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A Valentine’s Day guide for singles.
From a dreaded day of stress to a loving day of self-care: It’s all up to you and easy as 1-2-3-4. Zap the sting out of being single on Valentine’s Day by making it a day of loving self-care. Whatever your present relationship status, you can still devote much of Valentine’s Day to self-care — a day of hugging yourself in whatever way strikes your fancy.
The pressure to couple-up on Valentine’s Day may seem overwhelming, especially for those that aren’t currently in a couple relationship. Even during the pandemic, you may feel embarrassed about your current relationship status and dreading the question people invariably ask, “What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?”
From stressfully single to happily single for Valentine’s Day, on this day of love.
Have no fear. This is a day for singles to reframe their minds and devote themselves to extreme self-care. We now live in an age in which being single should not be a source of shame or embarrassment. Instead, those without partners – and those with partners - can make the day a celebration of self.
1. Plan this day just for you – the meal, the movie, etc.
Make or pick up your favorite meal and dessert, preparing to set the tone for your special evening. In fact, Valentine’s Day is a stellar excuse to eat chocolate and surround yourself with flowers! Chocolate may boost mood, especially if it’s eaten mindfully. Indulging in chocolate (preferably dark chocolate for that healthy boost) and your favorite fragrant flowers may be a terrific form of self-care on what otherwise might be a nail-biter of a day. In fact, flowers (including roses) may have a mood-lifting effect. If you have a beloved pet, you might decide to treat your furry friend to their favorite dinner, as well. (Just be sure to keep chocolate away from dogs and cats, as it is toxic to them.)
Find a movie that makes you happy, especially a funny film. Grab your favorite comfy blanket and prepare to curl up on the couch with a relaxing tea or glass of wine and a bowl of luscious munchies after your favorite meal.
2. Turn off your phone – silence it or turn it off altogether. (*Be sure to tell loved ones ahead of time that you’re treating yourself to an evening of “me-time” and turning off the phone, so they aren’t worried.)
3. Set the tone for self-care – with music, soft lighting, and candles or incense. Make it a candlelit dinner for one, perhaps lighting some relaxing incense such as lavender to round out the evening of self-love.
4. Make it a night of extreme self-care and fun! Perhaps you play your favorite relaxing soft music or better yet, some happy lively music and dance around the house in your undies, Risky Business style. Let loose and have fun. Who cares what your dancing looks like? Remind yourself, “This is a night just for me, myself, and I.”
An alternative for singles on Valentine’s Day that has recently popped up is ‘Galentine’s Day’ (or ‘Guy-entine’s Day’) with pals, which can certainly be an option, as well – either (safely) in person or via Zoom/teleconference. However, you may find that devoting the day to loving yourself is a more fulfilling and rewarding way to spend the day, or perhaps you plan some pal time and then some me-time. Whatever way you choose to spend the day, be sure to make self-care a priority.
Give yourself a hug!
Even if you have a special someone, you can still make Valentine’s a day of radical self-care, celebrating and loving you! Or better yet, make the whole weekend about self-care. Even if it feels weird, give yourself a big bear hug and affirm, “I love myself and I am loved.”
