7 Ways to be Your Own Valentine
By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology
February 14 is rapidly approaching and you’ve likely been working your way through a lengthy mental to-do list:
- Buy Valentine’s cards for kids’ school exchange
- Pick up Galentine’s gifts for besties
- Find something sweet for significant other
- Get Valentine’s-themed toys for pets
- Take advantage of the local sales
But what about a special treat for that one person you always put aside when life gets busy and hectic? That one person who is your personal cheerleader and understands 100% of the stress and anxiety that you go through on a daily basis. Does that to-do list include any celebration for you? If not, it should! Self-care and self-pampering are literal game changers when it comes to day-to-day life; not just physically but also mentally. It’s so important to feed yourself that love and nurture that you feed to others every day. Now, it doesn’t have to be any drastic or pricey (although, those treats are nice, too from time to time), so here are seven simple ways to be your own Valentine this year.
1. Do Something Entertaining by Yourself.
Catch that new movie you’ve been wanting to see. Visit one of Dayton’s top 10 museums. Spend some time shopping at the 2nd Street Market or the Dayton Mall. Or, if the weather isn’t absolutely frigid, enjoy a brisk walk and some fresh air in one of our city’s beautiful parks.
2. Write a List of Affirmations.
Whether you’ve been feeling anxious and worn out or just want to make 2020 a year of personal growth and development, affirmations can be a powerful tool. So, why not spend a little time this Valentine’s Day writing some for yourself? This article from Psychology Today will help you craft positive affirmations that work.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Take a Nap.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. If you routinely clock fewer than seven quality hours of shut eye each night, a daytime nap can help. Per the Mayo Clinic, just keep the nap short (about 20 minutes) and do it before 3 PM. You’ll awake happier and more relaxed.
4. Look After Your Health.
No one enjoys going to the doctor or dentist, but practicing preventative care is essential if you want to love and respect the body you live in. If it has been more than a year since you’ve had a complete physical, gynecological check-up, skin check, dental cleaning, or vision exam, set aside a bit of time this Valentine’s Day to schedule those necessary appointments.
5. Pamper Yourself at Home.
Send the rest of the family out for the night and spend your Valentine’s evening soaking in a sumptuous tub full of bubbles. Slather on a luxurious face mask (you’ll find recipes for six DIY versions here), close your eyes, breathe deeply, and relax. And of course, can also never go wrong with a nice bottle of wine and some chocolate to really tie your evening together.
6. Spend a Day at the Spa.
If you have plans with friends or loved ones in the evening but still want to pamper yourself on Valentine’s Day, make an appointment at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology’s Salon and Spa. From a fresh color and cut to pampering nail treatments, invigorating body scrubs, and therapeutic massage, we offer everything you need to step into the night feeling fabulous. Starting February 7th- February 14th, Creative Images is also offering a Buy One, Get One 50% promotion on ALL services! We know and appreciate how important self-love is so we’d like to help! Instead of you having to choose between getting your roots touched up and that full body massage that you so desperately need after a long, tiring week of work, get both and we’ll take 50% off of your second service. That way, you can focus more on relaxing and less on your bank account.
7. Book a Valentine Photo Shoot.
Do you love your social media profile photo, business card photo, dating profile photo, or the portrait of you your mom still has hanging on her wall? If your answer is no, a professional photo shoot might be the solution. Many local wedding and portrait photographers even offer specials on mini photo sessions around Valentine’s Day. You can find a list of Dayton area photographers here.
