People will often say that there are two types of people in this world — those who love Valentine’s Day and those who absolutely dread it. The polarizing characteristics of this holiday are mainly due to the massive amounts of stress it creates. If you’re single, this celebration can make you feel lonely, rejected, or simply an outcast. If you’re in a relationship, you might feel pressure to celebrate your love through silly gifts or extravagant dinners in crowded restaurants. Either way, Valentine’s Day naturally creates a sense of pressure to be in love or prove your love in some way. This year, forget the traditional routines and commit to practicing self-care on Valentine’s Day. It’s no surprise that there are tons of emotional, mental, physical benefits that stem from taking care of yourself. But deciding to celebrate yourself on this particular holiday will have a lasting effect that might make you change your mind about Valentine’s Day.

 

10 Tips for Self-Care on Valentine’s Day:

 

1. Enjoy an Extra Hour or Two of Sleep

 

Millions of Americans suffer every day from a lack of sleep. It’s something that sounds minor but has really turned into quite the epidemic! If you can swing it, sleep in! Sleep until you can’t sleep anymore. Wake up refreshed and rested. Whatever you have to do to enjoy waking up to birds chirping instead of an alarm clock.

 

2. Zone Out at the Office

If your days are commonly filled with urgent requests and endless meetings, take some time to zone out. Even if it’s only ten or fifteen minutes of quiet time, allow yourself to have that moment. Catch up on some celebrity news, your favorite online game, or get into a staring contest with a post-it note on your desk. Give yourself permission to let go in whatever high-stress environment and practice self-care on Valentine’s Day by zoning out!

 

3. Reconnect with Old Friends

If there’s someone that you care for that you haven’t spoken to in a long time, reach out and say hello. Send a letter to an old pen pal. Catch up with a friend from college. We now live in a world where communication is easier than ever, but we still somehow lose touch with people that we love. Try to reconnect with someone that you cherish.

 

4. Treat Yourself

Without a doubt, the number one way to practice self-care on Valentine’s Day is to take yourself out to lunch! Go shopping! Buy yourself that special something that you’ve been wanting for a while. If you’ve had your eyes on a new coat, a new pair of shoes, or even a stellar piece of jewelry, buy it. Giving yourself something nice is a great way to show self-love and appreciation. If you truly believe it will bring you joy, allow yourself to own it.

 

5. Try Something New

A terrific way to celebrate self-care on Valentine’s Day is to expand your horizons and try something new. If you’ve been wanting to try out that salsa class, do it. Ever thought you’d be good at playing the piano? Try it! Introduce yourself to a neighbor you’ve never met before. Cook something you’ve never cooked before. Get out of your comfort zone and dip your toes into something different.

 

6. De-stress

Of course, self-care on Valentine’s Day is never complete without time to de-stress. Make yourself a cup of tea, sit in the sun, notice the sounds around you. You don’t necessarily need an hour of meditation. Just spend a few moments noticing the beauty around you.

 

7. Do Something Nice for Someone Else

Ever heard of a helper’s high? It’s the feeling you get when you put yourself out there to help someone else. If you’re one of these people, do yourself a favor and help someone today! It’s a great way to feel useful.

 

8. Let Go of a Grudge

Grudges can be ugly bits of stress that tuck themselves into our lives and never let go. Unless of course, you make the conscious choice to make peace. If there’s someone in your life that has done you wrong, find a way to forgive. Forgiveness is much more powerful than resentment.

 

9. Satisfy a Craving

This Valentine’s Day, let yourself eat cake! Whatever it is that your body has been craving, go for it. Regardless if it’s your favorite dessert or the best pizza in town, be sure to satisfy whatever craving that’s been lingering around. You can get back to your kale salads and vegan cookies tomorrow. Today, you splurge.

 

10. Reflect on Your Accomplishments

Remember that the one important piece for proper self-care on Valentine’s Day involves celebrating you. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished. Even if it means patting yourself on the back for not yelling at your boss, remembering to recycle, or going to all of your yoga classes this month. Remember to tell yourself that you’re amazing. If you feel you’re struggling with self-care, contact an experienced counselor to help yourself get back on the right track.