow thoughts to come and go without judgment. At the very least this will bring you a bit of clarity and calm in your day. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, control anxiety, improve self awareness, lengthen attention span and much more. Namaste, queens!

6.) Practice gratitude.

Sometimes when things are spiraling it’s hard to remember the little things that make life so beautiful. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to come back to reality and express thankfulness for the many blessings that decorate our lives. It’s also a good reference point for those days you feel a little down, you can take a glance into the journal and connect to everything you have to be grateful for. Don’t lose sight of your silver linings and remember that behind every bad day there are many good ones sure to follow.

7.) Unplug and have a mental health day.

It’s so important to have enough self awareness to realize when you’re burnt out and need to care for your mental/emotional health. Don’t feel guilty for taking a day off to take care of yourself. Remember that you can do your best work when you’re the best version of yourself, so a little time off can have much bigger payoffs! Do a digital detox, unplug from social media for the day and do things that spark joy! Even if that means having a pint of ice cream, getting a pedi or taking a long nap.

8.) Treat Yourself.

Do you ever feel guilty about doing something really nice for yourself? Because, same. Remind yourself that you deserve to look and feel good. You work hard for your coins sis so spend them on things that make you happy! Interpret that whatever way you like, we all have different ideas of indulgence. Mani pedi? Treat yourself! New outfit? Treat yourself! New shoes? Treat yourself! Getaway vacation? Treat yourself! (Stay within your means though, pay that rent sis!)

9.) Schedule a massage.

Why not? It feels good, it gives you time to relax, it helps take your mind off your day. Massages are not only therapeutic but they also increase circulation, relieve tension, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation throughout the entire body.

10.) Spend time with your Galentine’s!

Nothing like a little time with your girls to recharge your energy and inspire you. There is something special about having a supportive group of girlfriends to share your achievements with, seek advice, ask for help, or grab brunch with. You’re only as good as the company you keep though, so choose wisely!

There are so many more things you can do to show yourself love this Valentine's Day, these are just a few to give you some inspiration. Self love is what gives you that glow from within happiness. Sending love to all our bae's!