As the season of love envelopes us with sweet sentiments and romance, it's easy to get swept away with affectionate gestures of love for others. However, it's crucial to focus on the most important relationship in your life: the one you have with yourself.

Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity, especially in today's stressful society. Understanding yourself and prioritizing your well-being can be part of how you care for yourself first.

When you feel healthy and strong, it improves all your relationships. If you're in a good place mentally, physically, and emotionally, you can give and receive love more freely. Sometimes, a quiet moment with a cup of jasmine tea calms my busy mind and feeds my soul.

Or you may want to treat yourself to something more adventurous, like traveling abroad. Planning for and going on a vacation can give you a renewed sense of excitement. Recently, we had our annual Anthony's catalog photo shoot in the Dominican Republic. I wore the Mineral Wash Pleated Hem Pant by Jess and Jane, and it was a perfect match for the lush tropical island and its relaxed vibes. Visiting the Dominican Republic with my work family was such a treat!

February is the season of love and the month of my birth (hence my name, Valentina), and I'm reminded to celebrate my connection with myself and all the people who empower me to feel abundant. I want to give back from a deep place of caring, yet still feel energetic. When negativity creeps in, I practice self-hypnosis. I want to cherish my heart and keep it strong to continue the foundation that gives me a meaningful life. Happiness is now, not tomorrow, so savor the moments that matter.

Be mindful to process your feelings and take time to understand your needs. Be it affection, solitude, or adventure, be generous with yourself. Sometimes, you need to unplug, disconnect, and focus on your inner feelings without comparison. Remember to pamper yourself, schedule "me time," take long baths, and relax through music. Here are some other ideas you can implement into your self-care practice:

• Make a vision board: My colleague Crystal made her vision board in book form so she can share it with others and keep it with her for future inspiration.
• Express yourself creatively: Writing, painting, playing, cooking, decorating, and dancing can all be powerful forms of self-care.
• Set boundaries: This one is a work in progress for me, but I'm implementing more boundaries with time, and it's been great. It's important to prioritize what feels right to you.

They say to get what you've never had, do what you've never done. Self-care is the best gift you can give yourself, so what does it look like to you? Taking time to nurture myself became a priority more than I realized. Self-care looks different for everyone. For example, emotional regulation can come from nourishing your body and brain through nutrition and optimal care. It can also come through tactile means, such as physical touch, which is a vital source of cognitive health. A hug or a massage can do wonders! After a massage, I love to slip on a comfortable loungewear set, like the scuba-fabric sweatshirts or joggers by Anthony's Resort Wear.

Nutrition is important because nutritional deficiencies can manifest in anger and irritability. The term "hangry" comes to mind, so I recommend eating real foods like salmon, berries, greens, avocados, walnuts, and cruciferous vegetables.

Exercise is non-negotiable at my age and can actually change the brain's structure. Whether it's a brisk walk, jumping jacks, dancing, a bike ride, or a stretch routine, physical activity helps with brain fog, depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Social bonding and stimulating conversation keep your brain sharp, and being kind to others releases feel-good hormones. Eating at a restaurant or going on a shopping trip seems frivolous, but it's enjoyable. If you're not feeling up to it, putting on a nice outfit can boost your confidence to face the challenges accompanying social interactions.