Love is in the air! February is a time to focus on love of all kinds, including self-love and compassion. But self-love isn’t just about indulging ourselves, it’s about truly nurturing our minds and bodies in ways that allow us to show up as our best self.
If you’re looking to add a little sweetness in your relationship with yourself this month, read on for some ideas on cultivating self-love!
1. Schedule a solo date
It’s all too easy to find our schedules booked up with tasks and social plans, but don’t forget to spend some quality time with yourself once in a while. This month, schedule a time to take yourself on a Valentine’s date—whether it’s to a museum or a spa, on a solo hike, or in your kitchen trying out an elaborate new recipe, just because. Need to just be? If possible, schedule a do-nothing day with no plans or chores and see what comes of it.
Quote: “Time is what we spend our lives with. If we are not careful we find others spending it for us.” —Carl Sandburg
2. Listen to your body
Can you imagine a loving relationship that didn’t involve listening to the other person? Practicing self-love requires tuning in deeply. It’s not about giving into everything we want, but listening to what we actually need, below the surface.
If you’re overwhelmed, maybe it’s a signal that you could use a walk around the neighborhood, some yoga or a quick workout to shed stress and loosen up your limbs. If you’re craving food continuously, it might be a sign that you need more protein to stay satiated. Protein snacks like Kibo Lentil Chips, Kibo Chickpea Chips, and Kibo Veggie Crunch are packed with 6-7 grams of yummy, crunchy protein to keep you fueled throughout the day.
3. Redefine what's fun
Sometimes there can be a difference between the activities our friends get excited about and the things that we actually want to do. Who gets to decide what’s “fun?” That person is you! So your idea of a good time could be cliff jumping into water and staying out late doing karaoke—or it could be knitting a scarf or doing research for your degree. The point is, you are the expert on what makes you feel most alive.
Prompt: Write a vitality list of the things (big and small) that make you feel most energized and joyful. Keep it on your phone notes for an easy reminder when you’re building out your calendar!
4. Make the morning yours
We might have every intention of doing something nice for ourselves, only to find our needs get taken over by the needs of the day. If you start the day doing something that matters to you, it’s easier to make sure that your week is full of things that make you feel good—like a yoga session or a few moments outside with a cup of coffee.
That being said, if you missed your morning self-care practice, it doesn’t mean the day is a wash! Morning and evening can be the best times to focus on your needs, so if you missed your feel-good a.m. dance sesh, see if you can use the evening to make it up to yourself.
5. Do something cozy
It’s February, so that means it’s still comfy season! Take this winter time to do something cozy for yourself. Hot tea? Sauna session? Cozy socks and sweatsuit? Heated blanket? Bubble bath? Cuddle session with your dog? Give yourself the gift of calming down and getting warm. You deserve it!
6. Commit to not comparing yourself
In today’s very online world, we’re constantly exposed to influencers and lifestyle content that feels unattainable—whether it’s looks, possessions, expensive vacations, picture-perfect families or career accomplishments. It’s time to do ourselves a favor and unsubscribe to what makes us feel less-than. The only comparison that counts is that we’re bettering ourselves based on our own unique starting points and what’s most meaningful in our lives. Who are the people who motivate and inspire you most? What already inspires you in your own life? What do you love most about you?
7. Practice a self-love mantra
While super aspirational mantras can also be empowering, some of the most effective affirmations are ones that remind you of what’s already true, or allow you to reframe your thinking.
Prompt: Write a list of mantras for reframing your state of mind to one of self-compassion, or use one of these:
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Every day I am learning and improving.
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My spirit is unique. My power is that there’s no one quite like me.
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When I see friends and loved ones smile at me, I’m reminded of my capacity to add joy to the world.
We hope these self-love tips inspire you to tune in to your needs and the things that make you feel healthy, happy, cozy, connected, and alive! At Kibo, we’re all about making better choices each day, whether big or small decisions, that lead to lasting change. So buy yourself some flowers and have a loving month!
