Your Guide to Self-Care this Valentine's Day! 💕
2020 was a weird year, one second we're saying "This will be my year!" and next thing you know - a worldwide pandemic hits. Yikes.. With the world being shut down, many of us felt trapped and suffocated with our thoughts during quarantine. Whether you're alone or with a loved one this upcoming Valentine's, a guide to self-care is perfect to show OURSELVES some love!
🌸 5 Ways You Can Practice Self-Care 🌸
1. Write Them Feelings Out! 📝
Journaling is a great way to get in touch with yourself and understand your feelings! If you don't know where to start, write out 3 things you're grateful for each day! Each night before bed, write down specifically what you're grateful for and why you appreciate it. Gratitude journaling has been proven to help people shift into a positive mindset and appreciate the little things in life. Over time, you'll start noticing your renewed, vibrant energy from this!
2. Go On a Digital Detox! ✨
Every minute we spend on social media or consuming the news, our anxiety level increases due to the constant dopamine hits. Eventually, people will feel drained from all the information they inhale. Take a full day off of social media to enjoy your surroundings! After, set a limit on how much time you'll spend per day on social media, and consume information consciously.
3. Clean Your Living Space 🏠
Declutter your living spaces! Did you know people with a cluttered home produces a higher level of cortisol (stress hormone)? This is because we're subconsciously overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in our surroundings. Turn on some jams and clean away to feel better!!
4. Exercise and Move Your Body 🏃♀️
Ahh, of course! I'm sure you're thinking, "I get it, I see this on every self-care guide." There's definitely a reason why! Exercising is so effective in improving mental health. When we're feeling off, our minds want to worry, overthink, and stress incessantly. Exercising allows our nervous system to flow all that energy outwards, so it doesn't stay in our minds. By physically moving your body, the tension built up inside releases! Try going for a 30 minute walk, it'll do wonders!!
5. Treat Yourself 🧁
Close your eyes. How does your ideal "me day" look like? Does it include painting your nails? Watching your favorite tv show? Cooking some pasta? Whatever it may be, do it and treat yourself! Take the day to relax and indulge in all your go-to activities, you deserve it. Society sometimes makes us feel guilty when we're not being productive, but we're all human and we need to rest every once in a while. Or else - we'll burnout. I'm telling you right now it's perfectly fine to take a step back and breathe today. ❤️
🥑 I know I'll be making avocado toast and tuning into a Grey's Anatomy marathon this Valentine's Day, what are your plans?
Whatever plans you may have this Valentine's Day, I hope you take some time to incorporate these self-care practices into your day. Be sure to tag us on Instagram @storey.line to show us your self-love this Valentine's Day, we'll be reposting on our stories!
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This guide is brought to you by me, Nancy Nguyen ❤️