Valentine’s Day for Singles

When you’re single on Valentine’s Day focusing on self-love, self-care, and friendship, can be a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday. 
 
Spending the day alone can be stressful and may cause social anxiety or depression.
 
How about creating a new tradition for this day if you are single or living away from loved ones? 
 
The following are some fun ways to celebrate the holiday. 
 
Galentine’s Day Celebration: This typically takes place on February 13th. Invite friends to have a potluck, try different types of food and watch a fun movie. 
 
Self-Care Day: Treat yourself to a day of pampering. Take a long bath with essential oils and play soothing music. If budget allows, go to a local spa.
 
Gratitude: Write a list of the people and things in your life that you’re grateful for. You could also do the activity with someone else and share with each other.
 
Give Back to Community: Consider visiting someone who is homebound or a friend that you haven’t seen in a while. Volunteering at a community organization or doing some outdoor work with others in your town can be a great way to spend the day. 
 
Treat Yourself: Buy yourself chocolate, flowers, or some other special treat. Consider doing this for someone else such as a friend or someone who cannot get out.
 
Solo Adventure: Plan a day trip for yourself. You might decide to go to the movies, a museum or be in nature. A weekend trip alone or going to visit someone can be recharging. 
 
Celebrate Yourself & Life: Think about all your accomplishments and the blessings that you have. 
 
Remember, Valentine’s Day can be a celebration of love in all its forms, including self-love and platonic love. Embrace the opportunity to honor and appreciate yourself and those around you.
 

Kay Gimmestad, LCSW-C is a business coach and clinician in New York City with 20 years of experience working in the profit and not for profit sectors of Human Resources, Health and Human Services. She has built a reputation for being highly skilled in facilitating behavior change while working with employees, both individually and in groups, on matters relating to performance management, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and stress/wellness.