14 Self Love Habits to Start This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is often about showing love to others, but let’s flip the script this year. 

What if this Valentine’s Day was all about you? 

After all, the relationship you have with yourself is the foundation for every other connection in your life. 

Developing self love habits is one of the best gifts you can give yourself—not just for one day but for a lifetime.

In this blog, we’ll explore 14 powerful Valentine’s habits you can start right now to boost your self-esteem, nurture your mental health, and embrace who you truly are. 

Want to establish great habits year round? Check out these 100 good habits to start today!

1. Start Your Day with Positive Affirmations

How you talk to yourself matters. Positive affirmations can set the tone for your entire day by reinforcing your worth and boosting your confidence.

Begin each morning by saying three affirmations out loud. They can be as simple as, “I am worthy of love,” “I am proud of myself,” or “I am enough.” 

Write them on sticky notes and place them on your mirror for a daily reminder.

Positive affirmations help reframe your mindset and combat negative self-talk. 

Over time, they can improve your self-esteem and create a healthier mental outlook.

Top tip: Struggling to come up with affirmations? Search online for inspiration or create your own based on what you need to hear most.

2. Journal Your Thoughts and Feelings

Journaling is a fantastic way to connect with yourself on a deeper level. It gives you space to process emotions, reflect on your day, and cultivate gratitude.

Dedicate five to ten minutes each evening to journaling. You can write about what went well that day, challenges you faced, or things you’re grateful for. 

Use prompts like, “What made me smile today?” or “What’s one thing I love about myself?”

Here are 25 journal prompts about breakups that might also help during this time! 

Journaling allows you to build a relationship with yourself. It’s a safe space to be honest, explore your thoughts, and focus on growth.

Choose a journal that feels special to you—maybe one with a beautiful cover or inspirational quotes on each page.

If you’re not sure, here is my definitive list of the best guided journals for women.

3. Practice Daily Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating others; it’s about recognizing the good in your own life, too.

How to make it part of your daily routine:

Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big—think a sunny day, a kind word from a friend, or a delicious cup of coffee.

Focusing on gratitude shifts your perspective and helps you see the positives in your life. It’s a powerful way to boost happiness and resilience.

Top tip: Struggling to think of things to be grateful for? Start small and keep it simple. The act of noticing is what counts.

I made this list of 10 ways to practice gratitude that you could use to get started! 

4. Move Your Body in a Way You Love

Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Find ways to move that bring you joy and boost your mood.

Whether it’s yoga, dancing, hiking, or even a 10-minute walk, choose activities that make you feel good.

Focus on how movement makes your body feel rather than how it looks (trust me on this!)

I know what you’re thinking - workouts don’t always feel like self-love! Well, here’s why exercise can actually be a great way to love yourself:

Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity. Plus, it’s a way to show appreciation for your body and all it can do.

Experiment with different types of movement until you find something you truly enjoy.

5. Create a Nourishing Morning Routine

The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. A thoughtful morning routine can help you feel grounded and energized.

You could try…

Incorporate habits like stretching, meditating, journaling, or sipping a cup of tea mindfully.

Keep your phone away during this time to avoid distractions.

A calming morning routine helps you connect with yourself and prioritize what matters most before diving into the demands of the day.

Keep it simple and realistic. Even five intentional minutes can make a difference.

6. Treat Yourself to Regular “Me Time”

Alone time isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Schedule regular “me time” in your calendar, whether it’s a solo coffee date, a movie night at home, or a relaxing bubble bath.

Protect this time as you would any other important appointment.

Spending time alone helps you recharge and reconnect with your inner self.

It’s an opportunity to tune into your needs and desires without outside distractions.

Consider creating a self-care toolkit (like these self care gift ideas!) with items you love, like candles, books, or face masks, for your special moments.

7. Speak Kindly to Yourself

You wouldn’t criticize your best friend for making a mistake, so why do it to yourself?

One of the BEST self love habits that you should start building before Valentines day is positive self talk.

Pay attention to your inner dialogue and challenge negative thoughts when they arise. Replace criticism with compassion, and remind yourself that perfection isn’t the goal.

Being kind to yourself builds self-trust and confidence. It’s a habit that can transform your relationship with yourself over time.

Top tip: When in doubt, ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend in this situation?”

8. Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t just about saying no—they’re about protecting your energy and prioritizing what matters to you.

Identify areas where you feel stretched thin or taken advantage of. Practice assertively communicating your needs and limits to others.

Setting boundaries shows that you value yourself and your time. It helps create healthier relationships and reduces feelings of resentment.

Start small. Saying no to one thing today can be a big step toward reclaiming your time and energy.

9. Celebrate Your Wins

You work hard—don’t forget to acknowledge your achievements, big or small.

At the end of each week, write down at least one thing you’re proud of. It could be something as simple as drinking enough water or tackling a challenging project at work.

Then, find a simple way to celebrate what you’ve achieved. For example, you could buy yourself your favourite dinner and treat yourself to a movie night.

Celebrating your successes reinforces your self-worth and reminds you of your capabilities.

Top tip: Treat yourself to something special when you reach bigger milestones. It could be as simple as buying a new book or taking a day off.

10. Declutter Your Space

A clean, organized environment can do wonders for your mental well-being.

Pick one small area, like your desk or a drawer, and spend 15 minutes decluttering. Donate or toss items that no longer serve you.

Clearing your space clears your mind. It’s a way to create an environment that supports your goals and dreams.

To make it more fun: Play your favorite music or podcast to make the process more enjoyable.

11. Indulge in Creative Hobbies

Creativity is a form of self-expression that allows you to reconnect with your inner child.

Whether it’s painting, knitting, writing, or baking, find a hobby that excites you. Dedicate time each week to indulge in it without judgment.

Creative hobbies reduce stress, boost your mood, and remind you that life is about more than just productivity (see more benefits here!).

Top tip: Join a class or community group to stay inspired and motivated.

12. Practice Mindful Eating

Eating should be a pleasurable, nourishing experience—not something rushed or mindless.

Pay attention to your meals by eating slowly, savoring each bite, and noticing the flavors and textures.

Mindful eating helps you build a healthier relationship with food and appreciate the nourishment it provides.

To make the most of this habit, turn off screens during meals to fully focus on the experience.

13. Create a Digital Detox Routine

Constant scrolling can leave you feeling drained and disconnected.

Set designated “screen-free” times each day, like the first hour after waking up or the hour before bed. Use this time to read, meditate, or journal instead.

Taking breaks from technology allows you to reconnect with yourself and the present moment.

Top tip: Use apps like “Forest” or “Focus Keeper” to help limit your screen time.

14. Embrace Self-Compassion

Above all, remember that you’re human. Embracing your imperfections is the ultimate act of self-love.

When you’re feeling down, talk to yourself with kindness. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them without judgment.

Self-compassion builds resilience and helps you navigate challenges with grace.

One of the easiest ways to practice self-compassion is to forgive yourself at the end of each day. I love doing this as part of my evening journaling routine - it helps me wipe the slate clean and start fresh the next day.

This Valentine’s Day, let these self love habits be your gift to yourself. Remember, self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Which habit will you try first?

Let me know in the comments!