Didn’t have chance to practise self-care on Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry, I know how busy life can feel and sometimes you just don’t have time to add in elements of self-care each day. Why not put yourself first this weekend and give yourself the attention and love that you deserve.

(Side note: you ALWAYS have time for self-care. Whether you have a lengthy morning/night self-care routine, or you simply read a book at night or do your skincare, these are still acts of self-love. You always have ten minutes in your day to focus on yourself!)

Below are some examples of self-care for you to try this weekend:

1. Get outside for a walk. Take your dog with you, a friend, a partner. Or if you feel you need the alone time, take yourself for a walk. Find a new route around where you live, and connect to yourself and nature. I’m not saying this in a preachy, spiritual way, but rather in a simple self-love kind of way 😊
   
2. Cook yourself a nice dinner. Try something new, or whip up your favourite meal. Light a candle and just sit with yourself. A lot of us may find that we have to be watching something or scrolling on social media whilst we eat. It may feel weird to sit and eat with nothing else going on. This will help you connect with yourself and your body, to learn your body’s signal when it’s full, and when it still needs more food. It is a weird experience but it is much needed on this self-love journey
   
3. Pamper yourself. Take a long bath or hot shower, washing every crevice more than once with extra soap! Take your time to simply give yourself that extra TLC. Put on a face mask, teeth whitening, pore strips, tweeze your eyebrows. Do the full shebang.
   
4. Journal on a deeper level. A lot of people who journal may just sit on the surface of it all. You might do simple journal prompts like ‘how was your day?’ or ‘how do you want your day to go?’. You might write three things your grateful for. These kind of prompts are good for aligning yourself in the present, but they don’t do much to help you unravel your thoughts and emotions. If you feel like you’re ready at this stage of your self-discovery journey, start using prompts that go a little deeper. For example, shadow work (which involves thinking about your past, your childhood, and who you were during these times), and prompts such as:

• What are you self conscious about?
• What is something you’re scared to do but want to or need to do?
• What are your rules for life?
• How would others describe you? How would you describe yourself?

5. Do your favourite hobby. Does it feel like forever since you baked or played tennis? This weekend is your chance to do those things that you love but haven’t found time to do recently. Invite a friend over, or do it on your own. Reconnect with the things you used to love to do.
   
6. Have a complete rest. Eliminate any thoughts about work or drama from your mind and focus on the present. Put on your favourite film with your favourite snacks, enjoy the peace and quiet. Don’t put pressure on yourself to go to the gym, even if you haven’t been all week. Rest your mind and body to prepare for a great week ahead.

Did any of these tips align with you and your lifestyle? Let me know in the comments section.

Also, look out for new podcast episodes EVERY WEDNESDAY: This Is Just The Beginning, on Apple and Spotify!