To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.—Oscar Wilde

Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re single, coupled, or anything in between, this is your day.

Below you’ll find 10 ways to practice being your very own valentine today and every day. No date, dress, or lipstick needed.

1. Practice compassion. Note what is working in your life right now. Be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself as you would a dear friend as Dr. Kristin Neff of Mindful Self-Compassion encourages.

2. Move your body. Go for a walk or bike ride. Take a yoga or dance class. Stretch.

3. Hydrate. Strive for eight 8-oz glasses daily. Start your day with hot water and lemon to detoxify. Sip green juice. Infuse your water with mint. Enjoy a cuppa green tea or a yummy matcha.

4. Rejuvenate. Get eight hours of sleep. Try earplugs, an eye mask, and soft sheets in a cool room. Nap. Listen to your body. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths.

5. Eat clean. Go light on processed foods. I know, it’s Girl Scout cookie season, but seek out fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. And then savor a Thin Mint, or five!

6. Create space. When we’re scheduled from sun up past sun down even with things we love, it takes a toll. Interject moments of unscheduled time to daydream, nap, be spontaneous, and play. Yes, write it into your planner now.

7. Be still. Use apps like Headspace, Calm, and Mindfulness to track your meditation practice. Sit for 10 minutes and do nothing. Yes, nothing. Follow your breath in and out of the nose. Watch this TED Talk for inspiration. Listen to this meditation I made for you.

8. Compliment. Make a list of things you like about yourself. Pretty eyes, kind heart, sense of humor, organized, thoughtful, creative, curious.

9. Get crafty. Sit down with craft supplies and create something for yourself or a loved one from these 40 DIY ideas. Try one of these handmade Valentine’s cards options.

10. Create rituals. Choose a ritual that will soothe you such as chamomile tea and a hot bath before bed or writing in your journal each morning. What would allow you to infuse your every day with self-love?

This week, do something sweet just for you. Get a mani. Dress up and take yourself out to tea. Write yourself a love letter. Read a book cover to cover. Stay in bed. Sip something yummy—hot cocoa with vegan marshmallows, a cuppa tea, bubbly. Treat yourself to brunch. Go for a stroll with no plan. Buy yourself flowers. Savor dark chocolate with sea salt.

Be your own valentine. Let this be a lifelong romance like no other. Bisous. x