Valentine’s Day is considered the worst holiday of the year for most when the odds aren’t in our favor. It has become a trend to dislike Valentine’s Day when we are single, but instead of hating the holiday, we should try to love on ourselves a little extra. Valentines Day doesn’t have to be a holiday solely for romantic partnerships because your best relationship should always be with yourself! Here are five ways you can spend Valentine’s day in the name of self-care.
Have a spa day
One of my favorite things to do in the name of self-care is to have a spa day. For most, going to the salon and getting a manicure and pedicure is so relaxing. However, if you like to save money like me, you can always do it at home! Nothing feels better than taking a nice hot bubble bath or shower, with a banging music playlist. Remember that fancy, expensive face mask you bought from Sephora a week ago and never had a chance to try? This is the perfect time to pull it out. Treating yourself to a nice spa day, whether that’s at home or in a salon, is the ultimate way to relax.
Watch a good movie
Watching a movie is a great way to escape into a different world. Romantic comedies are really fun and lighthearted; some of my top picks are Legally Blonde, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Someone Great, and Always Be My Maybe. To add to the comfort of a movie, making a cup of hot cocoa or tea and snuggling up in a blanket might just make you fall asleep before the movie is over! Watching sappy romantic movies by yourself may not sound fun, so inviting your girlfriends over for a girls’ night may make it better.
Hang Out with your friends and Family
Friends need love and appreciation too! This Valentine’s Day can be spent meeting up with your friends to go to brunch or even over a zoom call. Checking in and reaching out to those who love you is definitely a way of practicing self-care and it may be something you didn’t realize you needed. Showing love to your besties on this holiday may be the best pick me up.
Journaling
Journaling is so beneficial for mental health. Writing your thoughts down helps you understand what you are feeling. If you’re feeling down on this day, this may be the perfect way for you to feel a little better. There are plenty of free prompts online if you feel like you have nothing to write about. You can write about where you want to be in five years, what you’re looking for in a future partner, or anything that really comes to mind. Some other question prompts are also:
- Where are you focusing your energy?
- How do you feel when you’re alone? Do you enjoy your own company?
- What do other people love about you?
- When do you feel the happiest?
Go on a solo date
At first, going on a solo date can be intimidating. The thought of sitting alone in a movie theater or restaurant may sound horrific for some but it may actually be beneficial for you. Doing certain things by yourself allows you to build your self-confidence and it gets you out of your comfort zone. Some fun things to do solo include taking a trip to a museum, going for a walk, going shopping, and volunteering.
Instead of believing what Valentine’s Day should be from what social media tells us, we should take it upon ourselves to make it what we want. Yes, romantic relationships are exciting and lovely, but dedicating time for oneself is above all.