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10 Ways to Practice Self-Love

Focus on Yourself

woman with a cup of tea


It's February! The month of Valentine's Day. Even though it's cold outside, we all practice different ways of showing warmth to each other, whether it's a romantic partner or an old friend, this is the time of the year to show you care!

But, you might be forgetting about a very important person in all this-- yourself. While it is important to show love to others, it's also important to show love to yourself. Even if you've got a partner by your side, it can still be tricky to find time for self-love.

Here at Jo Anne's Place, our theme for the month of February is "Self-Love" so we've got some tips for how you can love yourself during this season of caring.


woman hugging herself

1. Take Time to Lower Your Stress

Lowering your stress isn't exactly easy, especially during the colder months, but sometimes, all it takes is a different perspective. If you're feeling particularly stressed out, try taking the time to write down three things you are grateful for. They don't have to be big things, just average stuff like being thankful you have a roof over your head or food on the table. Taking the time to realize how lucky you are can help a lot. Along with getting a goodnight sleep and eating healthy, you might want to try some supplements like: Ashwagandha, L-Theanine and Magnesium.

2. Enjoy a Beauty Treatment

When you look good, you feel good, try a beauty treatment this month. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to go for a full makeover, but it can be something simple like treating yourself to a pedicure or manicure. Try a new body cream that makes you feel energetic, get a new haircut, anything that can make you feel better about yourself. 

We have many beauty products in our store that can get you on the right track for look
ing and feeling better. This month, Wildcraft Hygiene Products are 15% off. This is the perfect opportunity for you to take advantage of these wonderful beauty products. 


3. Try Out a New Recipe

You may already be a great chef, but there's no way you've tried every single recipe out there. During this month of self-love, why not try something new? Please not only yourself, but your taste buds! Try cooking something that you've always wanted to or find something you've never heard of! No matter what you're cooking, you can always come by Jo Anne's Place to get the ingredients you need. You can also check out our recipe page to start brainstorming ideas!


4. Do Something Nice For Someone

I know, we're trying to focus on things you can do for YOURSELF, but doing something nice for someone else is actually a great way to improve your mood and spirits. Evidence shows that helping others can  benefit our own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness. It doesn't have to be big, it can be something small like picking up a coffee for your friend. In the end, you'll feel better and so will your friends!


5. Get an Early Start on Spring Cleaning

Cleaning can be boring and tedious, but think about how much better you feel once you've cleaned up your space. Put some headphones in, crank some music, listen to a podcast or do whatever you need to get yourself in the cleaning mindset. Once you've gotten everything tidied up, you can relax with a beverage or snack without stressing. Plus, while everyone else is cleaning during the spring, you'll be laughing as you sit back with a book and relax.

If you're looking for something to listen to while you deal with chores, check out our Podcast,
Wellness on Purpose, which gives you great tips about living a healthy and happy life!


6. Make a Spread of Snacks

Sometimes adulthood isn't always bills and taxes, sometimes it's meat and cheese spread beautifully on a wooden board. If the stress of adulting has got you down, try picking yourself up by making a spread of snacks. It doesn't just have to be meat and cheese, it can be almost anything. Get creative with it, make a beautiful spread of some of the tastiest snacks you know and treat yourself. Invite your friends over to look at your new creation and indulge in some of that tasty snack food. They will admire both your creativity and kindness, it's a win-win situation!


7. Explore An Unfamiliar Place in Your Town

Maybe you've lived in the Peterborough/Lindsay area your whole life and there simply aren't any unfamiliar places in town.  Maybe you've been to every place in this city, but maybe you haven't been there in a long time. You don't have to go on a big vacation to find new things, you can always find something new and fun to do right in your own backyard. Shop in a store you've never been to before or take a walk in a neighborhood you haven't been to in years. It will help you gain a new appreciation for your town and will boost your spirit.


8. Relax With Candles, Scents and Soaps

Everything feels better after a nice, warm, relaxing bath, doesn't it? When is the last time you took time for yourself and spent some time soaking in the bathtub? If it's been longer than a year, it might be time for you to starting heating up the tub. Play some music from speakers, drink a glass of your favourite beverage, eat a couple chocolates while you're at it. It's imperative that you feel cleansed and relaxed, and a bath is the perfect way to do that. Try to find some time this month where you can soak yourself in some suds and forget about your problems for a little bit.

We have many different candles, scents and soaps that you can browse in our store, including: Bee Glo Candles, La Luna Candles, and Alaffia Soaps.

9. Get Outside

This one is fairly simple, show yourself and your body some love by getting in some good old fashioned exercise and fresh air. You will feel your mood increase after a simple walk around the block. Go crazy with whatever kind of exercise you feel most comfortable with. A walk through the snow? A hike to get the blood pumping? Maybe you'll even find a brand new activity. Whichever way you choose to exercise is up to you, but getting outside and feeling the sunshine on your face will almost always help.


10. Host a Singles-Only Dinner Party

Single on Valentine's Day? Don't let that get you down, grab your other single friends and host a singles-only dinner party-- no happy couples allowed! Just kidding, But seriously, there is no reason to be alone on Valentine's Day. Gather up all the single people you know and cook them a delicious meal. Who knows? You might actually find someone new at your little get-together. Make sure you have a fun time on February 14th and love yourself while doing it.


February can be a tough month to learn to love yourself. As long as you keep a positive mind and continue to do things that improve your mood and mental health, you'll start loving yourself more in no time.

Remember, you can always pop in to Jo Anne's Place Health Foods for a smile and expert advice on living a happy and healthy life.

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