14 Investments To Make In YOURSELF This Valentine’s Day

Remember there is an I in Valent-I-ne.

It’s that time of the year again, you know the time of year where everyone expresses their fondness for each other in the form of mass produced cinnamon hearts. I love cinnamon hearts just as much as the next person, however there are more efficient ways that we can allocate our time and our favourite “M” word (money). Since the date of this Valentine Day conflicts with the date of Self-Care Sunday, we must remind ourselves that there is an “I” in Valentine and therefore Self-Care Sunday takes priority. To not discount the entire holiday and remain “festive”, I have created a list of fourteen ways that you can invest (*another “I” word*) in yourself this Valentine’s Day.

1. YOUR BRAIN. As we all know, our brains are our greatest assets. In order to keep our greatest asset great, we must take time to invest in it so that it doesn’t depreciate in value. Whether that investment is in the form of taking an extra curricular course or certificate, starting a new podcast about a subject of interest or simply just learning something new - it’ll be worth while as knowledge brings opportunity.

2. YOUR SKIN. In true Self-Care Sunday fashion I highly recommend investing in your skin care routine. I am not endorsing spending excess amounts of funds on a miracle skincare product that will make you never age like J Lo, but rather investing in a couple of items that make you feel great inside and out.

3. YOUR HEALTH. Health is something that doesn’t have a cookie cutter definition, and an investment in your health may not look like someone else’s. Whether that investment is buying more vegetables, purchasing a multi-vitamin (my personal favourites are the gummy ones) or going for a walk, do something that makes you feel good inside to benefit your own health.

4. YOUR FRIENDSHIPS. As much as this year’s Self-Care Sunday x Valentine’s Day collab is about you, don’t forget the day that falls before it - GALENTINES. Friendships are the most important types of relationships (or maybe a close second if you have a dog). Remember to check in on your friends, tell them you love them (from 6 ft. apart), and show them you care, however that may be.

5. YOUR GUT. In my third point, I did state that I wasn't going to endorse spending excess amounts of funds skincare, however I will endorse spending rather generously on gut health. Gut health is believed by many professionals to be the key to overall wellbeing. Drink a local kombucha, eat your sauerkraut, add some coconut yogurt to your smoothie, or try taking a probiotic (with consultation of a professional -*not me*).

7. YOUR BODY. Our bodies do a lot for us, they get us from point A to point B, pick us up when we fall down, and will carry us throughout our future careers. Your body is an asset much like your brain, and therefore needs investment so it doesn’t depreciate. Invest in a yoga mat or a new pair of running shoes and give your body the time and love it deserves.

8. YOUR INVENTORY COUNTING SKILLS. Due to my exciting terminology choices

you may or may not be able to tell that I am currently on an accounting co-op. However, being able to better count the things you already have will decrease the amount of things you think you need……and save you money (the best “M” word - remember)!!!

9. YOUR LOCAL JEWELLER. This investment may be self serving as I currently have a Jenny Bird tab open….but let’s normalize buying our own jewelry! Who knows your impeccable taste in jewelry better than you? Support a local jeweller because life is too short to wear mass produced jewelry and get something pretty for yourself this special Self-Care Sunday x Valentine’s Day.

10. YOUR BUSINESS WARDROBE. I have a theory that when I feel I look my best, I will be my best. Now this theory doesn’t always prove to be true…I learned this the hard way in grade 8 when my new track and field outfit didn’t make me run faster. However, give it the benefit of the doubt and invest in a new piece for your business wardrobe that makes you feel like the strong and powerful business woman that you are.

11. YOUR LITERATURE. If you have a short attention span like me, you may only find joy in reading The Globe and Mail. Whatever your literature of preference may be, invest time in reading it. As boring as reading may be, it is informative, relaxing, and a great tool to use to expand your vocabulary.

12. YOUR WATER INTAKE. *DISCLAIMER* ice coffee does NOT count towards your daily water intake just because there are ice cubes in it - you have to drink actual water. Invest in an aesthetically pleasing reusable water bottle…I swear it makes the water taste better. Your brain, body and skin will thank you too!

13. YOUR GOALS. Like Queen Martha (Stewart) said, “There is no single recipe for success. But there is one essential ingredient: Passion.” Create goals that you’re passionate about reaching and invest in doing so. The more passionate you are about your goals you hope to achieve, the more you will enjoy the time you invest in reaching them.

14. YOUR CINNAMON HEART COLLECTION. Buy yourself some darn cinnamon hearts - tis’ the season.

About the author:

Sarah is a second year student in the Bachelor of Commerce Program intending to major in Finance. She is currently completing her first co-op term at Bakertilly LLP. Sarah has been influenced by her time abroad in Denmark and is passionate about sustainability, equality and their impact in the business world. Sarah is looking forward to both contributing and learning in her new role as a Second Year Rep at WIBA.