5 Ways to Give Yourself Some Love This Valentine's Day

First thing's first: chocolate is a Valentine's Day staple, so get this treat as a loving gesture. You deserve it. We suggest dark chocolate because of the antioxidants and its anti-inflammatory and cough-suppressing properties. If boxed chocolate isn't your thing, try some of these healthy cocoa recipes.

Casey Murphy, a yoga teacher who has been practising for 15 years, spoke to POPSUGAR about one of the meditations she finds to be the most beneficial for growth and self-care. Called "Metta," it translates to "loving-kindness." Casey said there are thousands of variations, but the one she's most familiar with is simple. You start by saying a series of phrases to yourself:

May I be happy
May I be peaceful
May I be liberated

Next, repeat the phrases while focusing on your "inner circle," which may consist of close relatives and friends, Casey advised. Then expand to people "you maybe see on an everyday basis, but you don't really know, like the person at the bodega or the mailman or the train conductor," she explained. Finally, do the same for the people you struggle with. It's this part, she said, that is most profound because you're not only wishing well for yourself; you're wishing the best for others (even those you consider to be foes).

Flowers, like chocolate, give us a reason to smile. Be kind to yourself, and purchase some roses, tulips, hydrangeas, or dahlias.

Exercise releases endorphins, and endorphins put you in a positive mood. So treat yourself to a workout that you like, whether that's strength training at home, signing up for a Tabata class, or kick-starting a 7-day walking plan (which we highly recommend). If you're not feeling it, don't sweat; you can work out another day. Make sure you're hitting the gym for the right reasons.

Lastly, if you're not into meditation, don't have the energy for a workout, and would rather not open your wallet, you could do something simple that will hopefully put a smile on your face this Valentine's Day and every day thereafter. Pick a mantra you like that means the most to you. It could be anything from "I am enough" to "Be brave" to "I'm a badass, hear me roar." For inspiration, you can follow Instagrammers Alex Elle (@alex_elle) and Self-Care Station (selfcareisforeveryone). Once you find a phrase that speaks to you, stick to it, write it down, and repeat it under your breath or out loud when you feel like it's needed. Do you.