Be Your Own Valentine!

Hey there, y'all. It's Brendan here once again, and I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss something that I think a lot of people can relate to. No matter if you have a partner or not this Valentine's Day, I thought it might be good to take the opportunity to look at some important aspects of self-care that can fall by the wayside in a busy life.

Loving yourself isn't a bad thing on its own, and on a cultural level I think we should stop framing solitude as a purely miserable thing (though that's a whole other conversation!). In any case, today I wanted to share some tips you can use to help keep yourself steady, tomorrow and beyond.

The Value of Self-Care

Whether we recognize it or not, whether we call it by one name or another, self-care is an integral part of the maintenance of our bodies and our minds-- even our souls, depending on who you ask. Keeping yourself in good shape isn't just about living longer or enjoying a given moment, but so much more. I have seen so many acts of selfless courage and kindness in my life, and tried to add a few more to the pile, but it's so much harder to provide those when you have less to give. Self-care helps you build yourself up, reducing stress and burnout to your own benefit and that of those around you. 

The title of this blog, the idea of being your own valentine, ties into this. While it may sound a little ridiculous on the face of it, 

It Goes Deeper Still

Self-care is not merely going through the motions of hygiene or taking your medication. It requires an active engagement with yourself, with the messages and signals that you're receiving from yourself. Sometimes they require a little interpretation (particularly if you're neurodivergent like me), but if you listen, you can know what to do. Some of the things involved are mundane, to be sure, but the effects of engaging with them can radiate out into the rest of your life.

Take, for example, eating healthier meals. This won't just have the direct effect of giving you fuel for your day, but also help to keep your body in better shape and equipped with the nutrients it needs. Depending on what you're eating, you can also affect aspects of your mental health-- eating fast food isn't just bad for your waistline, but also your mind! This is only the most basic example, and there are far more; here's a quick list from the wonderful NIH. 

We've talked about this stuff in Nakee blogs (the benefits of mental health care and better dietary habits, among other things), but self-care is the umbrella all of that sits under. There's really no better day than Valentine's Day to make a change for yourself. Here is a wonderful article from the Cleveland Clinic about starting new self-care routines.

The Big List

Here's a long, long list of things you can do related to self-care! I'm providing them not  necessarily as a checklist of things you should do, but as a compilation of possibilities. Pursue what sounds good to you, and push a bit beyond the edge of your comfort zone if you can-- I speak from experience when I say that sort of thing can do you good!

Physical Self-Care

• Eating a balanced diet with nutritious foods
• Staying hydrated throughout the day
• Getting enough sleep (7–9 hours per night)
• Engaging in regular exercise (walking, yoga, strength training, etc.)
• Practicing good hygiene and skincare
• Taking breaks to stretch and relax

Mental & Emotional Self-Care

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Journaling thoughts and feelings
• Setting healthy boundaries in relationships
• Engaging in creative hobbies (painting, music, writing, etc.)
• Seeking professional support when needed (therapy, counseling)
• Limiting exposure to negative news or social media

Social & Recreational Self-Care

• Spending quality time with loved ones
• Reaching out to friends and maintaining connections
• Participating in activities that bring joy (sports, games, movies)
• Taking time for solitude when needed
• Volunteering or giving back to the community

Rest & Relaxation

• Reading a book or listening to music
• Taking a warm bath or enjoying aromatherapy
• Practicing deep breathing exercises
• Watching a favorite show or movie guilt-free (without worrying about how you're spending your time)
• Spending time in nature for fresh air and relaxation

A Personal Aside

Since I have you here, and you're hopefully too invested in reading to stop on account of this rant, I hope you know that I am profoundly grateful to everyone who takes the time to read these posts. I know that company blogs aren't always the most exciting reading material, but I am grateful for the opportunity to share knowledge with folks who might need it. I also wanted to say this, particularly for those who might be spending this Valentine's Day alone and feeling less than great about that: it does get better.

I know that sounds like the hollowest platitude, but it really does get better, so long as you stride to be the best version of yourself. No one can ask more of you than that. Set (realistic) toward self-improvement and try to follow them as best you're able. I am very aware that it's easier said than done, but when you stick with it, you'll find more confidence within yourself, and greatness can follow. One other thing that I hope everyone will remember: there is never any shame in asking for help if you need it.

I hope that I've been able to help you guys with these blogs in the time that I've been writing them. I've tried to take some of my own advice, and if that advice has also bettered your life, then I am so, so glad. Have a great Valentine's Day, everyone, and thanks for reading. This is Brendan, signing off.