9 Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts to Give to Your Truest Love — You!

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The stereotypical Valentine's Day gifts of roses and chocolates are nice, but have you considered giving yourself a gift? Before you dismiss that notion as being selfish, consider the airplane analogy. When the flight attendant gives his or her talk about oxygen masks, what are you supposed to do? That's right, put on your own — because you can't help others until you help yourself first. Giving yourself a little Valentine's Day self-care gift may help to alleviate stress, and possibly, protect you from sickness.

That doesn't mean you need to go on a shopping spree, though. Here are nine self-care tips and treats to help you fight stress, find health, and be your own best Valentine's Day date ever.

1. Make a Spa-Quality Scrub

After joining the coconut oil craze, a lot of us now have big tubs of it. That's a lot of coconut oil, so let's put it to good use with a DIY Coconut-Oil Sugar Scrub. It's so easy! And yes, I've tried it, and I really like how it exfoliates and makes my face feel smooth. It's nice on your feet, too.

2. Eat Well

Surf N' Turf is traditional for Valentine's Day, but instead, why not consider a month of clean eating? After the holidays and the Super Bowl, I find myself craving healthy foods. Simply Google "month of clean eating" and you'll find several choices for menus and recipes. (See also: 8 Great Clean Eating Slow Cooker Recipes)

3. Take a Class

For around $60, my local college is offering community classes. I can choose from classes such as Beginning Guitar, Conversational Spanish, Qigong, or Hula Hoop Fitness, just to name a few. My husband has enjoyed Sushi Making and Surfing. Check out classes at your local community college, community center, or even free classes online in order to learn something new and expand your mind.

4. Get a Massage

Man, do I love a massage. But I love them even more where I can get a full hour for just $50. Do you have a massage school in your area? Students need to rack up hours to become licensed, so it can be a bargain. See if you have one in your area.

5. Embrace Your Inner Child

What sorts of things did you love doing as a kid? Did you love to color? You're in luck, because adult coloring books are so in right now. One of my friends has taken up painting again. Take some time to think about what you enjoyed, and take it up again for some relaxing fun.

6. Volunteer

Wait, isn't volunteering about helping others? Yes, but according to Harvard Medical School, "volunteering helps people who donate their time feel more socially connected, thus warding off loneliness and depression." Plus, you could also make some new friends in the process. Find a group where you feel you could contribute by using VolunteerMatch.org, which matches interests with needs.

7. Learn Meditation

Do you have a stressful job? High blood pressure? Maybe you just need to slow life down a little. Meditation, according to WebMD, can "not only lower blood pressure, but can also amp up your immune system, while improving your ability to concentrate." I took the Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Experience and loved it.

8. Give Yourself a DIY Pedi

A salon pedicure can run you $40 and up. Save your money and give yourself one at home for almost nothing. You don't need a lot of fancy equipment, either. Just some nail care steps at the start, a steady hand, a favorite color polish.

9. Take a Nap

A quick nap can help you to feel more alert, refreshed, and recharged. As a cube-dweller, I'd never try to take one at work, but I often grab one when I get home, or on the weekends. (See also: Surprising Benefits of Naps and the Best Time to Take Them)

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