Valentine’s Day often comes with pressure and feeling as if you're lacking if you don't have a partner or the chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and Instagram perfect celebrations. But what if, instead, we truly reclaimed the day for ourselves. Self love means so much more than consumer gestures, and with everything going on around us, chronic stress is quietly running our lives. What we really need to prioritize is slowing down, restoring balance, and celebrating ourselves in healing, nourishing ways.
Even low level daily stressors, like constant notifications, tight schedules, lack of sleep, and rushing from task to task, keep our nervous systems on high alert. Research shows chronic stress can:
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Increase cortisol, the “stress hormone,” which affects sleep, digestion, and immune function
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Raise blood pressure and heart rate
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Contribute to brain fog, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating
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Lead to tension in muscles and fatigue
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Influence mood and emotional regulation
Thankfully, small, intentional acts can reset your nervous system and calm your body. Here’s some simple ways to practice intentional self love on Valentine's Day and beyond:
1. Nourish Your Body Intentionally
Cooking and eating meals you love doesn't have to be indulgent, it can be restorative. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants support your nervous system and brain health. Make your favorites at home while keeping nutrients in mind, like a burger with a side of roasted veggies instead of fries, or a warm, creamy soup packed with seasonal vegetables. Blend it up, and you’ve got a comforting nutrient powerhouse without even realizing it. Even a simple soup or roasted vegetables on the side can ground your body and help regulate energy levels.
2. Step Away from Technology
Leaving your phone in another room, even briefly, reduces overstimulation and allows your mind to reset. Constant notifications can increase stress, disrupt focus, and impair sleep quality, so protecting your attention is one of the most powerful ways to care for your body and mind.
3. Move Your Body
Physical activity reduces cortisol, releases endorphins, and improves mood. This can be a gym session, a long walk, or trying something new like a dance class. Movement reconnects you to your body, helps release tension, and brings joy.
4. Create a Calming Evening Ritual
Lighting a candle or using soothing scents signals to your nervous system that it’s safe to relax, (I personally love a soothing scent like Lavender Honey). Combine it with gentle stretches, deep breathing, or a few minutes of mindfulness. Aromatherapy and slow, mindful breathing can lower cortisol and heart rate, helping your body transition from stress to rest.
5. Practice Small Acts of Joy
Tiny habits matter:
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Sipping a warm herbal tea while reading your favorite book
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Journaling or jotting down 3 things you’re grateful for each day
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Doing something creative: drawing, painting, or crafting
- Listening to music that lifts your mood
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate your body, honor your energy, and nourish your mind with rituals that restore balance. Self love isn’t a box of chocolates or an expensive gift, it’s the intentional, daily acts that calm your nervous system, heal your body, and remind you that you are absolutely worth the extra care, attention, and love.🤍