Ever heard of Galentine’s Day? It’s an increasingly popular alternative to Valentine’s Day, first conceived of by Leslie Knope, the main character from NBC’s workplace comedy Parks and Recreation. In the show, Leslie decides to create her own holiday on February 13 so she can honor the important female friendships in her life. In a similar vein, we propose a new Valentine’s Day alternative: taking it as a day to practice the self-care you deserve and show your friends that you’re thinking of them. Read on for a roundup of Galentine’s reads!
The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care
Anna Borges
You may already practice some form of self-care, whether it’s taking an extra-long shower after a stressful day or choosing Netflix over that friend-of-a-friend’s birthday party. But when life gets so overwhelming that you want to stay in bed, more radical care is crucial to maintain your sanity. And that’s why The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care offers over 200 tips, activities, and stories in an accessible A-to-Z list. Recommended Galentine’s Day topics: Baths, Flowers, Pamper, Rom-Coms.
The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People
Rachel Wilkerson Miller
Part manifesto, part guide, The Art of Showing Up is soul medicine for our modern world. Rachel Wilkerson Miller charts a course to kinder, more thoughtful, and more fulfilling relationships—and, crucially, she reminds us that “you can’t show up for others if you aren’t showing up for yourself first.” Recommended Galentine’s Day topics: Meeting (and caring!) for new friends, asking for backup when times are tough, defining your needs.
You Got This: Face Your Fear. Find Your Confidence.
Caroline Foran
If perfectionism is holding you back, if you’re stymied by impostor syndrome, or if fear of failure is keeping you from trying, then something’s gotta give. Caroline Foran is here to help! She can’t take away your fear, but she’ll show you that embracing fear is the first step on the road to becoming your most confident self. Recommended Galentine’s Day topics: Practicing stoicism (and why it’s the sh*t), “fear hacking,” and faking it till you make it.
Making Space: How to Live Happier by Setting Boundaries That Work for You
Jayne Hardy
Boundaries may not sound like the key to freedom—but if you say yes when your energy is MIA and your to-do list is overflowing—if you jump when your email pings well after dinner or let your partner’s or kid’s schedule rule your day—then you may need to reclaim some space! Making Space will clear the way for what you need—and for what you want. Recommended Galentine’s Day topics: Prioritizing sleep, letting go of stress, asserting yourself with kindness.
Welcome to Wine: An Illustrated Guide to All You Really Need to Know
Madelyne Meyer
Calling all wine newbies and wine nerds: This illustrated guide is refreshing as a rosé and flavorful as a merlot. Sure, you don’t need a book to enjoy wine . . . but knowing more about your favorite glassful can be a pleasure all its own. In Welcome to Wine, Madelyne Meyer pairs her expert knowledge with adorable illustrations, making the essentials crystal clear—so you can get to the good part sooner! Recommended Galentine’s Day topics: Food pairings, which glass shapes go with which wine, the best wine for gifting.
You Are Positively Awesome: Good Vibes and Self-Care Prompts for All of Life’s Ups and Downs
Stacie Swift
When life gets in the way, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. You Are Positively Awesome by Instagram darling Stacie Swift is a much-needed reminder that nobody is perfect and that you deserve kindness—even (especially!) on stormy days. In her trademark style, Swift shares cheerful artwork, self-care wisdom, and journaling prompts to add your own reflections. Recommended Galentine’s Day topics: noting the things that make you “sparkle,” getting out negative thoughts and refocusing to the positive, practicing self-love.
