Self care guide for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day can be difficult for a lot of people. Every year, the holiday brings up feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Whether you are in a relationship or are single, these mental health tips for Valentine’s will make the day a lot easier.

Avoid comparing yourself to others

Constantly comparing yourself to the romanticised depictions of love you see on the television, advertisements, and social media is damaging to your self-esteem.

The romantic relationships we see in the media are idealised and unrealistic, causing many to feel disappointed with the way love presents itself in their lives. For those in relationships, there is a pressure to perform outrageous displays of love such as buying lavish gifts and expensive trips abroad. For those who are single, it can intensify negative feelings about self-worth.

Remember that people only post the highlights of their life on their social media profiles, so it is impossible to determine whether a person is truly happy or not. Take a break from social media the week leading up to and after Valentine’s Day so you don’t get caught up in the fanfare.

Valentine’s Day is about love, not gifts! Stay open-minded with your expectations about love and the way people should show it. Every relationship is different and everyone has their own individual love language. If you have a partner, communicate with them about your expectations and a budget for gifts if you’re going to buy them for each other.

Pamper yourself

Use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to treat yourself to a pamper session to make you feel good.

You could schedule a manicure or pedicure, a massage, or a new haircut. Buy yourself that item you’ve been wanting for ages or order in takeaway for the night. If you’re on a budget, indulge in a bubble bath with candles and a face mask.

Your relationship with yourself should be the number one priority in your life. Taking time to focus on yourself and learning self-love will greatly improve your mental health and the relationships around you.

Spend time with friends and family

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating all love, not just the romantic kind.

This holiday, whether you're single or in a relationship, spend time with your loved ones. There’s a high chance that others are feeling the same as you! Surrounding yourself with a good, stable support system will help to relieve any negative feelings around the holiday. Romance comes and goes, but friends and family will be by your side for life.

You could plan a trip together somewhere, go on a walk or out for dinner, or just watch a movie together in the evening.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is being able to be present in the moment.

If we remain focused on what we are doing, where we are, and who we are with, we are able to not be overwhelmed by external influences in our lives. Practising mindfulness is proven to greatly reduce stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness comes in many different forms, so it is accessible to everybody. You can engage in yoga, breathwork, journaling, colouring, gratitude lists, or meditation.