Valentine’s Self-Care Ideas for Women Who Hate Sappy Stuff
Valentine’s Day isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Maybe the chocolates and hearts feel too over-the-top, or perhaps you just don’t see the point of making a big deal out of it.
Guess what?
That’s perfectly okay!
If you’d rather skip the clichés and focus on you, this guide is for you. Here, I will share 14 self care ideas to try this Valentines day (that aren’t chocolates and rom-coms!).
1. Plan a Solo Adventure
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to go somewhere new—on your terms, with no compromises.
Pick a place nearby that you’ve been curious about, whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a new hiking trail, or a museum you’ve always meant to visit.
Block out the time, pack what you need, and make it a date with yourself. You might be surprised by how much fun it is to explore solo.
You could even download an audiobook or playlist to accompany your journey (I personally LOVE taking long self-care walks whilst listening to my favourite podcast!).
2. Create a “No-Pressure” Self-Care Routine
Forget Instagram-worthy bubble baths with rose petals; this is about practical, feel-good self-care that works for you.
Start with the basics: hydration, stretching, and maybe a little skincare. Then, layer on something fun—like trying out a new sheet mask or painting your nails in a bold color.
It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to make you feel good.
If face masks and skincare isn’t for you, set a timer for 20 minutes and dedicate it to cleaning up your space. You’d be amazed at how clearing clutter can boost your mood and energy.
3. Host an Anti-Valentine’s Movie Night
Not into rom-coms? Skip them entirely and curate your own lineup of empowering or feel-good flicks.
Think action-packed thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, or even nostalgic favorites that take you back to simpler times.
Grab your favorite snacks, cozy up in your comfiest clothes, and turn your living room into the ultimate solo theater experience.
I recommend finding a good stand-up comedy show. There is nothing more “feel good” than physically laughing out loud!
4. Dive Into a New Hobby
Valentine’s Day can be a great excuse to start something you’ve always wanted to try.
Whether it’s learning calligraphy, trying a new workout, or experimenting with digital art, dedicating time to a hobby is a productive way to celebrate yourself.
Plus, it’s an amazing way to focus your energy on something exciting and new.
Check out YouTube tutorials or free online classes to get started. Sites like Skillshare or Coursea are treasure troves of inspiration.
5. Indulge in a “Treat Yourself” Meal
Skip the crowded restaurants and cook (or order) something you actually want to eat.
If you enjoy cooking, experiment with a fun recipe you’ve been eyeing. Not in the mood to cook? Order takeout from a place you’ve been dying to try. The key here is to choose something indulgent that you’ll enjoy every bite of—no guilt allowed.
You could also pair your meal with your favorite drink, whether it’s a fancy mocktail, herbal tea, or a glass of wine.
Let go of any restrictions of “good choices” here. Eat exactly what you feel like.
6. Unplug for a Few Hours
Social media can be a minefield on Valentine’s Day, with everyone sharing their flowers, dinners, and #couplegoals. Take this as your cue to unplug.
Put your phone on airplane mode, turn off notifications, and spend a few hours reconnecting with yourself. Journal, read, or just enjoy the silence—you might be surprised how refreshing it feels to step away from the digital noise.
Try this: Keep your phone out of sight and light a candle. Spend 20 minutes journaling about what makes you happy right now.
Use these February journal prompts to help you!
7. Try a DIY Spa Day
Who says you need to drop a fortune on a spa to pamper yourself? Bring the spa to you!
Start with a warm shower or bath, exfoliate your skin, and follow up with a hydrating face mask. Don’t forget to moisturize head to toe and throw on your fluffiest robe. Bonus points if you add calming music or essential oils to set the vibe.
Here is my list of must-have self care products that might help! With a bit of shopping around (and investing in yourself!), you can turn your whole home into a spa!
8. Write a Love Letter to Yourself
This might feel cheesy at first, but hear me out.
Taking the time to reflect on what you love about yourself is incredibly empowering.
Grab a notebook and jot down all the things you appreciate about yourself—your humor, resilience, creativity, or anything else that comes to mind.
Seal it in an envelope, and save it for a day when you need a little reminder of how amazing you are.
If journaling feels awkward, start with prompts like, “One thing I’m proud of is…” or “I love the way I…”
If you find this too cringe, swap ‘love’ with ‘like’ or even ‘admire’.
Check out these self care journals that could help you to get started!
9. Declutter Your Space
A little Valentine’s Day cleaning might not sound glamorous, but it’s a self-care idea that pays off big time.
Start small—maybe your desk, your closet, or even your makeup drawer. Donate or recycle what you don’t need, and take a moment to appreciate the fresh, organized space you’ve created.
Top tip: Use the “one-year rule”: If you haven’t used or worn it in a year, it’s time to let it go.
10. Try a Guided Meditation or Yoga Session
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to slow down and reconnect with your body and mind.
Find a guided meditation or gentle yoga flow that helps you relax and feel grounded. Apps like Calm, Headspace, or YouTube channels like Yoga with Adriene make it easy to find something that fits your vibe.
Try a gratitude meditation to shift your mindset into one of self-love and appreciation.
11. Create a Vision Board
Who says Valentine’s Day can’t be about planning your dream life?
Grab some magazines, scissors, and a glue stick, or use a digital tool like Canva to create a vision board of what you want your future to look like. Focus on goals, experiences, and feelings rather than material things.
Keep your board somewhere visible as a daily reminder to take steps toward your dreams.
If you need a bit of inspiration, here are 50 vision board ideas that you could consider.
12. Rediscover a Favorite Book or Podcast
Nothing feels more like self-care than revisiting something that brings you joy.
Reread a book that changed your life or made you laugh. If reading isn’t your thing, pop on a podcast that inspires or entertains you. This is about finding comfort in the familiar while giving yourself permission to relax.
Podcasts like The Happiness Lab or How I Built This are perfect for inspiration and motivation.
13. Create a Playlist of Feel-Good Songs
Music is an instant mood booster, so why not make a playlist that celebrates your favorite person—you!
Curate songs that make you feel strong, empowered, or just plain happy. Blast it while you clean, cook, or dance around your living room. You deserve to feel good, and this is an easy way to make it happen.
Top tip: Add songs that remind you of happy memories or milestones in your life.
14. Work on your future
This one is for my fellow ambitious girlies!
One of the best forms of self care (in my opinion) is to do something that your future self will thank you for.
If the typical Valentine’s chocolates feels too cringey. Dedicate this day to working towards your dream life. This could be working on that business you’ve been talking about, improving your career skillset or even opening an investment account.
Whatever it might be, make sure that it serves future you.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean roses and romance—it can be a day to celebrate yourself and embrace the things that make you happy. Whether it’s tackling a DIY project, indulging in your favorite meal, or simply taking a break from the chaos, these self-care ideas are all about making you feel your best.
Remember, the best kind of love starts with the way you treat yourself. This Valentine’s Day, ditch the sappy stuff and focus on giving yourself the care and attention you deserve. You’ve got this! 💖
