According to Miriam Webster the definition of love is:

strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child>
attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers
affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interests <love for his old schoolmates>

You know what it doesn’t mention? Love for yourself. This is a big problem for a lot of the women that I train, but for guys I know too. The type of people that take care of everyone else around them, but do nothing for themselves.

So I’m flipping the script a little bit this Valentine’s Day. I want to encourage you to practice a little self love. Considering that this phrase can be taken wrong (and be very careful if you Google it), I need a new phrase. Might I suggest you adopt the phrase and mindset I use.

I love me some me

Go ahead and give it a try. You probably feel better already. It’s ok to admit. On the surface that looks like a very selfish way of thinking, but here’s the deal. If you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else.

Make you happy first and all those around you will benefit. This is not to say you are supposed to neglect the kids. “Pipe down Mama’s watching her stories!”. Or an excuse for guys to watch football all day, but that you should take time every day to take a little me time.

What better way to love me some me than taking care of your health? I think this quote by Jim Rohn sums up how important your health is:

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.

Have a Healthy V-Day

So this Valentine’s Day instead of just taking care of your significant other, don’t forget about yourself. Here are a few ways you improve your health on Valentine’s Day:

Get Out

Get outside and do something active! Hike, walk, a certain outdoor boot camp for women only with locations in Huntsville and Madison, run, bike, streak (check local temps before proceeding), etc… It is amazing what combining fresh air, the great outdoors, and exercise can do for you. Need ideas for somewhere to go? Check out this great directory of parks, greenways, and hiking trails on Our Valley Events.

Take a nap

This article from WebMD talks about the power of naps and how it can help improve your health. Not recommended if you are the type of person who drools when they sleep. You know who you are.

Cheers

There will probably be some drinking going on as well. This is a good article on LifeHacker about the “healthiest” choices concerning alcohol. Which Alcoholic Drinks are the “Healthiest.”

Chocolate

You’re more than likely going to have some chocolate. Go with the dark chocolate. It has been shown to lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol, contains antioxidants, and contains elements K, Cu, Mg, Fe- how well do you know your periodic table?

Some studies have shown it can increase blood flow. Use this knowledge for good and remember that moderation is the key.

Grub

Nothing says love like piling a ton fried food and other garbage down your neck. Let’s try something a little lighter this year. Last year scientists created what they called the world’s healthiest meal.

It consisted of fresh and smoked salmon terrine, a mixed salad with extra virgin olive oil dressing, a high-fiber multigrain roll and a chicken lentil casserole. For dessert, a yogurt custard, paired with spring water and a cranberry, raspberry and elderflower sports drink. So go ahead ask for that at Applebee’s on your special night.

Beat the snot out of something

I get that Valentine’s Day is not the happiest day for some people. Instead of brooding all night and/or watching brooding teen vampires do something about it!

Need some ideas? Here you go:

Hit a punching bag
Smash a tire with a sledgehammer
Chop wood
Play the drums
Kick/punch/elbow/knee/headbutt the air to your heart’s content
Pop bubble wrap

It is hard to brood and be exhausted at the same time.

Whatever you decide to do, just know that it is ok to be happy. The world will not fall apart if you take the time to make a better you. Have a great Valentine’s Day!

Photos curtesy of Flickr users SeeMidTN.com (aka Brent) and -las – initially