Valentine’s Day: A Day For Self-Care

Valentine’s Day is a day full of love, dates, chocolate, and flowers, especially for couples. However, it can be a difficult day for those who are single as they watch people in love do romantic activities. But it doesn’t have to be that way! It’s never a bad thing to spend time by yourself. Valentine’s Day is an amazing opportunity to show ourselves love and gratitude just like we would show others! 

It can be extremely rewarding to show ourselves love and self-care, especially on a day like Valentine’s Day. As someone who is a strong advocate for self-care, I am very excited to provide you with a list of activities to show yourself some love and boost your mood. After all, your mental health is of utmost importance. And yes, of course, chocolate is involved! 

1. Take Yourself Out On A Date

I am a coffee gal at heart and love to take myself out on little coffee dates to do some homework or read. Whether you take yourself out to a coffee shop, breakfast, brunch, or for a smoothie, you will be having a great time with yourself while also boosting your confidence by being out by yourself! 

2. Go Shopping

Gifts are a major part of Valentine’s Day. But you don’t need to wait for someone to buy you chocolate or a cute teddy bear. Treat yourself! Buy some cute new clothes, a stuffed animal, and all the delicious treats you want. Maybe even buy yourself some pretty jewelry! There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself. 

3. Make Yourself A Care Package

This can go along with the shopping idea, but you can get creative and put together a cute little care package for yourself! Buy some chocolates, a teddy bear, some flowers, a movie, and a face mask, and make a cute basket for the day. Some other items you can put in your basket are gift cards, makeup, socks, a candle, books, coffee, and tea. There are endless options for you to choose from!

4. Have A Spa Day 

For a spa day, you can either go get your nails done, get a facial, or a massage. However, a more budget-friendly way of having a spa day is to buy some face masks, under-eye masks, hair masks, and nail polish. You can also make yourself a nice bubble bath, get a body scrub, make your own facial, and relax while watching a good movie, a TV show, or reading a good book. 

5. Watch Your Favorite Show/Movie 

Watching movies and my favorite TV shows is one of my favorite ways to relax and treat myself. Grab some popcorn, chocolate, or your home-made care package along with some comfy pajamas, a cozy blanket, and your pets (or stuffed animals if you have no pets). After you have all the essentials, put on your favorite movie or show, turn off all the lights, and have a fun night of relaxation. 

I hope this list reminds you that it is okay to take time for yourself (and you should!) Even if you are in a relationship, you can still do all these things for yourself. It is not limited to only those who are single, but it does help to pour love into yourself whether or not you are single. Valentine’s Day is not the only time you should engage in self-love or self-care. However, it is an excuse to do some extra self-loving!

If you would like to speak to a professional counselor about self-love, self-care, relationships, or other mental health topics, please feel free to contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477. We would be happy to be of service. 

Written by: Emme D. 

Undergrad Intern 2024