Flowers? Chocolate? Love? Yes, please. 

But, the kind of love we’re talking about is self-love, and the type of day we’re planning is more of a “treat yo self day.”

Whether you're celebrating this Valentine's Day with your partner, a group of your closest friends, or spending all the time to yourself, these tips will allow you to indulge in fun Valentine’s Day activities while giving your health and self-care some extra love.

1. Eat a Nourishing Breakfast 

As it turns out, breakfast is just as important on Valentine’s Day as it is any other day of the year.

Nothing starts a good day like a nourishing breakfast – and on a day where so many plans can be up in the air, why not get one thing right and begin with something good for you, and for your tastebuds! Get in the Valentine’s Day spirit with heart shaped pancakes, plenty of berries, or a yogurt parfait filled with nutrients from things like walnuts or chia seeds. 

2. Netflix & Chill

A classic that’s here to stay. What better way to celebrate a night-in on Valentine’s Day than to press play on your favorite TV show series or movie? With so many choices — romantic comedies, thrillers, musicals, dramas — you’ll be sure to get a good laugh (or cry) while relaxing for the night.

3. Treat Yourself to a Facial

Valentine’s Day falls on February 14 of every year, which is also a date that’s set right in the heart of Winter. Treat yourself to a facial to rejuvenate your skin, keeping it fresh and glowing this Winter season. 

If your night should lead to going out this Valentine’s Day, then ditch the Netflix but schedule your facial earlier in the day, so you can prep your skin before putting on makeup.

4. Run a Bath or Steam Up Your Shower

We said treat yo'self, and we meant it. 

Unwind, relax, and feel the warmth of the water as you alleviate your thoughts. Try meditating for some extra self-care to clear and calm your mind. 

Bonus self-care tip: Add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for some aroma therapy.

5. Indulge in (Healthy-ish) Snacks

Let’s be honest, there’s no Valentine’s Day without chocolate. 

This Valentine’s Day, try reaching for healthier dessert versions, like homemade chocolate chip cookies, dark chocolate covered strawberries, reduced-sugar chocolate pudding, or our sugar-free CACAO Beauty Superfood Powder. A mix which can be made into a guilt-free dessert or drink such as our Peanut Butter Cacao Smoothie Recipe, Cacao Chia Pudding Recipe, or this warm Cacao Coconut Latte Recipe.

6. Hit Up a Workout Class or Workout At Home

Yes, whether we like it or not, there’s no denying that working out is a useful asset to self-care.

Exercising is a great way to build your self confidence, to release unused energy after sitting at a desk all day – and nothing, quite literally, makes your skin glow like sweat (and collagen, of course!).

So, this Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to the workout session you’ve always wondered about or sign up for a free class at the studio you always walk by and discover how self-care really does come in all shapes and sizes. 

7. Buy Yourself Flowers

Yes, you heard that right. 

Forget the conventional “buying your significant other” flowers on Valentine’s Day and go ahead and buy them for yourself. It’ll brighten up your space and you can smell the roses (literally), while giving yourself an applause for giving YOU some extra love this Valentine’s day. 

8. Disconnect to Connect 

While we’re all for using an app to make a special dinner reservation or to read up on things to do this Valentine’s Day, there truly is no app to help you connect with the people right in front of you.

It’s amazing how much space you can create for love, laughter, and good conversation when you disconnect from your screens. 

Whether you’re staying in by yourself, going over to a friends house, or heading out on a date, be present and ditch the phone for a few hours. 

9. Sleep In

Now we’re not saying don’t show up to your morning meeting, but we are condoning the healthy practice of treating yourself to an extra half hour, hour of sleep! 

Forget the guilt and remember all the benefits sleep has on your metabolism, cell rehabilitation leading to better skin, focus and retention of information, the list goes on and on. Stay in bed and repeat after us, “sleeping will do me (and my skin) good”.

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Lastly, Happy Valentine’s Day!