Valentine's Day:
For the Mind, Body & Soul

As Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, there is a sudden emphasis on the romantic relationships of life. Romance may be necessary for some, but this February, it is also essential not to forget the other vital aspects of life. Friendships, physical health, and mental health are necessary components of everyday life that must be remembered, especially on a day when showing love for yourself and others is so emphasized. This can take the form of many types of self care, all of which have positive benefits on mental health as well as physical; as stated in an article about the benefits of self care, “Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness, and more. It can help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks…From a physical health perspective, self-care also reduces heart disease, stroke and cancer.” Self care is an important way to show love for yourself, and can, as stated, have major benefits on health. To focus on this (not necessarily romantic) love, here are 4 ideas on how to care for yourself this February 14th. 

• Take Yourself Out 

It is often that we save days and nights out for time with others. However, have you ever considered putting time aside for your own date? Taking yourself out on a solo date is a concept on the lists of insecurities for many. Yet, it is proven that solo dates are truly a hidden gem. Going out alone can seem daunting, as it is a task riddled with anxiety and fear of being the ‘odd-one-out’; however,  it is an extremely beneficial tool to use when it comes to self-care. According to an article featuring Stephanie Macadaan, a therapist in San Francisco, CA, “not only does the practice foster self-confidence, but it feels empowering to realize your ability to soothe, comfort, and enjoy your time outside of being connected to another person.” Alongside these benefits are other positive outcomes, such as the ability to “foster independence and allow you to be more in touch with yourself, which then allows you to feel more grounded in all areas of life.” All in all, the facts speak for themselves: no matter your relationship status this upcoming Valentine’s Day, walk out that door all dressed up and take yourself on a date. A date that focuses on tending to your own needs, feelings, and desires. 

• Splurge on a Gift for Yourself

Spending money on gifts is something usually reserved for special occasions and holidays, and chances to spend money on oneself are even rarer. Take this opportunity to get yourself something that you’ve been wanting. For some, it can feel selfish to spend on yourself, but allowing yourself to buy something just because you want it can be a very important form of self-care, especially when done routinely (in moderation). And if buying something for yourself still feels too difficult, take that money and donate it to a charity or nonprofit that will benefit from your gift to yourself. Either way, invest in something that will bring you joy and fulfillment. “Self-gift giving is the best way to show yourself some love,” says the article Why You Should Buy Yourself a Gift? from Moments of Positivity. “You could well spend a long time working out exactly what to purchase when it comes to the best presents for your loved ones, but you’re overlooking a very essential person; you. Don’t forget to give gifts to the people you care about the most, but also to yourself every now and again.” So, this Valentine’s Day, instead of buying something big for someone else, let yourself enjoy spending money on yourself. 

• Contact the People you Love

When it comes to a day centered around love and romance, people tend to overemphasize, and associate everything on the latter part of the day, especially with a lover. And when not with a lover, people tend to dislike the day as a whole, since again, they only associate it with the romantic side. However, there is a key part of the day, and that’s the love aspect. Love comes in many shapes, forms, and sizes, and it is really up to the individual at the end of the day when it comes to the method of expressing love. Physical or not, affection and love come as a pair. According to an article from Insider covering scientific research on Valentine’s Day, "In our research, we also see benefits of casual touches that occur accidentally or the in process of doing something else — like just sitting with legs touching on the sofa," said psychology researcher Brittany Jakubiak. Jakubiak continues stating that words of affirmation such as ‘I love you’ or ‘I appreciate you’ hold the same effects, alongside acts of service like being available to celebrate, or being a helping hand when problems arise. Therefore, whatever method you choose, always consider your loved ones. This doesn’t have to be your lover. Think about your roommate, your best friend, don’t they deserve some love? What about your family members? Your pet? Assuring your love is shared all around is simply an essential part of the day, so make sure it’s a part of your agenda to send a text, make a call, write a letter, and get in touch with the ones you love most!

• End the Day with a Relaxing Self-spa Day

When people think of self-care, they tend to think of caring for their physical health with things like face makes and moisturizers. At the end of the day, show love for yourself by participating in a spa night. This can take the form of going to a professional spa and getting a massage, manicure, or facial, but it can also be done at home. A quick trip to the store (and/or bathroom cabinets) can provide all the necessary components: face masks, bath bombs, epsom salts, scrubs, or moisturizers. Practices like skin care routines have obvious benefits in hygiene and physical health, but also work to help provide a predictable calm to long and otherwise chaotic days. Doing a “spa day” on Valentine’s Day is a perfect way to relax after a long day of love for both yourself and others. Along with the obvious physical benefits, taking care of yourself in this manner has many positive impacts on your mental health as well. As stated in an article about how self care and spa experiences can impact mental health, “this kind of self-compassion has several mental health benefits, including greater resiliency when dealing with stress or crisis, more confidence, and greater sense of mindfulness that can help you deal with problems.” This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to take the opportunity to show love for yourself, improving both your mental and physical health. 

Self care is essential for both mental and physical health, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to focus on this self love.