We’ve made it out of the gray days of January, and it’s suddenly February, the month of love, hearts, pink and chocolate. February 14 is around the corner, a date that is simultaneously adored and dreaded.

Valentine’s Day can be stressful for some, especially those who are mourning a loss, those who are unhappy in their relationships or struggling emotionally.  I’ve navigated Valentine’s Day as a single, married, divorced and re-married person, and what I have found most important is focusing on loving myself.

No matter your relationship status, let’s change the narrative and make it a day to love, cherish, and care for ourselves. Self-care is vital to our overall mental well-being and can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. So, let’s celebrate our MOST important relationship – the one we have with ourselves! That can start with just a few simple methods we have listed below.

8 Ways You Can Embrace Self Care

1. Try positive self-affirmations 

How we talk to ourselves and about ourselves informs how we feel. Instead of saying to yourself, “I hate being alone,” try, “I accept and love myself.” Other examples might be, “I love that I can make people laugh “or “I am driven and hard-working.”

2. Practice gratitude

Focus on all the positive things you’re grateful for in your life. It can be as simple as saying to yourself, “I am grateful for my friends” or “I am grateful for the life and positive relationships I have.” Writing it down can be helpful for going back and reviewing later when you need a reminder about the good things in your life.

3. Invest in all your relationships

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about couples. Send a card or a text to a family member or friend you love.

4. Avoid comparing yourself with others

You are unique and wonderful, just as you are! There is no one like you. Don't compare your situation or season of life with someone else.

5. Take a break from social media

Taking a break will give you more time to focus on yourself and less time to focus on another’s “curated life.”

6. Make yourself a care package

Who said you couldn’t buy anything for yourself? Fill a box or bag with your favorite things, such as foods, flowers, chocolate, essential oils, coffee, etc. On Valentines Day, sit back and enjoy a gift you know you will love.

7. Enjoy some downtime

Plan a night out with friends or just to yourself, whichever makes you happy.

8. Seek support when you need it

If you are struggling this Valentine’s Day, reach out for help from trusted family or friends or seek help from a professional. If you are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself, you can now contact “988”, which is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline’s three-digit crisis number.

Remember, Valentine’s Day is a time to feel loved, so show YOURSELF how much you love yourself!

Allison White-Stewart, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

Allison White-Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mississippi State University and her master’s degree in social work from Jackson State University. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and adults in various settings, including community mental health, school-based counseling, adult and juvenile justice, and therapeutic foster care. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.