Be your own Valentine: Self-love for students
They say the greatest education is learning to love yourself.
It can be a lifelong journey, but one that makes every future lesson worthwhile.
Loving who you are as a person not only improves your self-confidence and self-worth, it also makes you feel more positive about the rest of the world.
None of us are perfect – that’s what makes use all uniquely perfect. But the less you love and understand yourself, flaws and all, the more frustrated, confused and upset you might feel.
As the season of love arrives, here are our top tips for making self-love a priority while at university.
Self-love starts with self-care
Self-care isn’t just code for a spa day. It’s all about looking after your mind, body and soul by adopting healthy habits.
It comes in different forms and what works for one might not work for another.
Nourish your body with your favourite food or healthy snacks and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Care for your mind by reconnecting with nature while getting some sunshine or fresh air, listening to a podcast, or doing something creative. Feed your soul by spending time with people you love and who make you laugh.
Self-care can also be setting boundaries and saying no to things (or people) that drain you. If social media is one of those culprits, go tech-free for an hour each night and stop the doom scrolling.
If you’re looking for self-care in the literal sense, remember that we have two campus salons that offer a range of your favourite hair and beauty treatments at student-friendly prices.
A curly blow, fresh trim, or new set of nails can do the world of good for your confidence.
Make a date with yourself
Even if you are celebrating with a significant other this Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to make time for yourself.
Take Miley’s advice and buy yourself flowers or that thing you’ve been wanting for ages. Take yourself out for coffee or ice cream then go for a walk, using that solo time to think about ten things you love about yourself.
Put on your comfort film and grab the snacks you love, or treat yourself to tickets for the cinema. Here in Rotherham, we have the new Arc Cinema which has amazing leather reclining seats as standard – even better than watching Netflix at home. And it’s only £5 for a student ticket on Mondays.
Create a gratitude or goals journal
Keeping a gratitude journal where you can write down things you appreciate about yourself helps shift your perspective towards self-love and appreciation.
Each day or week, write down three things you’re grateful for. Celebrate your achievements, whether academic, artistic, athletic, or personal, to boost your self-esteem and self-worth.
If you’re goal orientated, write down a list of things you want to achieve in 2025. Breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable steps can help promote a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy.
And remember, it’s okay if it doesn’t happen overnight – slow progress is better than no progress. If some things don’t go as planned, be proud of yourself for getting through it regardless of the outcome.
Treat yourself – and others – with kindness
Remind yourself every day that you are enough, you are capable, and you are loved. Showing kindness to yourself and meeting yourself with an open heart is so important during life’s rough patches.
If you are going through a storm, seek help from others. We have excellent student support teams who offer help and support to students who may be experiencing challenging times in their personal worlds. Each campus has its own dedicated welfare officer and mentor whose jobs is it to promote the welfare of our students and protect them from harm.
If you’re in your healing, learning and growing era, you may benefit from counselling or mentoring, both of which we offer here on campus.
And remember to be kind to others, too. You never know what that person is going through. At RNN Group, we’ve built an environment where students and tutors feel safe, valued and respected.
As well as being considerate and compassionate to others, try doing a Random Act of Kindness once in a while. Give a stranger a compliment, pay for the drink of person behind you in the refectory queue, call or text someone you’ve not spoken to in a while. Doing good does you good and helps fill the world with kindness instead of hate.
Cupid’s Cute Contributions
- Take care of yourself first
- Prioritise your happiness
- Start giving yourself credit
- Give your dreams a chance
- Just be kinder to yourself