1. Make exercise a priority
The easiest thing in the entire world is to lay on the couch, letting it suck you into the black whole of Shameless, only to feel the exact opposite, actually full of shame, when you realize six hours have gone by and your legs fell asleep two hours ago. The worst part of exercising is arguably actually committing to do it instead of just saying you're going to. Either starting off slow and hitting a few Zumba classes a week or jumping right in and welcoming the term 'leg day' into your vocabulary, exercise is not only essential for your physical health but your mental health as well.
2. Greet the day before it starts
As an introverted college student with early classes living in a house with four other girls, I've recently unearthed the beauty behind giving myself an extra hour or two in the morning. This is time I can spend doing whatever I want: curling up with a cup of tea and a book, heading to the gym, or going for a walk. It's incredible what an hour or two of self care can do–especially when it's setting the tone for your whole day.
3. If you're gonna scroll, make it on Pinterest
Social media can be astonishingly anxiety inducing, even if you don't realize it. Sure, tons of people can go unaffected by it, but limiting the time you spend mindlessly scrolling can make all the difference in your mood. If you're going to scroll, treating your mind with inspiring and motivating things on sites like Pinterest (or inspiring articles like this one–wink, wink) rather than the negativity that can be scattered throughout other social media platforms. As an added notion of self love, if you find yourself feeling negative toward someone you follow on social media, unfollow them. Or mute them. Rid of the negativity energy you have control over, don't feed the inner petty.
4. Stop cringing at self help books
I'd be the last person to defend the preachy clichés that some self help books tend to spew, trying to get you to become a better you with a few quotes and some mediocre anecdotes in between. However, I will tell you that there are some books out there that can and will help you channel your inner badass if you let them. In fact, a personal favorite I've been loving this month is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. It's hilarious, relatable, and groundbreaking, full of witty language and insightful thoughts that aren't actually eye-roll inducing.
5. Be your own damn Valentine
Madly in love with your significant other and can't wait to shower them in love and lavish gifts this V-day? GREAT! Spoil yourself, too. Face mask, bubble bath, manicure, the works. Got that eternally-single vibe going for ya on society's proclaimed day of love? ALSO GREAT! Also just another excuse to treat yourself. Take the world's greatest nap, find a puppy to play with, and go get your hair done. Make Valentine's day about you and go buy yourself some chocolate and flowers, cause who the heck is going to love you more than you can love yourself?
