Personally, I don’t like Valentine’s Day. I don’t want to get into it, because I also know that people love it and I’m in no way trying to invalidate their feelings towards it. My husband and I don’t celebrate it – and that’s ok. It’s also ok to go full on crazy if you want to.
I do know, though, that there are thousands of people around the world who dread Valentine’s Day coming around. Brands have created ‘Galentine’s Day’ to encourage women to meet up with their friends, but here’s my approach…
This Valentine’s Day, why not spend a bit of time celebrating YOU? If you’re single, or just not all that into Valentine’s Day, here’s how to make it a special day – regardless of your relationship status.
Write Yourself A Love Note
Bleeeeergh. I know this sounds very weird, but it’s seriously cathartic. Also, a love note makes it sound worse than it is. Basically, what I’m asking you to do is write (with an *actual pen*) a note to yourself covering the following topics:
- What are you really proud of yourself for achieving?
- What traits do you love about yourself?
- What path are you on that you’re particularly proud of? Are you saving for a house? Are you in line for a promotion? Write it all down.
You can add more thoughts and questions to it. I’ve never done this before but I did it the day before I got married to note down all of the things I was proud of myself for achieving as an Elvin. It really gets you to think in a positive way and it’ll set your day up nicely.
Use Your Lunch Break
We’re all guilty of ploughing through lunch without a second thought. This Valentine’s Day, take yourself out at lunchtime. A little while ago I had a few hours between meetings so I went to the National Gallery. It’s free to enter and I had a wonderful time wandering around for a couple of hours.
Do a little bit of research and find out what’s around your place of work and treat yourself to a little trip to somewhere interesting this Valentine’s Day.
If you’re around Neom Organics, I’d recommend going into one of their stores. I don’t know if they all have it, but the one on Kings Road has a library at the back of it. It was such a relaxing experience being in there – the perfect treat. I wrote about it here.
Netflix & Chill Out
If you don’t have any plans this Valentine’s Day, or just plan to be alone, then why not have a Netflix ban for the week leading up to Valentine’s Day? Treat yourself to a big blow out on the evening, watching all of your favourite TV shows with some chocolate, tea and an amazing face mask. That brings me neatly onto my next point…
Pamper Yourself
Valentine’s Day is half way through the working week. I don’t know about you, but usually during the week I’m on autopilot. I tend to save my pamper time for the weekends to maximise my time when I finish in the evenings. Especially during the dark nights – it feels like I don’t finish work until midnight.
Break away from autopilot and have a night of pampering before you Netflix and chill out session. You could even treat yourself to a face mask or hair mask that you’ve been wanting to try out for a while. Complete it with a nice hot bubble bath and a backlog of your favourite YouTubers for company whilst you soak. The dream.
Make Yourself The BEST Packed Lunch
One of the reasons I don’t like Valentine’s Day is because the restaurants hike their prices up and the quality of food decreases considerably. So, although I’m all for dining alone, I wouldn’t recommend it on Valentine’s Day.
Instead, make yourself the most amazing packed lunch. Go back to being at school and think about all of the amazing things your Mum used to put in your packed lunch box. I’m talking sandwiches, a chocolate bar, your favourite crisps, some sort of plastic cheese(!) – go all out. Also, get yourself an amazing drink (I’m thinking Capri Sun!) and really enjoy that lunchtime treat!
Take Time Out
I feel like all I’m ever doing is recommending yoga. Honestly, I know it’s getting pretty tedious. But, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (as somebody who gets quite anxious and stressed easily), yoga has made ALL the difference for me. Focusing on the poses and the breathing doesn’t give you room for any other concerns in your mind.
Don’t do it half-heartedly; pick one of those fancy pants classes (there are loads in London) and go for a morning or evening session there. I’d recommend the morning if you can be bothered to get up early enough. You won’t regret it!
What will you be doing this Valentine’s Day?
Will you be spending it with your partner, with your friends or alone? I’d love to hear your top tips for enjoying the day of love to the full! Please put them in the comments section below. Whatever you’re doing, have a good one!
