Love Yourself First: Tips for Surviving Valentine's Day with Emotional Wellness

Valentine's Day can be a challenging time of year. For some it is a time for love, romance, and celebration. But for others, it can be a reminder of what they lack, or how alone they feel. This article discuss way to survive Valentine’s Day when you are feeling the pressure of the day.

The Not so Rosy Side

Valentine's Day can be overwhelming: to have a romantic relationship, shower someone with gifts and love, and find yourself surrounded by happy couples while you feel empty and joyless. This focus on external happiness can lead to feelings of sadness, emptiness, loneliness, and envy.

It can also be a reminder of past relationships or failed attempts at love. Valentine's Day can be especially hard for those who have recently gone through a breakup. It can be a stark reminder of what is no longer there, or of all the possibilities that are now out of reach.

Valentine's Day may also be difficult for those who have lost a loved one – reminding individuals of their lost one, or of the love that is no longer there. It can be a time of grief, sadness, and longing for the presence of a loved one.

The emotional pain associated with Valentine's Day can be intense. But there are ways to survive the holiday with emotional wellness and self-care.

Tips for Surviving Valentine's Day

• Do not beat yourself up for feeling down or alone. Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to feel them. Do not compare yourself to others or try to live up to expectations.
• It is important to remember that you are not alone. Other people feel the same way and there is no shame in feeling this way. Instead of focusing on the negative, try to focus on the positive. Spend time with friends or family or do something fun and enjoyable like going to a movie or taking a walk. If you need help, ASK FOR SUPPORT. Let your support network know you are in need.
• Self-care is essential for emotional wellness, especially on Valentine's Day. Take time to do something that you enjoy and that makes you feel good. This could be anything from taking a hot bath to going for a run. Take time for yourself to relax and let go of any stress or worries.
• Identity what you need to feel emotionally safe and secure. Is it time alone or time with friends? Do you need to talk to someone, or do you need to go for a walk? Whatever it is, take time for yourself to do the things that make you feel emotionally supported. Consider adopting a furry friend. Rescue Shelters are full of pets that would love to give you unconditional love and support.
• Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for emotional wellness. They can help to shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. Start a practice of writing down positive affirmations and repeating them to yourself.
• Spending time with God is a powerful way to practice self-care. Take time to be still and reflect on God's love and grace. Pray for guidance and strength. Focus on the positive and thank God for all the blessings in your life. Basking in the glory of God’s unconditional love is a wonderful way to remind yourself that you are loved.

Remember Others

If you are in a relationship or otherwise content on Valentine's Day, be intentional about reaching out to friends and family who might be struggling. Practice active listening and let them share what is on their heart or sit in silence as you watch their favorite television show. Often in our efforts to support and bless others, we find that remembering the needs of others also enriches our lives.

Conclusion

By practicing self-care and loving yourself first, you can survive Valentine's Day with emotional wellness. Remember to take time for yourself to do the things that make you feel good. Spend time with friends or family, start a positive affirmation practice, spend time with God, or spend time in nature. Whatever you do, make sure to practice self-care and love yourself.