Blog written by B-Six.
Valentine's Day was created to sell chocolate, boost flower sales, and make single people feel bad. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? That’s right - it’s time for us singles to take Valentine’s Day back from cute couples and corporate overlords.
How, you ask? By creating the best damn self care day that anyone ever experienced.
From relaxing rituals to gorgeous glow ups, there are a million ways to celebrate yourself. But, if you’re feeling stumped, we here at B-Six have a few tips for everyone, whether you’re staying home and relaxing or looking for a pair of comfortable Nippies to take your cocktail dress from 10 to 100.
Here’s how:
Self Care 101: Celebrate Yourself by Staying In
One of the best methods to help yourself relax is also the easiest - chill at home! This doesn’t just mean vegging out on the couch and eating 5 bowls of cereal, however - self-care is often about making yourself feel good by staying healthy, productive, and on top of your hygiene routines.
If that seems like a lot, don’t sweat - follow this list to get the most out of your Love-Thy-Self Valentine’s Day:
(Note: If you’re working, just shift everything to after work! You may have to skip some steps, but having a self-care evening can also be quite relaxing.)
1. Wake Up, Drink Water
Drinking water is the easiest (but most neglected) step in one’s day, so why not make your self-care day all about building better habits? We’re supposed to drink a solid 64oz of water a day. If that seems impossible, I find that getting a measured water bottle helps (I personally use this one!).
Staying hydrated really does affect our mood, so get guzzling!
2. Ease Into the Day
As someone with a massive, unchecked anxiety disorder, I understand that sometimes forcing yourself to relax or ‘ease into it’ can be a little difficult, so for this step, I suggest just doing things on your own terms.
Self care days are all about relaxation, baby. You don’t need to stress being productive right away, just focus on you and how you feel. Are you a little fatigued? Go back to sleep for another 20 minutes! Want to make some breakfast? DO IT! Just try not to sleep all day.
3. Treat Yourself to a Nice Lunch
Try that recipe you saw on instagram a month ago but haven’t tried yet, or maybe order in from that new restaurant you’re curious about! Treat yourself, but don’t go too hard on the unhealthy side - fried foods can make you groggy, sleepy, and unproductive (and in my case, a little self-loathing-y).
4. Try Doing a Few Chores
This is probably the hardest step for most of us, but oh-so-worth it. Cleaning your house on a self-care day is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself (and guests, honestly).
Even if this just means picking up your clothes off the floor or doing your dishes, even one chore will probably make you feel a little better. Try it out!
5. Reward Yourself with Spa Time
So, you did some chores - congrats! Reward yourself with some serious spa time. Light some candles, draw a bath, use that bath bomb you’ve been saving for a special occasion (if you don’t have a bath, shower steamers are also very aromatic and relaxing). Then, break out your face masks, serums, cucumber slices - whatever you have to perfect your skincare routine and make you feel glowing.
6. Write Yourself a Love Note!
This can be extremely cathartic and mood-boosting, trust me. While it may feel silly at first, writing yourself a love note is a great way to get in touch with yourself. Think about all of the things you like about yourself, even the tiniest things. Your hair, your handwriting, your gift-giving abilities - anything you want, just make sure it’s positive.
7. Go to Bed Early(ish)
Finally, a great way to end your day is to get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow. You don’t need to go to bed super early, but try to pick a reasonable time and stick to it. Put your phone away, listen to some calming sounds, and drift off!
Self Care 102: Grab Your Pals and Go Out
Self care isn’t always staying in - sometimes it’s being social! If you’re looking to have more of an eventful Valentine’s Day, a great way to do that is grabbing some of your single pals and making a night of it! Here’s a good way to start:
1. Start with a Group Dinner
There’s an excellent scene in Parks & Recreation in which Leslie Knope holds a ‘Galentine’s Day’. While you don’t need to go as far as she (often) does, you can invite some of your friends to have a fancy little dinner to celebrate with each other. Go luxury at a French restaurant, or go simple at a diner - it’s really up to you!
2. New You, New Outfit
Bought (or are thinking about buying) a dress that fits a little weird or has a super low dip line, but you really wanna wear it for Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered there - try out B-Six nippies, adjustable buttons, and regular styling fabric tape! These little outfit enhancers are perfect for giving you every reason to wear that fit that’s been sitting in your closet.
3. Go Somewhere New
Sticking to the classics can be fun, but why not take Valentine’s Day to try out a new spot? Take your friends to that new place in town you’ve been hearing about, or that new club that just opened up. New experiences can always boost the mood!
Final Thoughts
My last piece of unsolicited advice is this - try not to get bogged down in the details. The most important part of today is that you’re focusing on yourself and how you feel. If you’re not vibing with something, don’t hesitate to veer off from your plan.
Do what makes you happy on this lovely day - and don’t forget to check out all that B-Six has to offer!
Contributing Writer: Aurora Detor