Regardless of whether you adore or despise the holiday, Valentines Day brings love into focus during February. There are different kinds of love: romantic love, yes, but also love for friends, family, pets, and—the one we usually forget to add to the list—love for ourselves.

A few years ago, I wrote a post listing 10 ways to show yourself some love in February, though it’s always important.  Here are a few of my favorites from the list that I’ve been putting into practice in my own life this month.

*Cook yourself something nice. As I was talking about last week, this has been a big one for me lately. Spending some time in the kitchen is a great way to nourish the mind and body. Plus, enjoying a cozy lunch and a magazine at home sure beats waiting in line for overpriced brunch on a cold winter Saturday.

*Be physically active. Endorphins = good medicine. Feeling great also ups the chances of your looking great.

*Buy yourself flowers. When I’m having a rough week, I find that a bunch of flowers does way more for my mood than, like, drinking or mindless shopping. 

*Give yourself permission to let something go.  You know what that something is. Just leave it there and move on with your life. Easier said than done sometimes (or okay, most of the time), but so freeing.

*Hydrate! It’s easy to forget to drink enough water in the wintertime, but drinking up will help your cells be happier, which will help you feel good too. Need help hitting your water intake goal for the day? Here are some of my favorite ways to make it happen.

How do you show yourself love? 
This post has been part of another Running with Spoons Thinking Out Loud link party, where randomness is the name of the game. Thanks to Amanda for hosting.