FRISCO, TEXAS- Valentine’s Day, the celebration of love. As this day approaches, we are often so caught up in the reds and the pinks of the holiday to show our love to those around us that we forget who truly matters the most in our lives; ourselves. When most people think of self care, they may think of expensive face masks or products. However, while these products may be a fun and relaxing way to unwind once in a while, real self care goes beyond superficial materials, and can go a long way to helping you destress and refocus. There are plenty of ways to practice some real self care.

Go to bed at a reasonable time

Sleep is absolutely necessary to having a functioning mindset throughout the day. Getting enough sleep can help you recharge and reduce feelings of nervousness or anxiety. Instead of staying up until the late hours of the night, making an effort to get enough rest is an act of love for your body and mind.

Clean your surroundings

Having a clean space will help you focus far more than working in a cluttered area. Even if it may start off slow, cleaning your area is a refreshing way to declutter parts of your life, one step at a time. Having a clean environment can even increase your mood levels and productivity throughout the day.

Eat clean/healthy

One of the best ways to love your body is by giving it the fuel which will help it thrive. Studies show that eating healthy can increase moods, reduce feelings of depression, and increase energy levels and self-esteem. The mind and the body work together in wondrous ways, and fueling your body in the right way can boost your mental state as well.

Journal/Read

Making a habit of journaling or reading daily reduces feelings of stress and anxiety which are accumulated during the day. Simply making an effort to write down a few thoughts daily can center your mind and help you deal with intrusive thoughts in a safe way.

Take breaks

Only you know when you are getting overwhelmed, therefore it is important to remember to take breaks to disconnect from work and stress. Even taking a couple minutes off every hour is a good refresher. Taking a few moments of peace throughout the day can be highly beneficial to both your mental and physical health.

In today’s busy and fast paced world, real self care and its importance are often overlooked. While the tips shown above are great ways to show yourself some real love, self care looks different for everyone. This Valentine’s Day, make sure to show yourself some love and take care of yourself in whichever way works best for you.