Valentine’s Day is a special holiday that celebrates love, affection, and relationships. Although it’s often associated with romance, it’s a day that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their relationship status. While many Americans dread this holiday, calling it ‘overdone’ or “unnecessary,” Valentine’s Day is so much more than just a consumerism scheme and is always worth celebrating; Here’s why:
Valentine’s Day is ultimately about celebrating our love and gratitude for others. Whether with a partner, a friend, a family member, or even yourself, it’s a day to show appreciation for those important people in our lives. This is important because love and gratitude are two of the most powerful emotions that we can experience as human beings.
Here are just a few of the ways that incorporating love and gratitude into your life can make a positive impact:
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Research from the article “The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Effects on the Brain” suggests that focusing on love and appreciation can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is because when we are grateful for what we have and feel loved by those around us, we are less likely to worry about what we don’t have and what might go wrong. By cultivating a positive outlook, we can reduce the negative impact that stress and anxiety can have on our health.
Boosts Mood and Increases Happiness
Focusing on love and gratitude can also help to boost our mood and increase our overall happiness. When we feel grateful for what we have and are surrounded by love, we are less likely to experience negative emotions like anger, frustration, and sadness. Ashley J. Smith, in her article, “Gratitude – A Mental Health Game Changer,” writes that gratitude “can be a powerful practice to cultivate, especially if you struggle with anxiety or depression” (Smith 2021). Instead, we are more likely to experience positive emotions like joy, contentment, and peace when we focus on love and thankfulness.
Improves Physical Health
The benefits of love and gratitude can also extend beyond just our mental health. Research has shown that these emotions are associated with improving immunity and, in some cases, can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and pain. According to Mayo Clinic, positive gestures benefit you by releasing oxytocin, a hormone that helps to connect people and change our behavior, thus impacting our biology.
Improves Relationships
Love and gratitude can also positively impact our relationships. By showing love and appreciation to those around us, we can deepen our connections with others and improve the quality of our relationships. This can be especially beneficial for romantic relationships, as expressing love and gratitude to a partner can help strengthen your bond.
Because of all of these positive effects, Valentine’s Day is a holiday we should all embrace. It’s a day that sets an excellent example of how we should live every day.