You Should Go and Love Yourself

Here's how 5 of our mates do it

The annual love-fest that is Valentine’s Day is approaching, bringing with it the unavoidable message that we should be showering love and affection on someone. Here’s a thought: why can’t that someone be you?

Loving yourself isn’t always easy when we’re conditioned to compare ourselves to everyone else’s shiny Instagram feeds. So when it’s time for us to prioritise ‘me’ time, where do we start? Pottery? A hair mask? A silent yoga retreat?? We asked some of our friends to share how they practise self-love…

“Often, I have feelings of guilt when I’m not being productive with my time - for example binge-watching Netflix shows on a Saturday afternoon. This is when I tell myself how important relaxation is and how I deserve to enjoy my time off. Then I proceed to treating myself to a lavish order of desserts via UberEats.” - Connie

“In the last few years I have realised it’s about experiences more than things, and I take the time to have ones that allow me to slow down. Allowing myself to have all day in the kitchen and cook for no reason other than it makes me happy. Booking a holiday to hike the top of a mountain so I take time to hear myself. The next one to tackle is allowing myself to fail and being ok with it and learning from it.” - Catherine

“Slowing down, deep breaths and a good book.” - Carissa

via Instagram @lifeof_riley

“Working in Social Media means that my phone has become very much an extension of me. Wherever I go, it goes. Putting it down has been hard as it's so needy... (always sending me notifications). Recently I discovered that self-love to me means finding balance. Balance is good for the body and soul. So, I starting a strict ritual of reading before bed every night. Reading a physical book (old school) means I can jump into another world and really clear my mind. It feels good and makes me happy. Helloooooo balance!” - Stephanie

“Pottering around the house tidying things up, clearing out clothes, organising things, filing piles of paperwork, catching up on washing. So lame, I know, but I find it really therapeutic. I add a bit of balance with a couple of hours alone on the beach with a podcast or a book, or on the couch catching up on my latest series. I do the odd self grooming session - put a hair treatment on, pluck my eyebrows, do a face mask. This stuff I like doing but to be honest I probably find the more productive stuff more rewarding... I think I am turning into my Mother.” - Lucy

Repeat after us: “There is nothing selfish about taking time to recharge and putting myself first.”

Shop women's new arrivals