Date Yourself This Valentine’s Day With These Self Care Ideas

Sure, traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations have their time and place (and honestly, we kind of miss getting shoeboxes full of Pokémon Valentines in elementary school). But this year, we’re vibing with ourselves and dedicating our Valentine’s Day to self care. 

What you might not realize, though, is that a lot of classic “self care” activities can be not-so-great for your reproductive health. So say goodbye to your old, tired self care routines (that may actually be bad for you), and instead, swap in these expert-approved “self date” ideas that are also ah-mazing for your reproductive health.

Luxurious epsom salts and essential oils 

Bath bombs get all the hype on Instagram, but spending hours soaking in a bubbly tub could actually irritate you down there. Bubble bath products have different chemical agents that you might be sensitive to and could cause yeast infections, turning a relaxing spa sesh into an uncomfortable (and not very sexy) few days.*

Don’t worry, there are other ways to get the relaxing spa vibes. Treat your winter feet to a warm epsom salt bath while you relax with a book in your comfiest armchair. Or, hang fresh eucalyptus from your shower head; Trader Joe’s usually has this for a pretty wallet-friendly price. You can also incorporate your favorite essential oils into your shower by adding 10-20 drops to a washcloth, then laying that washcloth towards the back of the shower where it’s not directly hit with water. Final touch? Mix some chilled “spa water” with slices of cucumber and lemon. Ahh....

A solo dance party to your favorite guilty-pleasure songs

We love using movement as a way to celebrate everything our bodies are capable of, but all too often, it’s possible to get caught in a hamster wheel of tougher, more exhausting workouts. While regular exercise is helpful for fertility and reproductive health, too many intense workouts can deplete your energy and fat stores, which might inhibit your reproductive system.*

Instead, why not use Valentine’s Day as a chance to let loose and move your body joyfully? Cue up your playlist of 2000s pop icons, one-hit wonders, and songs you’d be a tad embarrassed to admit you’ve saved on Spotify. Blast the volume (or if you have roommates, throw on those headphones), close the door, and just move for 30 minutes. You might be surprised by how much you work up a sweat—and how much fun you have. 

A new recipe that tastes amazing *and* features good-for-you ingredients

Heart-shaped pizzas and Lady and the Tramp-style spaghetti taste amazing in the moment, but a diet high in refined carbs may inhibit hormone regulation.* To that end, think outside the box and reach for a health-boosting recipe with dark, leafy greens like kale, collard greens, spinach, or arugula. These greens are packed with folate, a B vitamin that’s been shown to improve ovulation (and psst… they’re also proven to naturally increase your libido).** A few of our favorite greens-based dishes are crisped kale in coconut oil with salmon and rice; a nourishing sweet potato and collard greens stew; or a simple quiche that brings “green eggs” into your kitchen. 

Sources

*  https://www.self.com/story/habits-in-the-way-of-healthy-vagina

* https://www.premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/women-wisdom-wellness-/what-s-your-exercise-prescription-for-fertility-

*  https://www.whattoexpect.com/news/getting-pregnant/trying-to-conceive-low-carb-diet-may-help/

*  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-folate-folic-acid#4.-Leafy-greens

* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26081493/