I am someone who greatly values self-care. It’s an important habit that significantly improves and elevates your daily life. I know that Valentine’s Day, for some, can be a dreadful holiday. But it’s a great opportunity to prioritize and treat yourself guilt-free. Regardless of your relationship status, I hope you consider my suggestions 🙂

Practicing self-compassion and mindfulness

This is the first step to loving yourself. As people, we always strive for external validation. In my relationships, I've realized the downsides of relying on external validation from others. Today, I made it my goal to be more kind and understanding towards myself. I do so by using words of encouragement rather than harsh self-criticism. As people, we all learn, especially while at university. So what if things don’t go to plan? You can tackle any challenge as long as you recognize where you need to improve!

Creating a solo celebration

Usually, if you're in a relationship or have friends to spend time with, you might do something fun together on Valentine's Day. However, getting comfortable and content with your company is also important! If you don’t have someone extra to spend time with, find joy in your own presence. You can do something enjoyable, like having a self-care day, indulging in your favourite meal, or binge-watching a movie marathon.

Treating yourself to something you've wanted

Treating yourself is super important! I also have had moments where I felt guilty for wanting to get something for myself. Whether it’s because it feels like an unnecessary purchase or I’ve convinced myself it’s something I don’t really need, I’ve learned that treating myself with kindness and care is just as important as doing so for others. It’s okay to give yourself permission to enjoy the things that bring you joy, even if they’re just for you. So if you want that clothing item, that game, or simply just food or chocolate, I say go for it!

Setting intentions for personal growth

In this period of my life, being intentional with my decisions has become crucial. I've come to understand the importance of prioritizing my health and well-being while in university and how doing so impacts my relationships and strengthens me individually. For this reason, I make it a point to set goals for myself, whether big or small. Being purposeful and clear about what I want to accomplish gives me the motivation and discipline to stay on track. This approach isn't just for my academics—it's something I also apply to my personal life. I've learned that personal growth comes from balancing ambition with self-care. So, when I need a break, I prioritize taking that time to relax and recharge, knowing that it’s essential for maintaining my overall well-being and continuing to grow both personally and academically.

Exploring hobbies or activities that bring joy

I know it can be challenging to pick up old or new hobbies while at university. There just seems to be zero time in our schedules. Recently, I’ve been trying to pick up old hobbies, including drawing and baking. These things bring so much enjoyment to my day that I’ve been trying to squeeze them into my schedule more often. Even if it's just for a few minutes, taking time for these little joys reminds me that self-care doesn’t always have to be big—it can be found in the simplest, most creative moments.

Regardless of Valentine’s Day, I strongly recommend implementing these practices beyond this holiday. Like you, I am taking this day by day. Sure, there are some moments when I am having a really difficult time. But I always try to remember the importance of self-love and care and how far that will take me no matter what stage of life I am at. So please take care of yourself. I believe in you. Good luck!