Best Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day During A Pandemic—With Or Without A Partner
Staying home for Valentine’s Day this year? Whether you’re celebrating with a partner or flying solo, I’ve got some ideas for making the most out of Feb. 14, 2021…
The Single Most Important Thing Is … You!
I recognize that for single people that wish they had a soul mate this time of year, Valentine’s Day can bring up insecurities and feelings of loneliness. If you can resonate, I feel extraordinary compassion for you.
But as much as the holiday is associated with romance, I passionately believe that Valentine’s Day should be just as much—if not more—about showing yourself some deep love.
Almost every one of us has this nagging, incessant chattering monkey mind, telling us we’re not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not talented enough, not sexy enough.
Well, I say “ENOUGH!” You are perfect the way you are! Practicing self-love is a discipline that’s not emphasized nearly enough in our culture. We’re always trying to please someone else. But instead, on this Valentine’s Day (and hopefully every day moving forward), you’re going to please nobody but yourself.
So with this in mind here are a few ways I want you to treat yourself on Valentine’s Day…
Get a massage or book a spa day
As I write this, the governor of California eased restrictions on personal care businesses like salons and barber shops. The first thing I did when I heard the news, I booked a massage. Trust me, if you get a massage on Valentine’s Day, you won’t feel bad about being single. Assuming that in your local area, you can safely get a massage, as soon as you’re done reading this, I want you to schedule an appointment.
If money is tight these days, perhaps you know somebody who is a massage therapist who would be willing to do a trade? Can you babysit or paint or do landscape gardening? Or maybe you have a $50 gift card from Whole Foods or Target that you forgot about and haven’t used? Get creative. If you think outside the box, lack of savings is no deterrent from getting a luxurious massage.
In addition to a massage, or as an alternative, you can book a mani/pedi or facial. Whatever you choose, your body, mind and spirit deserves a spa day today.
Dance, Dance, Dance!
Dancing is one of the best ways to unlock stuck, negative energy from the body. Invite a single friend to come over (safely distanced, of course) or virtually to have a Zumbathon. If Valentine’s Day got you down because you’re single, I guarantee you that you’ll feel amazing after Zumba. Treat yourself after the danceathon to a glass of your favorite adult beverage. If you don’t drink alcohol, check out my mocktail recipes.
Meditate on Self Love
If you’re still bummed about not having a love life to share with a partner, it’s so important to set your intention on self love. I think that a big reason many relationships fall apart is because people just don’t learn to love themselves. How can you have a meaningful relationship with someone else if you haven’t learned to love yourself?
This is where meditation comes into play. There are so many free meditation apps. And I’m not just talking about ambient, relaxing sounds that helps you fall asleep. I’m specifically referring to meditations that are centered around a self-love curriculum.
As with anything else these days, all you have to do is Google it. There are plenty of free self-love meditation videos you can watch on YouTube. (Here’s one I like that’s only 5 minutes.)
By repeating self-love mantras, you will build up your confidence and your ability to express love for the most important person in your life: yourself.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day With A Partner
If you’re fortunate enough to have a partner to celebrate with, here are some tips to strengthen your bonds…
Partner Massage
With you and your partner seated in a comfortable position, either on chairs or lotus-style on the floor, face each with faces only about a half foot from each other. Simultaneously, each partner rubs the other’s neck and shoulders. Accentuate the love vibration by lighting candles, playing sacred music and using essential oils.
If you’ve been in a relationship for a very long time, I bet you it’s been quite a while since you and your partner have gazed into each other’s eyes. Use this opportunity to do just that. Empty your mind. Don’t worry what your partner is thinking and by all means don’t think about the bills you have to pay or the work you didn’t get a chance to finish. Be here now! Be present and have an attitude of extreme gratitude that you have someone to spend the rest of your life with.
Cook a Healthy Meal Together
In many relationships, one partner does most if not all of the cooking. On Valentine’s Day, why not have a cooking party? Even if you or your partner can’t even cook toast without burning it, there’s no reason why the both of you can’t be involved. Play some awesome tunes, take sips of wine, chop veggies together and take a dancing break together every now and then.
Do a Yoga Class Together
Is your neighborhood gym still closed? Yoga studios in your area still on lockdown? Do a virtual yoga class with your partner. Again, thanks to the Internet, you can find not only a regular yoga class but an actual partner yoga class, where the poses intertwine the love birds.
However you decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether with a partner or solo, just remember that you deserve health and happiness! Today, it’s all about self love.
