Feel-Good February: Cultivating self-love without the cheese

By windoverwaterAnti-Diet, friendship, WindOverWater

This Month’s Self-Care Calendar Embraces Joy, Connection, and Awareness

Groundhogs, Carrot Cake, & Margaritas (Because Why Not?)

Ah, February. The month that forces us to choose between romanticizing freezing temperatures and pretending we’re into Valentine’s Day. But it’s not all bad! We’ve got quirky holidays, delicious food themed days, and built-in opportunities for self-care disguised as random acts of kindness. This February, let’s celebrate the small things—like dumplings, carrot cake, Galentine’s Day, and the sheer joy of a margarita on a Wednesday. Oh, and we’ll also throw in some Eating Disorder Awareness Week insights because February is for healing, not self-loathing.

February 2: Groundhog Day and Learning to “Start Over”

Why Groundhog Day is Self-Care:

Yes, it’s just a glorified weather forecast with a questionably cute rodent, but Groundhog Day teaches us something valuable: every day can be a fresh start. If a groundhog can decide whether to nap for six more weeks, we can decide to let go of perfectionism and embrace imperfection.

Groundhog-Themed Self-Care Ideas:

  • Celebrate Your Do-Over Days: Did you forget to journal yesterday? Skip a workout? Who cares? Today is another chance.
  • Channel Your Inner Groundhog: Spend an afternoon burrowed under blankets with zero regrets.
  • Reflect on Cycles: Just like the seasons, our moods and energy ebb and flow. What if you embraced your natural rhythms instead of fighting them?
  • Watch: Groundhog Day and marvel at early 90’s movie magic and the comedic timing of Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. 

Reflective Question:

What’s one habit or mindset you’d like to start fresh this month? (No resolution bull on this one, please!)

February Food Days: Carrot Cake, Dumplings, & Redefining Nourishment

Why Carrot Cake is Self-Care:

Let’s be clear: carrot cake is dessert, not a sneaky way to eat vegetables. But it’s also a delicious reminder that food can be joyful, satisfying, and fun. Eating without judgment? That’s a radical act of self-love.

Carrot Cake Day (February 3) Self-Care Ideas:

  • Bake Your Own: Experiment with a homemade carrot cake. Add extra cream cheese frosting because you’re an adult, and you can.
  • Mindful Eating Challenge: Take a moment to really taste your food. Notice the textures, flavors, and how it feels to savor without guilt.
  • Share the Love: Bring carrot cake to a friend, coworker, or neighbor just because. Food can be a connection, not just a chore.

Why Dumplings are Self-Care (February 6):

There’s something magical about dumplings—a perfect little pocket of deliciousness. Whether you’re making them or ordering takeout, dumplings remind us that comfort food is valid self-care.

Dumpling Self-Care Ideas:

  • DIY Dumpling Night: Try your hand at making dumplings from scratch (or, let’s be real, buy some frozen ones and steam them like a pro).
  • Cultural Connection: Learn about the history of dumplings in different cuisines—it’s a reminder of how food brings us together. And almost every food tradition has a version of dumplings.
  • Pair with a Movie: Dumplings and a good rom-com? Chef’s kiss. Why not combine dumplings with comedy? 

Reflective Question:

What would it feel like to let food be a source of pleasure, not stress?

Galentine’s Day & the Power of Connection

Why Galentine’s Day is Self-Care:

Thank you, Leslie Knope, for this sacred tradition. Galentine’s Day (February 13) is the perfect excuse to celebrate your friends—and yourself. Romantic relationships get all the hype, but friendships are the real MVPs of mental health.

Galentine’s Day Self-Care Ideas:

  • Host a Gathering: Brunch, game night, or a cozy movie marathon—whatever brings your squad joy.
  • Send Love Notes: Write heartfelt messages to your friends. Bonus points for glitter and stickers.
  • Treat Yourself: No friends free? Celebrate solo with your favorite meal, a bubble bath, or an over-the-top dessert.

Margaritas & Kindness

Why Margaritas are Self-Care:

Because sometimes self-care is salty, citrusy, and served in a frosty glass. Margaritas are more than just a drink—they’re a reminder that joy can come from small indulgences and shared laughter.

Margarita Self-Care Ideas:

  • Margarita Night (Margarita Day is February 22): Gather friends or have a solo happy hour with a fancy margarita recipe. (Virgin margaritas are just as fun.)
  • Get Creative: Try unexpected flavors like blood orange, jalapeño, or coconut.
  • Make it a Moment: Pair your margarita with a playlist of your favorite songs. Turn your kitchen into a fiesta.

Why Random Acts of Kindness are Self-Care:

Doing something kind for someone else releases endorphins, boosts your mood, and creates a ripple effect of positivity. Plus, it’s free. World Kindness Day is February 17 (along with President’s Day this year, so you may also have a Monday off – and what is kinder than that?)

Random Acts of Kindness Ideas:

  • Compliment Someone: A genuine compliment can make someone’s day—and yours, too.
  • Pay It Forward: Buy coffee for the person behind you in line or leave a kind note on a stranger’s windshield.
  • Volunteer: Give your time to a cause you care about, whether it’s animal rescue, food banks, or mentoring.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 26–March 3):

Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a time to reflect on the cultural pressures around food and bodies—and how we can challenge them. Remember, eating disorders aren’t just about food; they’re about self-worth, trauma, and coping.

How to Honor Eating Disorder Awareness Week:

  • Learn and Share: Read up on eating disorders and share resources with friends. (Check out NEDA for great info.)
  • Challenge Diet Culture: Call out harmful messages about weight and food when you see them.
  • Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself (and others) that your worth is not tied to your body size or food choices.

Reflective Question:

What’s one thing you can do this month to challenge harmful narratives about food and bodies?

February is the shortest month, but it’s packed with opportunities for joy, connection, and self-compassion. Whether you’re savoring dumplings, cuddling your pet, or sipping a margarita, remember that self-care doesn’t need to be serious to be meaningful. And as we celebrate Eating Disorder Awareness Week, let’s commit to challenging harmful narratives and embracing ourselves—flaws, cravings, and all.

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