For the past 25 years, love languages have been used as a tool to improve human relationships by fostering a deeper understanding of how we best give and receive affection. However, we can also use this tool to make ourselves happier. If you need to practice being kinder and more loving towards yourself this February, take this opportunity to try out these self-care date ideas depending on your love language.
Words of Affirmation
Write a letter to your future self. You could look back at everything you’ve been through, list things you hope to achieve, or reflect on your strengths as a foundation for affirmations. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be in the form of a written message.
You could always kick it up a notch by compiling a portfolio’s worth of pictures or turning it into a video! The possibilities are endless as long as the finished product serves as a source of both reassurance and nostalgia.
Acts of Service
Go all out and prepare dinner for yourself. Plan out a three-course meal, look up recipes online, and allow yourself to invest in premium, high-quality ingredients. Ideally, the food you cook should not only be delicious, but healthy as well.
Maybe you want to try acting like you’re eating at a restaurant: Bring out your best silverware, print out a miniature menu, and show up to the dining table with a full face of makeup and a glamorous outfit.
Receiving Gifts
All of us have a hobby or passion that we’ve had to put on the backburner. Maybe we failed to make time for it, or feel like we lack the materials needed to push through. Make the effort to gift yourself with some resources that will help kickstart your journey. If you’ve wanted to start a YouTube channel or create your own art, lay down the groundwork by investing in some high-quality equipment and materials.
Take things to the next level by keeping track of the progress you make. Whether it’s through an app on your phone or diary-like entries, recognizing your steps towards perfecting a craft makes looking back so much more fun!
Quality Time
There is no better way to give yourself undivided attention than to be present in nature. Surrounding yourself with nature functions as an all-in-one self-care date! You get to go on an adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life, one that may also serve as an exercise routine.
For the full experience, try to not document the entire trip on your phone. It may be impractical to leave it off for security reasons, but resist the urge to photograph everything or tweet your whereabouts!
Physical Touch
Release all the tension in your body by treating yourself to a relaxing day at the spa. There are a variety of options to choose from: Full body massages that relieve stress and anxiety, Epsom salt baths that improve the body’s detoxification process, and even manicures, pedicures, and deep conditional treatment.
If that doesn’t work for you, you can do your own skincare routine at home. This should be tailored to suit your skin type (e.g., oily, combination, dry), and target problem areas (e.g., acne, sensitivity, discoloration)—make sure to take the time to rid your face of all those toxins and impurities.
