Many women spend much of their time working, performing household duties, and taking care of their loved ones. A study of average mothers found that almost 75% felt they lived their lives for other people, and most reported only 17 minutes of ‘me-time’ each day. While living a productive lifestyle and caring for others is admirable, overdoing it can make it easy to forget to take care of yourself.

Today, on Valentine’s Day, we’re honoring all women – mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, aunts, and caretakers – with empowering advice for pledging love to you.

Following are tips on how to practice self-love:

• Engage in healthy self-care habits

Healthy self-care habits can boost your energy levels and help you become stronger and healthier. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, going to the doctor, and getting enough rest – even on days when you’re swamped – is the first step you can take toward loving yourself.

• Surround yourself with positive people

Making time to enjoy life with friends and family members who know how to lift your spirits can turn a hectic day into a heartwarming one. You may find that surrounding yourself with positive people can help you laugh more often, look at the bright side of difficult situations, and become an overall happier person.

• Schedule time for activities you enjoy

Although it may seem easier said than done, squeezing in time for activities you enjoy can help you recharge, enhance your focus, and nurture your creativity. Whether it’s crafting, reading, or gardening, take a few moments out of your week to allow yourself to smile – it’s essential for loving yourself and living the life you deserve.

• Forgive yourself

Instead of punishing yourself for a mistake that you’ve made, try practicing self-forgiveness. Whether you criticized your partner, didn’t return your mother’s call, or forgot to send lunch to school with your child, it’s OK. You’re not a bad person – you’re human and allowed to make mistakes! Try using these tips to forgive yourself and promote inner healing.

• Be grateful

Expressing gratitude for all the blessings in your life can be a powerful way to show yourself love. At the end of each day, try writing down three things you are grateful for in a gratitude journal. Not only can recognizing the good in your life make you happier, but it can also improve your sleep.

• Use personal affirmations

A personal affirmation can completely transform the way you perceive yourself and your life. Start by thinking of a positive phrase that you can say to yourself to offer encouragement and inspiration. Examples may include:

• “I am surrounded by love and peace.”
• “Everything in my life is perfectly balanced.”
• “Today will be a wonderful new adventure.”

Affirmations can help you see the best in yourself and others. It may feel silly at first but stick with it! They may offer an uplifting bright spot you look forward to each day.

Making a conscious effort to practice more self-love can help you feel happier, healthier, more motivated, and ready to conquer anything that comes your way.