In Focus: Be Your Own Valentine: Practice Self-Love!
The month of February often keeps the focus on relationships with others, but what about the most important relationship in your life: the one with yourself? Make February the month of (self)-love! Define what it means to love yourself and discover how to treat yourself sweetly this year through the practice of self-love.
Redefining LOVE
You should be your own valentine, always. Practicing self-love is acknowledging that the person who has been with you through everything so far is yourself. This Valentine’s Day, even if you are celebrating with a significant other, do not forget to celebrate yourself and your achievements. If some things didn’t go as planned, remember that you got through it regardless of the outcome. Be proud of yourself.
Having a significant other is not everything. Remember that romantic love is a unique journey for each person; do not feel pressured to find someone. The important thing is learning how to foster a relationship with yourself first.
Love can take so many forms! Yes, this sounds simple, but it is easily forgotten. To love is to care for a pet, to water a succulent, or to get Coupa with a friend. We can love the weather and a song, not just a person.
Ways to Practice Self-Love
- Treat yourself like a date: We often treat ourselves much more harshly than others. Be kind to yourself and do for yourself what you would do for a friend or loved one. You do not need to put a ring on your finger, but you can take yourself on a coffee or bookstore date!
- Pamper yourself: Buy yourself a sweet treat, order your favorite meal, go for a nice walk, or binge a favorite show. You do not need a reason to be sweet to yourself!
- Take care of your mind AND body: Self-care is not always face masks and bubble baths. It can also look like crying, going to therapy, deciding to say no, or setting boundaries. There is nothing wrong with either path of self-care; just make sure you have a little bit of both.
Just like any relationship, the one you build with yourself can be challenging and will take time, but you are deserving of the love. Incorporate ways to practice self-love each day and remember to be patient and gentle with yourself. In no time, you will soon experience the sweetness of self-love.
Written by: Chavi Coy, Class of 2026
Resources
Stanford Resources
- Well-Being Coaching: A Well-Being Coach can help you foster a healthy relationship with yourself, share ways to practice self-love, and assist you in setting healthy boundaries. Book a session today.
- Counseling and Psychological Services: Discover how to build a healthy relationship with yourself with the support of CAPS! CAPS offers individual visits, skills workshops, process groups, psychiatry services, community referral resources, 24/7 support, and crisis intervention. Get support today.
- Explore Self-Care Strategies: Get in the mood for self-love by prioritizing self-care! Learn more about what self-care is, discover strategies that work for you, and begin experiencing the benefits on your mental health and well-being.