Valentine's Self-love: Top 10 Most Popular Self-Care Activities

Whether you have a partner or not this Valentines’ Day, why not take the day to show yourself some love?

Self-love activities can help to reduce stress, enjoy your own company and show kindness to your mental health on the most loving day of the year. 

But which self-care activities and skills are people most interested to learn the most?

 Interested in finding out, UK-based global training company The Knowledge Academy collated a list of 25 popular self-care activities (and tutorial) that have the highest search volume on YouTube, revealing the most popular ways to practise self love this Valentine’s Day!

Key Study Findings:  

• Guided Meditation ranked as the most popular self-care skill people in Britain want to learn, with 14,000 monthly searches for relevant classes.
• With 11,000 monthly tutorial searches on Youtube, Yoga for Beginners ranked as the second most popular self-care activity.
• Tai Chi for Beginners came third with 6,100 searches on average in the UK. This is followed by the Positive Affirmations method and Stretching Exercises.

Most Popular Self-Care Activities in the UK

#1. Guided Meditation ranks as the No.1 self-care skill.

The study reveals that Guided Meditation ranked as the No.1 self-care skill Brits most interested in.

With an average of 14,000 monthly Youtube tutorials’ searches around the topic, video guided meditation gives those new to meditation something to follow, helping you practise self-love by finding calm and peace in your body.

According to a scientific report, 63% of respondents said meditation had helped “a great deal” in enhancing their physical and emotional well-being.

#2. Yoga for Beginners is the second most popular self-care skill.

Yoga for Beginners ranked as the second most popular self-care skill British people wanted to learn, with 11,000 monthly tutorial searches on Youtube.

Following yoga videos online has been seen as a great choice for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable taking an in-person class or wants an affordable alternative.

Originating from India as a tradition focusing on mind, body and soul, yoga has become popular worldwide among 300 million practitioners for building physical strength and easing anxiety. 

#3. Tai Chi for Beginners features in third place.

In third place is Tai Chi for Beginners, with 6,100 average monthly searches on Youtube in the UK.

As a form of Chinese martial art formulated from the 12th century, Tai Chi gained practitioners worldwide not only for its physical health benefits such as reducing blood pressure, but also for its significant mental health impact such as increasing psychological well-being, reducing anxiety and enhancing mood. 

#4. Positive Affirmations ranks in fourth position.

Positive Affirmations ranks in fourth position with 5,100 monthly searches in the UK. 

Practising positive phrases to challenge negative thoughts is shown to reduce health deteriorating high stress and promote positive coping, with Youtube being one of the most useful places to look for inspiration when building your list of self-love affirmations. 

#5. Tutorials for Stretching Exercises rank in fifth position.

Tutorials for Stretching Exercises ranked as the fifth most popular self-care activities Brits wanted to learn on Youtube. This is followed by the time management methodPomodoro Technique which helps prevent mental exhaustion. 

The rest of the top 10 self-care activities and skills you can practice this Valentine’s are:

Top 10 Self-Care Activities and Skills