How can yoga help you embrace self-love this Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day often emphasises expressing love to others, but what if we turned that love inward? The longest relationship you'll ever have is with yourself—so why not make it nurturing and fulfilling?

In the spirit of self-love and compassion, yoga offers a way to deepen your connection with yourself. Through mindful breathing, loving visualisation, and a compassionate attitude, yoga helps cultivate inner peace and self-appreciation.

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

It's easy to shower others with affection, but we often forget to offer ourselves the same kindness. In a world that prioritises external achievements and meeting the needs of others, it's essential to give back to ourselves. Yoga is a powerful way to do this.

What is Self-Love and Self-Compassion?

Self-love is the practice of caring for and nurturing yourself. It involves recognising your worth, treating yourself with kindness, and embracing your imperfections. It's about knowing you deserve happiness, health, and peace.

Self-compassion means being understanding and patient with yourself, especially in difficult moments. It's about treating yourself the way you would a friend—offering encouragement rather than criticism.

Both self-love and self-compassion build emotional resilience, helping us navigate life's challenges with a kind heart.

Yoga: A Practice of Returning to Yourself

Yoga is more than just physical movement—it's a practice that unites the body, mind, and spirit. Through asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation, yoga encourages deep self-connection.

In our fast-paced world, yoga offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and prioritise self-care. It's a practice that nourishes you, so you can show up more fully for yourself and others.

The Power of Breath and Visualisation: The Breath of Love

Breath is one of the most powerful tools in yoga, helping shift mental and emotional states. Conscious breathing promotes calm, clarity, and self-connection.

To cultivate self-love through breath, try this simple visualisation exercise:

Breath of Love

1. Find a comfortable seat – Sit on a cushion, mat, or chair with a straight spine.

2. Close your eyes – Take a few deep breaths to relax.

3. Visualise love as little red cartoon hearts – As you inhale, imagine breathing in these hearts, filling your body with warmth and love.

4. Exhale through your mouth – Send the love hearts out into the world, radiating love to others.

5. Repeat for several minutes – Let each breath bring you closer to inner peace and self-love.

   
   

Heart-opening poses: yoga for self-love

Please note: before starting any new exercise routine, please consult your doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns. Always listen to your body and avoid any movements that cause pain or discomfort. Take each stretch gently, and honor your body's limits to prevent injury.

Heart-opening poses help expand the chest and shoulders, fostering love, compassion, and emotional release. These poses encourage vulnerability and self-acceptance.

1. Melted Heart Pose (Extended Puppy Pose)

How to do it:

• Start in a tabletop position (on all fours), with wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.

• Walk your hands forward and lower your chest toward the floor, keeping hips lifted over your knees.

• Let your forehead or chin rest on the mat.

Duration: Hold for 5-10 breaths.

Benefits: Opens the chest, shoulders, and spine, promoting relaxation and emotional release. Helps relieve tension, creating space for love.

2. Low Crescent Lunge

How to do it:

• Step your right foot forward into a lunge, with your left knee on the floor.

• Reach both arms up overhead, pressing your chest forward.

• Keep hips square and look forward or slightly upward.

Duration: Hold for 5-10 breaths on each side.

Benefits: Opens the chest and hip flexors, releasing stored tension. Strengthens the legs and encourages an expansive, open chest.

3. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

How to do it:

• Start kneeling with knees hip-width apart, hands on your lower back.

• Press hips forward and arch your back, reaching your hands to your heels (or keep them on your lower back).

• Lift your chest and head, creating a deep front-body stretch.

Duration: Hold for 5-8 breaths.

Benefits: Opens the chest and heart centre, releasing emotional tension. Invites vulnerability and self-acceptance, creating space for healing.

The science behind yoga and self-love

Research supports the benefits of yoga on mental health and self-compassion. A study by Gaiswinkler and Unterrainer found that individuals who engage in regular yoga practice exhibit higher levels of mindfulness and psychological well-being. The study suggests that yoga fosters a deeper connection between mind and body, promoting self-acceptance and emotional balance.

Closing thoughts: a loving commitment to yourself

This Valentine’s Day, focus on nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Use yoga to cultivate self-compassion, and strengthen your connection with yourself.

Yoga goes beyond physical postures—it’s a practice of rediscovery. Breathe deeply, visualise love, and embrace the unique, beautiful person you are.

Happy Valentine’s! Start your self-love journey with yoga today!

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Eloise x

References

Gaiswinkler, Leonie, and Thomas Unterrainer. “The Relationship Between Yoga Involvement, Mindfulness and Psychological Well-Being.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, vol. 31, 2018, pp. 173-178.