Self-Love & Connection: Prioritizing Mental Health This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day comes with some mixed emotions. Valentine’s Day can be a day you look forward to if you’re in a relationship or married. But if you’re single, it might feel less joyful—or even something you’d rather skip altogether. But regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day can impact your mental health whether you realize it or not.

The pressures of having a perfect Valentine’s Day can cause those in relationships to have anxiety or experience stress. Some people set unrealistic expections on this special day. Whether it’s planning a surprise proposal or an over-the-top romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant, creating the perfect day for your partner can be very overwhelming. Also, comparing your special day to what you see on social media can cause unnecessary arguments between you and your partner. Valentine’s Day is marketed almost everywhere; it’s on commercials, and stores are highly decorated with chocolates, teddy bears, and cards, so it’s impossible not to feel the pressure of this day. When in a relationship, it’s important to communicate your expectations of this holiday. Your partner can not read your mind, so instead of getting disappointed because of your unrealistic expectations, talk to your partner about what you like.

On the other hand, those who are single are also affected if not affected the most by Valentine’s Day. If you have recently gone through a breakup or you have been single for a while, constantly being disappointed in your romantic life, this day can be stressful. This is why it’s important to prioritize your mental health on Valentine’s Day, and this is something everyone should do. Instead of making this a day to show how much you love someone else, focus on practicing self-love. Speak to yourself in a positive light, and take yourself out on a solo date. If social media becomes stressful, take a social media detox to avoid all of the Valentine’s Day posts. If you don’t want to spend this day alone, you can also host a Galentine’s Day with your best friends.

Valentine’s Day should be as stress-free as possible. Do not let the feelings of loneliness or disappointment impact your mental health on this day. Remember that you are your first love, and taking care of your mental health should be your priority.