Why You Should Make Self-Love a Priority on Valentine's Day

Have you considered self-love this Valentine's Day/? Irrespective of whether you are single, committed, divorced, widowed, or self-partnered, Valentine's Day is a day when you should prioritize self-love. Here's why. 

Valentine's Day and Self-Love

Without delving into its historical origin, February 14, or Valentine's Day, is celebrated as a day of love. Many people believe this day is only for lovers, and they couldn't be more wrong. Love exists in multiple forms--familial, platonic, unconditional, and so on--which is why Valentine's Day is a day meant to celebrate all kinds of love and relationships. And hard as it is to practice, self-love is the most important love of your life. After all, no matter how social you are, you have no option but to spend some time in your company. Wouldn't those hours go by quicker if you liked yourself a little more than you currently do? 

The Importance of Self-Love on Valentine's Day

First off, I want to clarify that I do not believe in the school of thought that says you must love yourself before you can love anyone else. Self-love is challenging for most people, especially for those with mental health issues. That said,  self-love on Valentine's Day is good for your mental health. In my opinion, it eases the difficult, never-ending practice of self-care, a practice vital for our wellbeing. We are often our own worst critics, and what's a better occasion than Valentine's Day to be a little kind to ourselves? Plus, think about it: don't you deserve some of the love that you give to others? 

Today's social media posts will be mostly about couples bragging about their "perfect" relationships. Even though most of us know that no relationship is perfect, these posts will inevitably make us feel insecure about our love lives. Break the norm by refusing to join this silly oversharers club that only makes lonely people miserable. Post about self-love on Valentine's Day instead -- and empower everyone to feel good about themselves irrespective of their relationship status. 

When You Make Self-Love a Priority on Valentine's Day, It Gets Easier Every Day

If you can practice self-love on Valentine's Day--a day overhyped for celebrating romantic love--you will find it easier to practice on regular days. As you celebrate love in all its forms today, remember to give some love to yourself. Making self-love a priority will nourish your holistic wellbeing, and improving your relationship with yourself will improve your relationship with others. So, no matter what your plans for Valentine's Day, set aside some time for the most important person in your life--you.