The last year was responsible for many social changes, including barrier-breaking across the board in terms of traditional ideas or notions. One of those notions was whether or not a person needs a partner to be happy - and guess what? This is definitely not the case.
Many people are embracing being happy, independent, and completely without a relationship, while others are happily embracing their relationships and their partners. Whatever it might be, there are still days such as Valentine's Day that hold old notions close but are in desperate need of a makeover. Therefore, Valentine's Day is no longer just about expressing your love for another person - it's now about expressing love, period, even if that love is for yourself.
We could all use just a little more self-care and in today's day and age, it can be tough trying to find time to do just that. Despite the pandemic, many people have thrown themselves into their careers and their hobbies, without recognizing the time that's needed to unwind and relax. Luckily, Valentine's Day happens to fall on the one day of the week that most people consider to be a lazy day anyway (Sunday), so here's how you can spend it devoting much-needed time to the royalty you are.
Splurge A Little On What Matters To You
Even if it means saving a little money in the weeks prior in order to splurge on this one day, it'll be worth it. Take the time to shop around for those clothes you've been wanting, that video game you've been eyeing, or some new stuff for your home. Whatever it is, make it good, make it splurge-worthy, and don't feel any guilt or remorse whatsoever about buying it.
Stock Up On The Good Stuff: Food And Wine
With 24 hours in a day, that can seem intimidating in terms of how much food is needed to actually burn through daylight. Be sure to stock up on your favorite breakfast stuff, the best snacks, and anything needed to hold you over until dinner (we've got other plans for that). Splurge on the good coffee or tea for that morning, make some fancy fruit water to stay hydrated throughout the day, and then stock the fridge with your favorite beer or wine. This is another chance to splurge! Spring for the $4o bottle.
Create An Atmosphere That's Personal And Tranquil
Light some candles or play your favorite album, whatever it is, just make sure it's personal and will make you feel good - because that's what this day is all about. Start up a bath and reverse your routine, with a face mask and some pampering in the morning so you can relax the rest of the day. Valentine's Day, historically, is about celebrating love and feeling compassion, and that can also be toward ourselves. When we direct our own love inward, a beautiful thing happens - we learn to love ourselves as much as we love others. A day like this will boost your confidence and help you embrace all the qualities that others love in you, too.
Call Someone Who Means A Lot, Or Write A Letter
If you're a fan of phone calls or FaceTime, call someone who means a lot to you. Not every relationship needs to be romantic and even if it's only for a few minutes, the socialization is good for everyone. If you're not a fan of phone calls, why not write a letter? The art of penmanship is definitely not dead and this is a great excuse to show off those grammar skills, express yourself on paper, and pull out the good stationery and pens.
Plan To Binge Your Favorite Movies Or Show
We're all spending quite a lot of time at home lately and while binge-watching TV is something everyone is probably tired of doing, it hits a little differently when you've made it a goal. Fluff up those pillows, bring a giant comforter into the living room for some warmth, dim the lights, and make some popcorn. The atmosphere is all part of the experience and nothing says 'self-care' like a tranquil environment for our favorite movies or shows, especially when nothing else is planned for the day.
Whip Up An Extravagant Dinner Or Get Your Favorite Takeout
Once you've finished relaxing, take the time to make something good for yourself. If you're a fan of cooking, try a recipe you've been wanting to make, explore new cuisine, or whip up your favorite comfort food. If cooking isn't your thing, then use this as an excuse to support your favorite local business and splurge on some takeout for the night. Either way, you won't need to share it with anyone else and won't need to run the menu by another person before ordering or cooking!