Valentine’s has in the past been all about celebrating our partners and the idea of being paired up But we’ve seen a cultural shift when it comes to relationships – having a partner has gone from being a universal goal to just one of many options.
As we’ve shifted away from coupledom, we have become increasingly focused on the relationship we have with ourselves. Here are a few ways to celebrate self-care and self-compassion and combat loneliness on Valentine’s Day and beyond.
- Celebrate yourself: We often forget to highlight what we love about ourselves. For many, this is hard to do. Taking a moment to acknowledge attributes you cherish can do wonders for your mental health. Sit down and write a list of what you admire about yourself or even film your insecurities in a beautiful way.
- Look for the good: It can be hard to focus on the positive things in your life at the moment when the world is so chaotic. Instead, look for the good: write down or say out loud three things you’re grateful for.
- Catch up with an old friend: When times are tough, you want your best friends nearby. For Valentine’s Day, reminisce about old times, and don’t be afraid to open up about what you’re feeling. Sharing what’s bothering you is a great way to lift a weight off your shoulders. Chances are your friends are experiencing similar stressors.
- Give social media a rest: While social media is an easy way to stay connected, Valentine’s Day might not be the best time to be scrolling through your feeds. The day almost certainly promises to be filled with couples’ photos, unrealistic gestures of love from influencers, and countless Instagram stories of Valentine’s Day dinners. All of this can trigger anxiety and send you down a rabbit hole of emotions that’s hard to climb out of. Leave your phone, tablet, or laptop in another room and find a different way to occupy your time.
- Remember to seek support if you need it: It’s OK to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, whether it’s a friend or a professional, there is always someone you can talk to.
If you really think about it, how can we love others if we don’t love ourselves? Before you are able to really love someone else, you should wholeheartedly embrace and appreciate your own self physically, mentally, and emotionally. Loving yourself means you understand your worth and are not going to settle for someone that fails to do the same.