How to Treat Yourself for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a day we set aside for honoring our sweethearts. It feels good to do something thoughtful for the ones we love, but it’s nice to do something nice for ourselves occasionally. This Valentine’s Day, don’t be afraid to indulge! Here are 5 ideas to treat yourself for Valentine’s Day.
Eat Chocolate. We love chocolate. It’s the best! Not only does it taste awesome, but, if you get the dark chocolate, it’s good for your health, too! Chocolate has antioxidant properties that reduce the risk of heart disease — among other benefits. While you’re losing yourself in that sweet, velvety chocolate bar, you’re also undoing any damage you might have done with that bag of potato chips.
Entertain Your Guilty Pleasures. Read the tabloids. Find out who’s wearing what to the Oscars. Listen to boy bands, Justin Bieber or Ariana Grande. Dance and get silly. Watch romantic comedies and get lost in the boy-meets-girl-boy-loses-girl-boy-chases-girl-and-wins-her-back-with-a sugary-sweet-fairy-tale-ending. Do the things no one else knows you like to do (and that you’re a little embarrassed about).
Take Five. Shut off your brain and relax. Meditation sounds corny and a little new age-y, but there are real benefits from getting complete silence for a few minutes. You can even meditate while giving yourself a facial treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, it reduces stress, helps you focus on the present and reduces negative emotions. Who wants to feel anxious and angry on Valentine’s Day?
Make Something. Crafting and artistic challenges are not only fun, they also have psychological benefits. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, making art helps people focus on positive experiences and increases self-worth. Not only will you be creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake, but you’ll feel better about yourself while you’re making it.
Cuddle Up with a Furry Friend. While we love having our pets for companionship, having them around actually has health benefits. According to the American Heart Association, owning a pet reduces the risk of heart disease and can even lower your cholesterol. Cats and dogs are a lot of work to take care of, but they’re worth the love, affection and long life they provide.
While you’re planning Valentine’s Day for your sweetie, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Remember what Samantha Jones told Smith Jerrod: “I love you, but I love me more.” If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of others.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
