The month of February can be just as much about your relationship with yourself as it can be about other people. Whether you're happily single or committed to your partner,  this is a time to celebrate all kinds of love. So if the approach of Valentine's Day has you feeling a little more 'meh' than head over heels in love, this is your opportunity to create a day that YOU enjoy.

Looking for a little inspo?  Here are 7 of my favorite ways to be your own Valentine (and I may or may not have saved the best for last, so wait for it…).

1. Get your heart pumping.

When your mood is less than happy and hopeful, the last thing you want to do is get off the couch and hit pause on the Netflix binge.  But it's the best thing you can do for yourself!  You don't have to be a CrossFit star to enjoy the mood-lifting, heart-healthy benefits of exercise. 

Find something active that you love to do and get moving. It could be gentle yoga, a walk through the park, a meandering hike up to a scenic lookout, or a spontaneous dance session to your favorite tunes.  Whatever it is that moves you, feeds your soul, and gets your blood flowing--just do it!

2. Treat yourself to a little somethin' special.

Being your own Valentine means that you have the perfect guilt-free opportunity to honor yourself.  Is there something that you've always wished someone would do for you?  Now's your chance! This might feel awkward at first, but it doesn't have to be. 

Why not order a stunning bouquet of flowers for yourself from your favorite florist? Buy yourself a single beautiful truffle and savor every last nibble. Purchase the supplies you need to create something wonderful and uniquely you. Gift yourself a relaxing facial or massage. Plan a special getaway, solo, or with a friend.  No one knows you better than you do--romance yourself!

3. Bring the outside in with urban greenhouse decor.

Rachael and I genuinely believe that a room built around natural elements provides the ultimate in calming serene spaces.  Begin by choosing one room in your home.  I suggest beginning with your bedroom, the place you retreat to for rest and relaxation. Replace the clutter and elevate your habitat with healthy plants lovingly displayed in  responsibly sourced plant containers. 

If you like the idea of creating your own personal indoor garden but feel intimidated by the thought of keeping anything but your own self alive, I get it. Look for snake plants, spider plants, and pothos plants--all of which are very forgiving towards the novice indoor gardener.  Surrounding yourself with live plants creates a soothing living space, boosts your mood, and even counteracts feelings of loneliness.  Before you know it, you could be well on your way to a full-blown plant obsession (not that we know anyone like that).

For more tips on creating a holistic habitat in your own home, see our blog.

4. Make your bedroom a beautiful space.

Oh, did I say that already? I might have, but I think it bears repeating. Take inventory of your bedroom. Do you love it? Hate it? Does it inspire feelings of self-love or self-loathing? Is your bedroom a room you feel proud of, or do you keep the door closed and hope no one takes a peek? If you find that your bedroom has room for improvement,  choose the month of February to be your best Valentine ever--gift yourself with a room makeover!

Before you go break the bank, however, know that you don't have to have all the fancy things to create a beautiful room.  Your bedroom should be a reflection of you and be filled with the things that make your heart sing  (and purge the things that don't). Perhaps all you need to do to create your desired look is a little tidying and organizing, then add a few splashes of greenery and a new pillow (or two or three) to top it all off. Keep it simple and make it your own kind of beautiful.

5. Write yourself a love note.

I know this might sound a little cheesy, but hear me out. Who is the one person who has always been there for you? YOU are. You've worked hard to maintain a certain level of awesomeness throughout your lifetime and, gosh dangit, you deserve to be loved and loved WELL!  Be your own Valentine by beginning the day with a beautiful ritual of writing down everything you appreciate and love about yourself. 

With all of the negative chatter that we allow through our overactive minds, it's only fair that we should celebrate the badass within us, too. Let's be honest. There are plenty of things about myself that aren't my favorite. Still, a true Valentine loves us despite our less-than-loveable qualities. If you're struggling with self-acceptance and don't know what to say in a love note to yourself,  begin by writing down a simple affirmation: "I AM 100% THAT B*TCH" (thanks Lizzo!) or, (more traditionally) "I am worthy of love."   Place this affirmation in a place where you'll see it and read it (even say it out loud) each morning and evening. Continue to read it and speak it out until you believe it. Most importantly, speak kindly to yourself.

6. Go on an adventure with yourself. 

Be the kind of Valentine that sweeps you off your feet and takes you on a spontaneous adventure. If you're anything like Rachael and me, connecting with nature makes us feel alive and reminds us that we have a special place in this wonderful world. Whether you take a walk along a winding river or through a snow-kissed forest, get outside, open your up your senses, and explore! 

If you're short on time, find someplace nearby that you've yet to discover fully. If you have a little more time, take a road trip to a location you've had on your bucket list to check out. Whether you choose to go exploring alone or with a friend, begin planning your escape now. Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy being on nobody's schedule but your own. The key is to break away from the daily grind and do the things you don't normally do. You'll return feeling clear-headed, refreshed, and ready to plan your next adventure.

Guatemala sourcing trip 2018

7. Enter the "Be Your Own Valentine" giveaway.

That's right, to celebrate this month of love, we're offering the giveaway of all giveaways! One lucky subscriber will win the following from a few of our favorite small businesses:

• A $250 Holistic Habitat gift card
• A $250 Art of Skin Care gift card
• $700 worth of CBD products from Spruce CBD
• A complete Branch Basics Starter Kit ($59 value)

The winner will be announced on Monday, February 17th… so stay tuned for details on how to enter!

Whether you have an S.O. this year or not, I hope you’ll carve some time out to honor yourself with a little tender loving care. You certainly deserve it. Drop us a line and let us know how you plan to make Valentine’s Day something you look forward to--we’d love to hear about it! xoxo-Kristin