Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, bringing excitement for those coupled up and dread for those spending it alone. While stores and media around us may imply that Valentine’s Day is solely to celebrate relationships and romance with a significant other, this occasion is the perfect opportunity to celebrate love for yourself! Romantic partners often come and go, but self-love is forever. Here are some ways to show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day!
1. Treat Yo’self
As once famously said by Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle on the hit NBC show “Parks and Recreation”: Treat Yo’self this Valentine’s Day! Take yourself out on a date, make impulse online purchases straight from your couch, or order takeout from your favorite gourmet restaurant. Spare no expense in celebrating yourself!
2. Write Down Your Goals
Grab a cute notebook or journal, or even a note-taking app on your phone, and make a plan for your next 1, 5, or even 10 years. Goals can be for your career, relationships, health, hobbies, personal development, or anything else that you aspire towards. Having them down on paper can be a big motivation to take small steps in the right direction.
3. Meditate
Though a little challenging for beginners, meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and help cope with mental illness. Many apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer help guide you through short sessions, but one can easily achieve a meditative state without any props -- all you need is your breath and your mind.
4. Have a Dance Party
Put on your favorite playlist, turn up the volume, and dance your way through Valentine’s Day! Dancing is a great way to not only move along to music that makes you feel good but also burn some calories. Don’t be afraid to add in some singing -- after all, your only audience is you!
5. Have a Candlelit Solo Date Night
We always see couples having romantic date nights under a flickering candle light. However, one of my all-time favorite self-care activities is to create that atmosphere for myself! Try a new recipe and cook yourself a nice meal (or order takeout from tip #1), light a scented candle, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy this time with yourself!
6. Reach Out to Friends and Family
Who says Valentine’s Day is only for romantic relationships? In this new age of virtual connecting, spending time with friends and family is easier than ever! Call your parents, get back to the friends you never texted back, or set up a Zoom call for others celebrating solo! Not only will it feel good to reconnect with loved ones, but also serve as a reminder that you are never alone!
It may seem like a tough time of the year for those who have recently become single, are in a long-distance relationship, or simply prefer to be by themselves. However, it is important that we change the attitude towards Valentine’s Day to include the most important relationship - the one with ourselves!