Make This Valentine’s Day About Y-O-U
February. A month devoted to red and pink cards, bouquets of roses and shiny, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates that — for whatever reason — symbolize love. When the expectations are so high, it’s easy to feel let down and start comparing ourselves to others.
Ditch the consumer-based ways of showing love, try directing all that energy into loving Y-O-U. Celebrate your strengths and what makes you uniquely you. When we wholeheartedly love ourselves, it’s easier to spread that love.
If this seems overwhelming, start small. Treat yourself kindly by being aware of any negative self-talk and replacing it with something positive about yourself instead, as well as indulging in things that truly give you pleasure.
Here is our itinerary for a perfect day of self-love.
Start with a workout
Get hot and steamy and begin your day with a sweat session. Go to your favorite fitness class, head out for a run or take your bike for a spin. Another great option, especially if you don’t want to leave the house, is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. All 8fit workouts are HIIT-style, meaning they are short and sweaty.
Bath and beyond
Next, prioritize an energizing shower or luxurious soak in the bath. Before you get in, prepare a facemask. Choose one you already have at home or make your own. Here is a simple recipe for a fast 10-minute facemask:
Ingredients: ½ cup of warm water 2 Tbsp of unsweetened plain yogurt 1 egg white
Directions: Whisk the ingredients together and apply to your face for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly after. It’s important that the water is still warm when the mask is applied to your face to open your pores and let the magic happen.
Did someone say breakfast?
While you’re showing your skin some well-deserved TLC, whip up a tasty and healthy breakfast. You can even use the same ingredients as your facemask with our pretty Peach Parfait recipe.
Time for lunch
Between breakfast and lunch, spend time doing something you love. Go for a walk, get coffee with a friend or sit on your couch and binge your favorite show. You internal Judge Judy hasn’t been invited to the party, so n judgements on your self-care day. When you’re ready, make an easy lunch using heart-healthy, mood-boosting smoked salmon. Need inspiration? Try 8fit’s Whole Wheat Tortilla with Smoked Salmon.
A berry decadent dinner
What you do between lunch and dinner is up to you, but make time to cook something decadent with berries. Search for 8fit’s Pork tenderloin with Berry Sauce or Raspberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich in the app.
What’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate?
OK, we’ll give into the chocolate trend. End you day with a yummy and healthy (really!) dessert from the 8fit app. We love reaching for the Chocolate Cherry Parfait, Chocolate Greek Yogurt Dip, Chocolate Pudding or Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Ice Cream.
Make time for relaxation
If you didn’t make time for relaxation during the day, make time for it before bed. Take a hot bath, do some light stretching or yin yoga, listen to your favorite music, light a scented candle, read a book or watch your favorite movie. You might also enjoy starting a new gratitude or self-love journal where you write down some positives from the day. Start with 3 three things you love about yourself or 3 things you’re grateful for. This can help you embrace and tap into that that lovey-dovey feeling. It’s time to fall head over heels in love — with yourself.
