With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to share some self-care reminders with our community. Some of these might already be part of your routine, but it never hurts to hear them again. Taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being. So, take these reminders to heart and treat yourself, because you deserve it, girl!
And… Happy Valentine’s Day to all—the singles, the taken, the lonely, and those waiting for love!
10 Self-Care Reminders For A Better You
Yesterday, I was thinking about how many days go by without receiving a hug, or a “I love you.” It’s normal—it happens to all of us. But what’s more important is the days that go by without receiving a hug or “I love you” from ourselves. The words we say to ourselves, the thoughts we have, how we treat ourselves—these are what shape our relationship with ourselves. Self-care and self-love matter, girls! Always remember it.
At The Better Normal, we’re here to remind you that you can always rebuild your relationship with yourself. This Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing 10 self-care reminders for you to hold on to, so you never forget to love yourself:
1. Accept Yourself As Who You Are
How many years have we spent trying to be someone else? How many times have we looked in the mirror and didn’t accept what we saw? We set high expectations and demand more and more from ourselves. But when we truly start our journey toward well-being, we realize that this constant self-criticism pulls us further from who we truly are.
It’s time to leave behind unrealistic standards and accept ourselves just as we are. It’s time to embrace self-care! After all, today, you’re your best version. Take a moment to thank yourself for everything you’ve been through and congratulate yourself for all you’ve achieved. What makes you unique? What accomplishments are you proud of? If you had to choose a few words to describe yourself, what would they be? What do you love most about yourself? Take time to appreciate yourself today.
2. Make Time for What Brings You Joy
When was the last time you did something just for the fun of it? Just because it makes you happy? Life is short, so today (and every day) is the perfect time to do those things you’ve been putting off. Stop making excuses and give yourself the time you deserve.
Here are a few ideas:
- Hang out with your friends
- Go for a walk
- Try a new recipe
- Read that book you’ve been meaning to finish
- Watch your favorite movie with snacks
- Laugh!
- Give yourself a big hug
3. Set Healthy Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries with others and with yourself is essential. If someone is draining your energy, they need to know. And your job is to communicate that assertively. Sometimes, we forget to speak up, to communicate our needs. But things always improve with an honest conversation. Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re more like guidelines that protect our sense of self, ensure our comfort, and actually bring us closer to others. Learn here what healthy boundaries are.
So remember: uncomfortable conversations are necessary for our mental health.
4. Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
Stop putting unnecessary pressure on yourself and start practicing self-compassion. You know better than anyone how much you’ve been through to get to where you are. Life is already full of pressures from others, why add more from yourself? Stop blaming yourself for everything that happens. Sometimes, things just happen.
My life changed when I stopped asking myself, “Why?” and started asking, “Why not?” Often, all we need is a simple shift in perspective. Things don’t happen to you—they just happen, and that’s part of the process.
5. Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Soul
Your physical, mental, and spiritual health are all equally important. Never forget that. Try to dedicate at least a small moment each day to nurture each aspect of yourself. Before you know it, it will become a natural part of your daily routine. And no excuses—taking care of yourself isn’t about going to the gym every day. Sometimes, it’s just about going for a walk, eating well, sleeping enough, or simply being present.
It’s the same with your spirituality—no need to become a yoga expert. Simple practices like meditation, journaling, breathwork, or even just being in the moment are enough to create positive changes.
6. Stay Present
I wish someone had told me this years ago: don’t live in the past or the future. What happened in the past is part of who you were, but it doesn’t define who you are today. Don’t let people, places, or past actions disturb who you are now. The same goes for living in the future—let go of expectations. Sure, the future might be exciting, but don’t forget to live in the present.
Being in the moment reduces self-talk, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Life is now.
7. You Don’t Need To Have It All Figured Out
At The Better Normal, we often share advice that we’re still working on ourselves. Life is complicated, full of concerns and obligations. If you don’t have everything figured out yet, that’s okay. You’re not alone. Allow yourself to cry, have a chaotic moment, and embrace uncertainty.
We love security, but the unknown can be uncomfortable. My advice? You don’t need to have everything figured out. Things change, evolve, and mold over time. Let things flow and enjoy the process—you’ll find peace in the flow of life.
8. Rest Is Just As Important As Work
Take care of your sleep cycle. Proper rest allows your brain to recharge, improving mood, focus, and reducing stress. Listen to your body’s rhythms. Are you tired? How many hours of sleep do you get each night? Do you wake up during the night?
Just like working out is vital, so is resting. Make sleep a priority.
9. Surround Yourself With Positive Energy
Sometimes, we don’t know why we’re feeling down. But look around—are we surrounded by negativity? Whether it’s the environment, people, or things, if it’s not adding value to your life, it’s time to let it go.
Surround yourself with things and people that uplift you—those who bring positive energy and encourage your best self. Decorate your life with the things that make you feel good, whether it’s art, plants, or books. You deserve to be surrounded by peace, love, and good vibes.
Remember: you’re the boss of your life. You get to choose what stays and what goes. You decide who’s in your circle.
10. Celebrate Your Wins—No Matter How Small
This Valentine’s Day, raise a glass to your achievements, no matter how big or small. Life is beautiful, and it’s worth celebrating. Whether it’s a new habit you’ve developed, a new recipe you cooked, or something that went well, it’s all worth celebrating.
You’re your “better normal,” so stop looking for it elsewhere. You’re already the best version of yourself. Keep working on your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being to continue feeling good about who you are. This Valentine’s Day, prioritize YOU.
