Why & How You Should Practise Self Care This Valentines Day

For some, Valentine’s Day can be a difficult holiday. Whether single or in a relationship, the “day of love” comes with some high expectations that can prove stressful, especially if Valentine’s Day is just not your kind of thing. 

Traditionally, the holiday is about spoiling the person you love – but what if you flipped the script and made that object of your love and affection you?! After all, the most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves! So, this Valentine’s Day, instead of getting caught up in the social construct of what the holiday means, why not use it as a day to practise self-love and care?

In preparation for this Valentine’s Day, consider gifting yourself with some love, kindness and indulgence with the following self-care ideas that prove you don’t need a lover to feel loved!

What is self-care?

We’ve all heard of the term ‘self-care’, but what does it actually mean? 

In simple terms, self-care is the act of caring for ourselves emotionally, mentally and physically so that we can enhance our feeling of health and wellbeing. For this reason, self-care is an important activity that we should aim to do every day.

Self-care may look different for different people. For some, taking time out to read a book may be an act of self-care. For others, it can be engaging in physical activity or booking a relaxing spa treatment. Self-care can even be something as small as taking 10 minutes to step away from the computer screen to make a cup of tea or to stretch. It’s the things you do to improve the balance in your life and to allow yourself to reset and come back to the person who matters most – you. 

Why self-care is important

Looking after yourself both mentally and physically is crucial to maintaining your overall health and happiness. 

With a daily self-care practice, your life satisfaction increases and the pressures of everyday life no longer seem insurmountable. That’s because self-care has been clinically proven to reduce and even eliminate feelings of depression, anxiety, stress and anger. Physically, self-care has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. 

Studies have also shown that our relationships with others are deeper and healthier when we first learn to love ourselves and show ourselves the same care that we give our partners, family members and friends.

How to practise self-care

This Valentine’s Day, allow yourself to experience the benefits of self-care and self-love by trying out one or all of these activities:

Spoil yourself

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself! One thing many of us struggle with is acknowledging our love for ourselves. How many times have you looked at something you really liked in a shop but decided not to buy it because it seemed silly to spend money on yourself? This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to spoil yourself and get that bracelet you’ve been eyeing off or to buy yourself those fresh flowers! 

Spoiling yourself is such a confidence booster and can be the greatest thing you do – especially when you feel like all you ever do is spend money on things you need! 

So go ahead and treat yourself with some new clothes or even some diamond earrings as a reminder of the love you have for yourself!

Pop into Marketplace Gungahlin and find your perfect gift in one of our fashion and jewellery stores.

Indulge in food

You don’t need a partner or an excuse to indulge this Valentine’s Day! Take this day as an opportunity to nurture your body and taste buds with your favourite foods without the guilt.

For this day, throw the diet plans out of the window and enjoy some of your guilty pleasures. Whether it’s a box of chocolates, champagne and strawberries in the bathtub or simply going out for a meal instead of making one at home! Kick back and savour the day and the opportunity to overindulge. 

Grab the girls or have a solo lunch date this Valentine’s Day at one of our mouth-watering dining options. 

Take care of yourself

If you’re a stressed out mama or someone who is always putting others first, Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to slow down and take care of yourself. Take the time to check in with yourself and do something that will help fill your cup and make you feel great. 

One of the best ways you can do this is by giving yourself an at-home pamper session! Light some yummy scented candles, fill up your bath, put on a face mask and lay back and relax!

Now is the perfect time to book in for a relaxing massage at Miracle Therapy or to treat yourself to a new hairstyle, a manicure/pedicure, spray tan, or relaxing facial at one of our hair & beauty salons!

Travel by yourself

Why not plan a getaway for a solo Valentine’s Day escape?! Whether it’s a one night stay somewhere local, or a week-long trip out of state or even overseas, why wait until you’re coupled up to experience the best Valentine’s Day trip of a lifetime?! 

Travelling solo can be such a therapeutic experience and a grand gesture of self-care. It’s a way to discover yourself and a way to push past your comfort zone, building both confidence and self-love. 

There’s also nothing more romantic than experiencing the world and falling in love with what it has to offer! From new sights, new cultures and magical destinations, travelling by yourself is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the things around you and to take time off alone to recharge and relax.

Visit Flight Centre and Travel Associates to start planning your next trip!

Spend time with yourself

This Valentine’s Day, take yourself on a date! Visualise the perfect day and make a plan to engage in all the activities that fill you with joy. 

Watch a series on Netflix you’ve been meaning to get into, engage in a hobby that you’ve been putting off, go for a walk in nature or spend some time in meditation. Spending some time by yourself is a great way to build self-love and to tune into what your mind and body need to recharge. If life has become extra busy lately or you’re feeling burnt out, simply unplugging and curling up on the couch with a good book or favourite movie can be just the ticket you need to ultimate self care this Valentine’s Day.

Come into Marketplace Gungahlin and find a cosy little nook in Book Face where you can read from a range of book titles and enjoy your own company for a while!

Feel good about yourself

When you practise self-care this Valentine’s Day, don’t neglect your physical health. Maintaining physical activity and engaging in some form of exercise each day will provide you with a mental boost and build your strength and energy, helping you to look and feel your absolute best. 

Exercise has been proven to improve mental health as well as alleviate feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Exercise can make you feel better about yourself and improve your self image by filling you with a sense of accomplishment, building your confidence and shredding any unhealthy stigmas you may have about yourself regarding your abilities or appearance. 

Take the first step to feeling good by visiting Fernwood Fitness at Marketplace Gungahlin. 

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If you have kids, finding the time to focus on yourself may be hard. Whilst it is important to take some ‘me-time’, a good way to get the kids involved in this season of love is with Marketplace Gungahlin’s exciting, exclusive and FREE Valetine’s Day Craft activities. The kids will be able to have fun and create their own Valentine’s day card or magnet. 

Where: Marketplace Gungahlin Shopping Centre, outside Big W
When: Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 February 2022
Price: Free for Kids Club Members 

This February the 14th let’s step away from the traditional Valentine’s Day customs and instead take this day as an opportunity to practise self-care. 

Buy yourself that jewellery, treat yourself to a candlelit meal and spend some time loving yourself for a change! Remember, when we take time to honour ourselves, we have a greater capacity to create a healthy and lasting relationship with others in our lives.

Come to Marketplace Gungahlin and find everything you need to spoil yourself with love and self-care on Valentine’s Day!