How to Have an Anxiety-Free Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is meant to be a time of celebrating love (or, ahem…of SELLING the celebration of love)...but for many, it can feel anything but a celebration. The focus on love and romance at this time of year can be difficult for those who don’t have someone to share the holiday with, leading to feelings of loneliness, sadness, depression and jealousy. 

A study by the dating app Plenty of Fish found that 43% of singles consider Valentine’s Day to be the most pressure-filled holiday, with 1 in 5 wishing the holiday was canceled altogether. 

It’s not all pink balloons and chocolates for those in relationships though. Even those who are happily in love can feel the immense stress and pressure to get their loved one the right gift and the consequences of not meeting your partner’s expectations. And let's not forget the suffering that comes with comparing ourselves to the bombardment of advertisements and social media posts!

Luckily, there are many ways to protect your mental wellness and ease symptoms of stress and anxiety during Valentine’s Day. Try these tips:

1. Communicate About Expectations

If you are in a relationship, it can be helpful to openly express expectations with your partner. Some people don’t want grand gestures, some just want a cozy night in! We all have different love languages, so take the time to talk with your partner about what actually makes you feel most loved, rather than falling victim to the stress of Valentine’s Day marketing.

2. Take a Break from Social Media

Whether you’re single or in a relationship, social media can be an overstimulating place to be around Valentine’s Day. Give your mind a break and delete the apps for a few days. Find something pleasurable to do instead like read, take a bath, or take a dance class!

3. Practice Gratitude

If you are single, rather than focusing on what you feel like you LACK in terms of love, focus on what you are grateful for that you DO have. There is an abundance of love and happiness in your life if you look for it- take time to give thanks for the friendships you have, your health, your pet, your favorite TV show, your favorite park bench, or whatever it is that makes you smile!

4. Take Time to Spend with Friends and Family

Valentine's Day can be a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Spend the day doing something you enjoy with the people you care about. You may even find that you have more fun than couples who celebrate the holiday in traditional ways!

5. Practice Self Love & Self Care

If you struggle with self criticism, low self esteem and feel like you’re not sure how to “love yourself”, you are not alone. A study done by The Body Shop reported that one in two women feel more self doubt than self love, with 60% wishing they had more respect for themselves. 

Self love is extremely important for mental wellbeing. According to our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Raghu Appasani, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, “Loving yourself is not a destination, it's a journey. And the evidence shows that it leads to better mental health, improved relationships, and a greater sense of purpose. Self-love and self-compassion have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, increase resilience, lead to positive self-image, and lower rates of depression and anxiety.”

In a nutshell, self-love means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with kindness and respect, and nurture your growth and wellbeing.

So this Valentine's Day, take a moment to think about what you love about yourself, and do something that makes you feel good, such as taking a long walk or treating yourself to a spa day. This can help you take your mind off of the holiday and focus on yourself.

6. Boost Oxytocin, the "Love Hormone"

Did you know studies have shown optimal levels of oxytocin help reduce anxiety, boost mood, lower stress, and increase feelings of self love and connectedness? 

Give your self love and mental health a boost with our limited edition Oxytocin Boost Bundle, formulated with research-backed nutrients to help boost oxytocin levels, regulate mood, reduce stress, and enhance sleep!

We hope you enjoy a stress-free and memorable Valentine’s Day!