Self Love Techniques
Valentine’s Day is often associated with romance, relationships, and being chosen by someone else. For many people, especially those navigating mental health challenges, this holiday can bring up complicated feelings. Loneliness, comparison, grief, or pressure to feel happy can surface quickly.
This Valentine’s Day, we invite you to consider a different approach. One that centers on you.
Self love is not about perfection or constant positivity. It is about how you care for yourself when things feel difficult. It shows up in the boundaries you set, the rest you allow, the words you use with yourself, and the support you reach for when you need it. These choices may feel small, but they can have a powerful impact on your mental health and overall well being.
Founded in 2010, A Mission For Michael (AMFM) offers specialized mental health care across California, Minnesota, and Virginia. Our accredited facilities provide residential and outpatient programs, utilizing evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
Our dedicated team of licensed professionals ensures every client receives the best care possible, supported by accreditation from The Joint Commission. We are committed to safety and personalized treatment plans.
Below are practical and meaningful ways to practice self love this Valentine’s Day, with simple takeaways you can use right away.
Set One Boundary That Protects Your Energy
Setting boundaries is one of the clearest forms of self love. Boundaries help you protect your emotional space, your time, and your recovery. They allow you to honor your limits without guilt.
Boundaries might look like saying no to plans that feel overwhelming, stepping away from conversations that leave you feeling drained, limiting social media if it triggers comparison, or asking for space when you need time to regroup.
A tangible takeaway:
Ask yourself, “What is one thing I need less of right now?” Choose one small boundary you can set today, even if it is temporary.
Helpful reminder:
Boundaries do not need to be permanent or explained in detail. A simple statement like “I am not up for that today” is enough.
Allow Yourself to Rest Without Guilt
Rest is not something you earn after being productive. It is a basic need, especially when you are working on your mental health. Many people feel guilty when they slow down, but rest plays a vital role in emotional regulation and healing.
Rest can look like taking a nap, going to bed earlier, sitting quietly without distractions, or allowing yourself to move through the day at a slower pace.
A tangible takeaway:
Set aside ten minutes today to rest without multitasking. No phone, no responsibilities, no pressure to be productive.
Helpful reminder:
If guilt comes up, try noticing it without judgment. Guilt around rest is often learned over time and does not mean you are doing something wrong.
Practice Kind Self Talk
The way you speak to yourself has a real impact on your mental health. Harsh inner dialogue can increase anxiety, shame, and self doubt. Practicing self love means paying attention to your inner voice and choosing compassion whenever possible.
Common unhelpful thoughts include believing you should be doing better, comparing yourself to others, or feeling like a burden.
A tangible takeaway:
When you notice a critical thought, pause and ask, “Would I say this to someone I care about?” If the answer is no, try offering yourself a kinder and more realistic statement.
Examples include “I am doing the best I can today,” “It is okay to take this one step at a time,” or “Struggling does not mean I am failing.”
Helpful reminder:
You do not need to force positivity. Neutral and compassionate language is often more supportive and sustainable.
Do Something Just for You
Self love does not always need to be productive or meaningful to others. Sometimes it is about allowing yourself comfort, creativity, or enjoyment without justification.
This could include listening to music that matches your mood, journaling freely, taking a walk, creating something with your hands, or revisiting a favorite book or movie.
A tangible takeaway:
Choose one activity today that feels nourishing or comforting. Let it be enough just because it feels good to you.
Helpful reminder:
Pay attention to how your body feels before and after. Even small moments of relief or grounding matter.
Reach Out for Mental Health Support
Asking for help is one of the strongest forms of self love. You do not have to go through difficult moments alone, and needing support does not mean you have failed.
Support can look like being honest in therapy, talking with a trusted person, asking for additional resources, or exploring higher levels of care when needed.
A tangible takeaway:
If something feels heavy, ask yourself, “Who could support me with this?” Even sending a message or making a note to talk to someone later is a meaningful step.
Helpful reminder:
You deserve support even if you cannot fully explain what you are feeling.
A Final Thought This Valentine’s Day
Self love is not about having everything figured out. It is about showing up for yourself with care, patience, and honesty, especially during challenging moments.
This Valentine’s Day, you do not need to compare yourself to others or meet any expectations about how the day should feel. You are allowed to move at your own pace, honor your needs, and prioritize your mental health.
Whether that means setting a boundary, resting, choosing kinder self talk, doing something just for you, or reaching out for support, each of these choices is an act of self love.
And if today feels difficult, know that you are not alone. Support is available, and you deserve care, understanding, and compassion, today and every day.
