February has arrived, bringing with it a season of hearts, flowers, and expressions of love. While this is a beautiful time to celebrate others, true love begins within. We must first learn to appreciate and value ourselves before we can fully open our hearts to others. So, what if, instead of only focusing on those around us, you took this opportunity to nurture and cherish yourself?

Over the past month, I have been around many people who were struggling with self-esteem and self-respect. My heart goes out to them because I, too, have often felt that way. It’s easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing everyone else’s needs and desires above our own. While selflessness is a good thing, neglecting ourselves entirely can be more harmful than we realize.

When we constantly put ourselves last, the effects ripple through every aspect of our well-being, especially energetically. The heart chakra, or Anahata chakra, governs love, compassion, and connection. When we do not value ourselves, it can manifest in distrust, loneliness, depression, resentment, and lethargy. Physically, an imbalanced heart chakra can contribute to chest pain, heartburn, back and shoulder discomfort, and even chronic tension.

So, how do we turn things around? Yoga offers powerful tools to nurture self-love and balance the heart chakra. Heart-opening poses, such as backbends, can help release stored emotions and expand our capacity for self-compassion. Ujjayi pranayama, or victorious breath, soothes the nervous system and fosters inner peace. Gentle practices like metta meditation—sending loving-kindness to yourself—can shift your mindset toward self-acceptance.

Science has shown that yoga has profound effects on the brain and the heart. Regular practice can increase the size of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas associated with emotional regulation and stress management. Additionally, yoga stimulates the production of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which enhance mood and overall well-being. By incorporating yoga into your routine, you can cultivate a deeper sense of self-love and inner peace.

This February, I encourage you to choose love—not just for others, but for yourself. Take time for the things that nourish your soul, whether that’s a yoga practice, a walk in nature, or simply pausing to acknowledge your own worth. Self-love isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When we fill our own cup, we are better able to share love with those around us.