10 Ways to Practice Self-love

It’s February – the month of love and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. When most people think about Valentine’s Day they think about romantic love commercialized with flowers, chocolates and cards. But we like to think of it as more than just romantic love, it’s a time to celebrate all types of love. February is a time to exhale deeper and reflect on all of the love and happiness in your life.

Take a moment to appreciate the special people in your life, the things that you love to do, and allow time to reflect and practice self-love and self-care.

Did you know that the word February comes from the Latin word februum, which means purification? In the ancient Roman calendar February was the last month of the year when the Romans celebrated with a feast of purification. Practicing self-love and self-care are excellent ways to purify your mind and soul and prepare for the rebirth and new life of spring.

Self-love has become a buzz word, but what is self-love? It is a regard for one’s own well-being and joy, a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. Self-love is a dynamic process creating space for more bliss or in Sanskrit, Ananda, in your life. When we act in ways that expand our self-love, we are more centered in our life purpose and values, live life more fully and are more apt to take care of others around us. And you deserve to live your best life.

To help inspire you during this month of love, here are
10 ways to practice self-love.

1. Get outside.

Nature is food for the soul and getting outdoors has been shown to decrease stress levels, increase resilience, improve concentration, and ease depression, it might be cold, but the sun is still shining and New Mexico is a winter wonderland. It’s a great time to go snowshoeing through the mountains or skiing. You will feel revived from having the fresh air on your skin and sun on your face.

2. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

It’s incredible the feeling we get when we realize we have achieved something we didn’t know or think we could do before or challenged ourselves to do something out of the ordinary. This could be as simple as trying a new type of food or a new activity, or you could travel and explore a place that you have never been.

3. Surround yourself with people who love and encourage you.

Take the time to let them know how much you appreciate them. Maybe send them a card or plan to do something special together. Make new memories with a special trip or outing.

4. Take time to calm your mind – exhale and reflect.

You know what you need and what makes you feel good. Make space in your busy life to do this. Maybe you want to take a yoga class or meditate or take a nature walk away from technology or pause to appreciate a sunset or sunrise enjoying the expansive mountain skies and magical colors. Or give yourself a real treat and soak in the healing waters of one of New Mexico’s hot springs.

5. Follow your passion.

You know that thing that gets you so excited but scares you at the same time. The thing you really want to do but have convinced yourself it won’t work. You should go do that!

6. Remember to be kind.

Treat others with love and respect. It’s the golden rule, treat others how you want to be treated. Being kind makes you feel good and positively touches the lives of those around you. Most of all remember to be kind to yourself.

7. Get creative and feed your soul.

Take this chance to express yourself in whatever way you like. Take some time to paint, write, make music, or whatever way that you like to express yourself. You could even take that instructive class you’ve always wanted to expand your talent. Make sure you leave your inner critic at the door and just enjoy the process.

8. Nourish your body with a delicious wholesome meal.

Our body does a lot for us every day just to keep us functioning. Take a moment to cook a scrumptious and nourishing meal for yourself and maybe a partner or friend.

9. Find your happy place.

Where’s the one place you feel totally at ease, calm, happy, positive, high on life? Go to that place when you can. Think about how it feels, what it smells like, what it looks like, so that you can return there in your mind even if you can’t physically go there.

10. Have fun and laugh out loud!

Get out there and do the things that light your fire and inspire you. Travel and see the world. Spend time laughing with family, friends and loved ones. Enjoy what you do, enjoy being you and enjoy your incredible life.

Remember as the Buddha says, “You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.”

At Heritage Inspirations we offer many ways to love and take care of yourself through travel in New Mexico.

Our wellness retreats in the majestic mountains and textured high desert landscapes are designed specifically around self-care and aimed to help you emerge from the weekend feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and inspired.

Our “Woman Who Rise” | 3 Night Taos Glamping Wellness Retreatis designed for a women-only trip that will celebrate and create strong female bonds, honor female strength and power and encourage a deep dive into self. If you want to explore the powerful forces of nature and use them as a catalyst to step into your power and harness good for humankind, then this tour is a treasure trove of wellness!

Our“Journey Within” | 2 Night Taos Glamping Adventure is a transformative travel experience perched above the Rio Grande Valley and aligned with the Perseid Meteor Shower to take advantage of star gazing in the warm summer nights. Savor the wild of the grandmother pinon and juniper trees surrounding our camp and enjoy hiking and stand-up paddle-boarding or kayaking adventures on our Day 1 and Day 2. Learn how to make traditional Taos Pueblo bread baking in an horno in Taos Pueblo on Day 3 while indulging farm to table coursed dining each evening and sleeping in a fusion of glamour and Taos camping beneath a canopy of stars. Daily sunrise and sunset yoga guiding you into a mindful journey to arrive, slow down and energize the soul!

Our “Eat Pray Love” | Summer Solstice Tour is an invitation to awaken your senses. Join us to create space for yourself to set new intentions, plant new seeds in your life and immerse your soles in the healing modalities of the Land of Enchantment. Across mineral healing waters, sacred dirt and traditional baking in an horno we will journey from Santa Fe to Taos to explore the sacred places of northern New Mexico. Enjoy a sunset guided hike, an in-depth Dinner Experience with local Chef Cristina and wake on the morning of the Solstice for a sound healing bath in a sacred place situated on Taos Mesa among the artemisia sagebrush. Enjoy a farm to table lunch crafted by our Chef Marianne in her Santa Fe home. Conclude this three-day tour with our Wellness Guide, Willamarie guiding you on a meditative hike in the aspen trees to reflect all three days. This experience is mindfully crafted to offer something truly “extra” “ordinary”, off the beaten path and an opportunity to dive deeper within your own connection to this sanctuary of New Mexico. Come unveil the unimaginable.