Solotines Day: Spending Valentine’s Day by yourself can be fun, and beneficial

On Valentine’s Day, the assumption is that love is shared with a special partner, love or admirer in your life. It’s a holiday celebrated by coming home to a dozen fresh roses and a box of heart shaped chocolates sitting on your doorstep with a note detailing their undying love for you.

But this year, I’m switching things up. My special someone is especially close to my heart — me.

Galentine’s Day parties or romantic dates are lovely and all, but without failure, it’s my own heart who’s been there for me no matter what. It’s my strength that gets me through hard days, my passion that keeps me reaching for my goals and my joy that lets me smile at all of my favorite people in the hallways. And who better to spoil on the day of love than the one who loves me all year long?

My first call whenever I need a serotonin boost is Bijin Salon and Spa. Something about walking in and being offered coffee with a smile sets the tone for the day. Receiving a head massage while chatting with my stylist about whatever might be going on in my life always takes the weight off my shoulders. Ranting to a stranger who has no reason to share anything I say is oddly cathartic. 

Even though I’m able to vent to friends, family or hairdressers, sometimes I just need a day to love myself, by myself.  I’ve noticed that taking the time out of my day-to-day life to take care of my body and my mind helps me maintain a positive attitude when challenges arise.

Finally getting a little trim and shaping to feel like a brand new gal is uplifting. Call me basic, but you can’t tell me that a little TLC for your locks isn’t refreshing. 

While these self care activities tend to improve your appearance, that’s not all they’re good for. Self care becomes most important when things aren’t so easy. Taking care of yourself physically is often the best tool to recharge yourself mentally. My solotines day isn’t just a day to pamper myself, it’s a day to love myself however I might need it. 

Next on my self-care to-do list — a manicure. I head to my favorite nail salon, Nail Perfection & Spa. A nail appointment generally means an hour and a half to think to myself. Many teenagers may find unfilled silence awkward but  it’s a necessity for me. Being able to sit with yourself and process any emotions — big or small — is a life skill. 

On the other hand, having my nails done always makes me feel more put together — even if I’m in a sweatsuit with my hair in a messy bun. My go-to is coffin shaped nails with french tips — sometimes even little floral designs. With a clear mind and pretty fingernails I can conquer the world. But when all else fails, the little flowers on my ring fingers always make me feel better.

After two appointments, I’m exhausted. My iced coffee can only do so much, so I head home for my next appointment — with my bed. 

Following my glorious nap, it’s face mask time. My personal favorites include Que Bella lavender calming masks, charcoal masks or lip masks from the local Target. Everyone in my immediate family can attest that I look quite quirky in my various masks. The doubled-up clear sheet and sparkly gold lip masks are certainly a sight to see

Despite how silly I look in the moment, taking care of my skin is something I know I must do to feel like my best self, and face masks are such a fun way to do it. They make me feel rejuvenated. By hydrating my skin, I choose to empower myself — even if it’s just something small. 

This Valentine’s Day, loving myself is my top priority. Whether it’s a hair appointment or relaxing in my bed while watching Criminal Minds, treating myself to days like this are what keep me going.