5 ways to be your own Valentine

Give yourself permission to do something special for yourself. Maybe you want to spend time listening to music, reading a book or taking a scented bubble bath. How about keeping some of those New Years Resolutions you made? I bet some of them involved your health! What better time to revisit them then now?

Chances are you don't take care of yourself. You pack a lot of activity and responsibility into the average day. There is always someone else that you put first. Be it your boss, your family, or your friends, you always seem to come last. Well, it's about time you start taking care of yourself. Here are some ideas:

1. Perhaps you could take one whole day off and be totally alone doing WHATEVER you want. Don't worry; you'll be in good company! Do your “thing”, whatever it is. Sing; dance; draw…whatever you don’t usually allow yourself the time to do.

2. Just say NO! Learn to say "no" when the answer needs to be "no." Stop heaping more and more things on your plate just because you can't say "no" to others. Try saying yes to yourself first.

3. Laugh! Really laugh! It feels good, and it is good for you. Whether it is seeing a movie, reading a book or watching children in the park, just do it! Lighten up on yourself and others. Why? Because it can do wonders! Blow bubbles and act like a kid. It is enlightening.

4. Do one small thing to improve your health. Good health is some of the best pampering. Set your appointment for a massage or acupuncture for starters. Be good to yourself! You deserve it!

5. Be your own best friend. Why? Because, best friends can be so forgiving! Forgive yourself for anything that has caused you pain. Write it down and tear it up if it helps. Buy yourself that nice journal you always wanted. Eat out at that restaurant that you have always wanted to go to. Snack on that special dark chocolate that you crave.