Valentine’s Day is coming right up, and in its honor, our Campbell personal trainers thought it would be fun to share a list of things you can do to pamper yourself for free (or almost free!)… When you do any of these things with intention and purpose, they will help you feel better: mind, body, and spirit. And our Campbell personal trainers think you definitely deserve that! 10 Ways to Love Your Body Today (& Every Day) 1. Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Being outdoors helps you relax, lightens your mood, boosts your vitamin D, and even helps with healing. Even better: find a park or other tree-filled area, and spend at least 15 minutes enjoying nature. 2. Read a book. Let us count the ways reading a book is good for you: it strengthens your brain and prevents cognitive decline, builds empathy, improves your vocabulary, reduces stress, fights depression, and helps you sleep better. Plus, it’s linked to a longer lifespan! If you need a book idea, check out Jay Shetty, Think Like a Monk. Our Campbell personal trainers LOVE it! 3. Get in your workout. You already know why :-) It helps lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It lifts your mood, helps reduce depression and stress, and is great for your brain. Plus … it strengthens your bones and muscles and can keep you feeling active and strong. It helps you sleep better and it boosts your chances of living longer. 4. Put your hand on your heart and tell yourself, “I love you!” Seriously, our Campbell personal trainers want you to try this. Put your hand on the left side of your chest and feel your heart beating. It’s working so hard to keep you strong and alive. Take a moment to feel gratitude for that. Then tell yourself, “I love you!” (Do it even if it feels weird.) 5. Make time for a 10-minute stretch session. Stretching helps you feel better in so many different ways: it improves your circulation, activates the part of your body’s nervous system that helps control rest & relaxation; and triggers the release of feel-good endorphins. 6. Listen to your favorite music. Music has a powerful influence on our bodies AND our moods - which is why it’s important to choose upbeat songs that make you FEEL good. For many people, music can lead to better learning, it can improve your memory, help you focus, boost your mood, ease depression and anxiety, up your energy, and help you workout longer/harder! 7. Treat yourself to a warm bath. Studies show that a warm (not hot) bath can help you relax by reducing stress hormones in your body. Plus it’s great to help you get to sleep afterward. But that’s just the start of it. A warm bath also can help reduce tension in your muscles and relieve aches & pains (try a scoop of Epsom salts for even more benefit). Note: a hot soak sounds appealing but it can actually leave some people feeling dizzy and weak. This is NOT what we are aiming for. 8. Look through old pics that make you smile. A little visual walk down memory lane can give you perspective and help you feel gratitude for all the amazing people you’ve met along the way (and all the adventures you’ve had). 9. Cook a delicious dinner of your healthy favorites. When was the last time you treated yourself to your favorite meal? If you’re the cook in your household, chances are you usually choose foods that other people will enjoy. Tonight, our Campbell personal trainers want you to choose something YOU want. :) 10. Reflect in a gratitude journal. We know we talk about gratitude journaling a lot, and that’s because it’s SO good for your health! Take time to reflect and WRITE DOWN what you love about your body. What about your body makes you feel strong? What is one of your favorite features? Imagine yourself as a friend, what compliment would you give yourself? “You’re so ___________.” Write it down! Comment below and let us know what you’re going to do to treat yourself! We can’t wait to hear from you. Live Stronger For Today, John Heringer Chief Motivator, Method3 Fitness Method3 Fitness is conveniently located in San Jose. Our team of personal trainers serve clients in Los Gatos, Campbell, Willow Glen and other surrounding Bay Area cities. Ready to get started with us? Fill out the “Request More Information Now” box above to receive your free consultation with our Campbell personal trainers and experience the Method3 difference OR call us at (408) 371-1212 to connect. Hope we can talk to you soon. If you found this blog useful, be sure to LIKE, LEAVE A COMMENT, and SHARE it on your favorite channel! The Method3 Fitness blog is updated weekly by our San Jose personal trainers. All content is designed to improve the way you move, eat, and think so you can achieve your goals and live stronger for today. Check back here each week and LIKE our Fan Page, to stay up to date on the latest tips, strategies and methods to get fit, lose fat, and build confidence.