If life is like a preflight safety video then self-love is like an oxygen mask. Wait…explain, please.

Think back to the last time you watched a demonstration about the safety protocols on an airplane. There is usually a quick bit on how to adjust your seat, put on your seatbelt and how to use your seat as a flotation device. Then comes the part about the oxygen masks. The instructions are clear: put on your oxygen mask before helping others do the same.

In order to help others, you need to help yourself first. In other words, we have to love and support ourselves if we want to meaningfully love and support the people around us!

There is no better time than the Month of Love to show yourself some of the kindness you show others. This February, we challenge you to partake in a little self-love! These acts can be daily practices, weekly rewards or lifestyle overhauls. No act is too big or too small! Here are a few quick ways to make February a real month of (self!) love:

Daily Love

Acknowledge the good: Starting or ending the day with a reminder of the amazing things in your life is proven to increase your mood and your physical health! Take it one step further by actually writing these things down and seeing them on paper. Looking for the good in everyday teaches you to recognize the things that bring you joy, which opens the door to more of those positive influences in your life.

Weekly or Monthly Love

Treat yo’ self: Whether it is once a week, once every two weeks or once a month, committing to some self-care activities that remind you to prioritize your mental and physical health is a must! Here are a few ideas:

  • A hot bubble bath
  • A new workout outfit
  • An uninterrupted hour to watch your favorite show or sports game
  • An earlier bedtime
  • A massage
  • A quiet walk

Lifetime Love

Free your Feed: Brene Brown said it best: “The way we engage with social media is like fire. You can use it to keep yourself warm and nourished or you can burn down the barn. It all depends on your intentions, expectations and reality checking skills."

Next time you’re scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, notice your emotional responses to the posts and pictures you’re seeing. Is your social media empowering you to be your best self or is it making you doubt your self worth? Is it inspiring self-efficacy or jealousy? Is it supporting your nutritional goals with delicious macro-friendly meals or filling your head with thoughts of chocolate cake? You can directly impact how you feel by what you expose yourself to. Show yourself some love by filling your feed with posts that inspire you!

Don’t worry…we totally get it! We know that “showing yourself some love” can feel awkward and even a bit selfish at first but remember: you are the environment for the people around you. This means that if you are showing love to yourself you are also able to show love to the most important people in your life. By loving and prioritizing yourself, you give others permission to do the same thing in their lives.