Self-Love in February
Written by Soph Mazza
February is often filled with messages of love! From the beautiful flower bouquets and all the heart-shaped chocolates in the grocery stores to the grand romantic gestures we see all over social media.
But love isn’t just about your relationships with others. Love includes the most important relationship we have. Your relationship with yourself.
Self-love is the foundation for well-being. Self-love doesn’t mean you have to be perfect or always have everything figured out. It means you treat yourself with the same kindness, patience, and care that you offer in your relationships with others.
This month, try to shift the focus inward and explore what self-love can look like in everyday life.
So, What is Self-Love, Really?
Self-love is more than bubble baths and affirmations (though those are great, too!). It’s about how you treat yourself in the small, everyday moments. It’s about recognizing your worth and caring for yourself in a way that allows you to show up fully in your own life.
Self-love includes:
Self-compassion. This means you speak to yourself with kindness. Even on the difficult days.
Setting boundaries. This looks like protecting your time, energy, and emotional wellbeing.
Prioritizing your needs. This is making space for rest, joy, and things that nourish and fill your own cup.
Embracing imperfections. This is letting go of self-criticism and unrealistic expectations.
Five Ways to Practice Self-Love This Month
1.Speak Kindly to Yourself
How often do we say things to ourselves that we would never say to a friend?
This February, try shifting your self-talk. When you catch yourself being overly critical, it is important to pause and reframe these thoughts with kindness.
This might look like changing:
“I’m not doing enough.” TO “I am doing my best, and that is enough.”
“I always mess up.” TO “Mistakes help me grow and learn.”
2. Do Something for You
We often prioritize work, responsibilities, and taking care of others. Self-love means making space for what brings you joy.
Maybe this looks like taking yourself on a coffee date, reading that book you’ve been meaning to start, trying a new creative hobby, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
Ask yourself: What would feel good for me today? And then give yourself permission to do it!
3. Set (and Honour) Your Boundaries
Loving yourself means protecting your emotional and mental space. If something drains you or doesn’t align with your well-being, it is ok to say no.
Setting boundaries this month might look like:
Saying no without guilt.
Taking a break from social media if it affects your self-esteem.
Surrounding yourself with people who respect and uplift you.
Boundaries are not about pushing people away, they are about ensuring you have the energy to show up fully in the relationships that matter (including the one with yourself).
4. Celebrate Yourself (Without Conditions!)
You don’t need to achieve something “big” to be worthy of love and celebration. Simply showing up for yourself each day is enough.
This might look like:
Giving yourself credit for getting through a hard day.
Celebrating that you ate three healthy meals on a busy day.
Appreciating the small steps you took toward self-love and self-care.
Celebrating yourself is about recognizing that you are already enough, exactly as you are - and that all the small moments truly matter.
5. Practice Self-Compassion on Hard Days
Some days, self-love might feel easy. Other days, it feels impossible. On those tough days, the most loving thing you can do is meet yourself where you are.
Self-love in difficult moments might look like:
Allowing yourself to rest instead of pushing through exhaustion.
Reaching out for support when you need it.
Reminding yourself that hard days do not define your worth.
You deserve love and care, not just when you feel strong, but always.
Love Yourself, Every Season
February, the month of love comes and goes, but self-love is a lifelong journey! Whether this month feels light and joyful or a little heavy this year, know that you are enough just as you are. Keep showing up for yourself in the ways that matter to you.
