Like it or loath it, Valentines Day comes but once a year and with it, lots of cheesy cards, candle lit dinners, chocolates and all of the rest. Loved up or not, we thought 2019 should be the year to shake things things up and embrace V-day in a new *cough* far superior *cough* way. Why not keep cupid on his toes, eh?
This year, we’ve decided to make Valentines all about loving your body.
Have a think about it, how often do you compare yourself to others? How often do you beat yourself up about being to much of one thing, not enough of another? How often do you actually take the time to be nice to yourself, mind and body? I think it’s fair to say that pretty much all of us have fallen into this trap on occasion, so why don’t we dedicate this next week to just loving our own bodies for all they do for us? After all, it’s out body that allows us to go out and dance our socks off with our friends on a Saturday night, travel to all of the far away places we have on our ever growing bucket lists, take a stroll on the beach on a sunny day, play with our kids and so much more, isn’t it time we learned to appreciate it?
At the end of the day, the longest relationship we will ever have is with our body. What says Valentine’s Day more than that?! Here are a few ways that you can love your body this week.
Move It
Simple as that. Whether you’re a complete fitness newbie or a seasoned pro moving your body every day and getting a bit of a sweat on is not only boosts our confidence and clears the mind, but it gives us a huge dose of those feel good hormones that are so important in improving our mood and our self esteem. Obviously, pilates is our one true love, as it really is accessible to everyone and provides a challenge at every fitness level, but choose whatever form of movement you love and get out and do it. Strength looks different on every body, so do what makes you feel good.
The Great Outdoors
The oldest trick in the book! A quick jog, a long walk whatever you fancy just get outdoors and breath in that fresh air! Yes, its February in Ireland, yes, its cold and mostly raining, but hey, thats what coats are for! According to medicaldaily.com “In a 2014 study at the University of Michigan, researchers found that group nature walks were associated with significantly lower depression, less perceived stress and enhanced mental well-being.” Need we say more?
Eat what makes you FEEL good
You heard us. So maybe you have some fancy dinner plans, go out and enjoy them! We all know when we’re eating things that aren’t great, we usually don’t feel great, but instead of getting caught up with calories and ‘bad’ or ‘good’ foods, think about providing your body with the nutrition that it needs to thrive. Eat to feel energised and satisfied and not as a punishment for the guilt you feel after a little indulgence on the 14th.
Pamper Yourself
Netflix? Check
Cosy PJs? Check
Facemasque? Check
Whatever way you prefer to relax, (although we highly recommend the above), block out a few hours for ‘me’ time. This is something we should probably practice more. With work, study, kids, parents and everything in between, we can often forget to tend to our own needs. It’s not selfish to take time to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing, and checking in with yourself is such an important part of this. If there’s one thing you do this week, make time for you.
Technology Ban
Yep. We’re all sick of hearing this one, but how many of us are actually taking heed? I could go one about blue light, sleep, attention span and all of the rest of it that you already know but I won’t. I will say, make even the smallest step towards reducing screen time, even if its just 30 minutes, and your body and mind will thank you for it.
Lots of love(ing yourself)!
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