Cupid and his heart-shaped bow and arrow are just around the corner, which means only one thing - couples everywhere will be sharing their Instagram Stories full of stay-in steak dinners, romantic country walks and bunches of red roses. But, if you’re coupled up or flying solo, you should always have time to show yourself some love. 

As lockdown stretches over Valentine’s Day this year, why not add some reads to your shelves and take a leaf out of these authors' books? Learn from the self love best! 

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

You can't have a Valentine's Day without a love injection. Kick off your self love journey by reading through Dolly’s dating past. This blonde bombshell bares all about what she’s learnt when navigating through the loves in her life, losing love and gaining it again and proving that loving yourself is the best relationship you’ll ever be in. It’s funny, it’s witty and it’s totally relatable! 

Buy here on Amazon.

More Than A Woman by Caitlin Moran

First, Moran told us how to build a girl. Now she’s back to tell us all about the next chapter of a woman’s life. Do you ever have moments when you think: ‘I must be the only one who thinks/feels/is going through this’? This book will prove to you that this is not the case and that women really are strong, independent and totally badass!

Please note this book does discuss eating disorders.

Buy here on Amazon.

Notes On A Nervous Planet by Matt Haig 

This pandemic has certainly shaken even the most together people to have bouts of anxiety. If you’ve found yourself feeling alone, nervous or stressed about how to get through the day to day struggles, this book will help you realign and control your nerves, whilst reminding you that feeling like this will pass. You are not alone.

Buy here on Amazon.

Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon

Pick up any of Bryony’s books and you’ll find yourself feeling better! But Glorious Rock Bottom is, in my opinion, the best one yet. Completely opening up and not holding anything back, Bryony recalls her addiction journey and why she decided to give up drinking for good. If Bryony’s strength, honesty and self love doesn’t inspire you to fight your own demons, I don’t know what will.

Please note this article contains in depth discussions about alcoholism and addiction.

Buy here on Amazon.

What A Time To Be Alone by Chidera Eggerue

Follow Chidera on Instagram (@theslumflower) and it’s hard not to feel empowered! But if you want some more of her amazing self loving anecdotes… READ THIS BOOK! Full of original artwork and quick to view quotes, you will find yourself reaching for it again and again for a daily reminder that you, and you alone, are enough! 

Buy here on Amazon.

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Written by Elle Douglas