Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. This is a holiday that people typically tend to either love or hate. It may not feel easy being single during this time of year. Many people dread Valentine’s Day for that very reason, but you don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy this holiday. Valentine’s Day can be a day where you can focus on yourself and give yourself love. This can be easier said than done, but it can come more naturally when you transform self-love into a practice. Before long, you might find that you actually enjoy this holiday.

Learning to love yourself is an essential part of the recovery journey. Self-love helps us to let go of the past and focus on becoming the best version of ourselves.

Let Go of Traditional Valentine’s Day Expectations

Your Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to fulfill the traditional expectations to still be great. Maybe you don’t have your own valentine this year – that’s okay. If you want to enjoy chocolate or flowers during the holiday, consider buying them for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself. Maybe your idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day doesn’t have anything to do with hearts, candy, flowers, or balloons at all.

Perhaps the way that you decide to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day is by going out and getting your favorite meal at a restaurant. Maybe it could include going out and buying that new outfit or electronic device you’ve had your eye on for a long time. It doesn’t necessarily have to be extravagant, as long as it’s something that you can do for yourself to make the day special.

Dedicate Time and Effort to Your Mental and Physical Health

One of the best ways to show love to yourself is by taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. This starts with the basics. Make sure you’re eating regular, well-balanced meals, getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water, and fitting some form of exercise into your daily routine. Exercise can be fun and rewarding. It is just about finding out what works best for you and what you really enjoy.

This Valentine’s Day, consider taking a scenic walk, going for a bike ride, or playing your favorite sport with a friend. These are all ways to get your body moving and increase the release of endorphins, which can, in turn, improve your mood and overall mental health. The more you care for yourself physically, the better you will feel mentally.

There are some other things that you can do to improve your overall mental health. Some examples include taking breaks from social media, practicing yoga or meditation, spending quality time with family or friends, or listening to calming music.

Spend Valentine’s Day Celebrating What You Love About Yourself

Everyone has something they don’t particularly like about themselves, whether appearance-based or otherwise. It’s important not to let insecurities dominate your thoughts. There are ways to go about breaking this cycle of negative thinking. It involves being conscious about what you’re thinking and learning to stop when your thoughts become negative.

For example, when you catch yourself starting to think about something that you don’t like about yourself, redirect your thinking. Consider an aspect of yourself that you’re proud of and focus on yourself instead. Before long, this will become a habit.

Some people find success by posting positive affirmations on their mirrors with sticky notes. This way, if they tend to pick themselves apart every time they look in the mirror, they can be reminded that they are worth far more than just their looks.

Surround Yourself With People Who Support You

Sometimes, we can be our own worst critics. When your inner monologue gets too negative, it can seriously affect your mental health. This is why it is so important to surround yourself with people who support you and lift you up. The supportive people in your life can help remind you of all the positive things about you that you may overlook. They can help boost your confidence when you’re feeling down and call you out when you get stuck in a negative thought pattern.

Consider hosting your own Valentine’s Day gathering with the people you love this year. It will keep you from feeling lonely and, most importantly, it will ensure that you spend the day focusing on what Valentine’s Day is really all about, which is celebrating the love and bonds that we share with others.

If you feel tempted to engage in substance misuse this Valentine’s Day, take the proper steps to get help. Reach out to a trusted friend, attend a support group meeting, or reach out to your therapist immediately.

A lot of people don’t like Valentine’s Day because they believe that you can only celebrate if you have a significant other. However, this is not the case. You can still enjoy Valentine’s Day even if you’re single. Make this upcoming Valentine’s Day about loving yourself. Treat yourself to a nice meal or fun experience. Make sure that you are showing love to your body and mind by eating healthy, exercising, and caring for your mental health. Surround yourself with people who love and support you, and reach out for help if you need it. If you’re struggling with substance misuse, our team at The Kimberly Center can help. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more.