The origins of Valentine’s Day are somewhat unclear, and the way it has been celebrated has evolved over time. From the ancient pagan festival of Lupercalia—to a Roman celebration held in mid-February that involved feasting and pairing off partners—to the modern holiday we know today, Valentine’s Day has taken on many different meanings.
From a commercial standpoint, it has become a day focused on spending time with a partner, exchanging chocolates, and expressing love through gifts and gestures. I have fond memories of Valentine’s Day from my school days, especially the excitement of picking out cards with my mom and filling them out for each of my classmates.
For some, Valentine’s Day brings back joyful childhood memories, sparks romance, or inspires acts of kindness. However, for others, the days leading up to Valentine’s Day—and the day itself—can be difficult. It may serve as a painful reminder of a lost loved one, trigger feelings of loneliness, or bring on stress and anxiety.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just about love and romantic relationships. It can also be a day to treat yourself with self-care, spend quality time with your best friends, or simply do nothing at all—and that’s perfectly okay!
I’ve put together some tips to help keep the Valentine’s Day blues away and make the day one to look forward to with excitement and joy:
Spoil Yourself and Enjoy It! Taking time for yourself on Valentine’s Day can do wonders for your mood, boost your confidence, and bring a sense of relaxation. It’s also a great reminder that your worth is just as important—if not more—than most things. You deserve to be celebrated every day, but Valentine’s Day can be the perfect excuse to give yourself a little extra love.
Whether you treat yourself to your favourite snacks, take time to relax, enjoy a great meal, or do something you love, prioritizing yourself can make the day special; you’re making time for yourself—and you are absolutely worth it! Spoiling yourself doesn’t have to come with a price tag; it can be completely free. Writing yourself love notes filled with praise for all the amazing things you’ve done, goals you want to achieve, or simply reminding yourself how incredible you are is a beautiful way to practice self-love.
If You’re Feeling Lonely, Reach Out! Being alone on Valentine’s Day can be tough, especially when you see others celebrating with their partners. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, try shifting your thoughts toward connection. Reach out to a family member or friend—Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples; it’s a day to express love and appreciation for the important people in your life.
If possible, consider sending Valentine’s cards to coworkers, friends, or family. A simple message of gratitude and love can brighten someone’s day—and reminding others why they’re important to you can be just as uplifting for you as it is for them.
Remember, You’re Not Alone on Valentine’s Day. If you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone, remember that you’re not the only one. There may be a local singles event happening, or it could be a great opportunity to host a gathering with others in the same boat. If you know people who are also spending the day alone, reach out and see if you can plan something together—whether it’s a coffee date, dinner, game night, or movie night. Chances are, they’re feeling the same way you are and would appreciate the company.
For Those Who Have Lost a Loved One
Valentine’s Day can bring an extra layer of sadness. If you’re feeling anxious about facing the day alone, consider writing a letter to your loved one—this can be a healing way to express your thoughts and emotions while feeling connected to them. Sharing memories with family or friends can also help keep their spirit alive in your heart. If you’d rather seek support outside of your immediate circle, online groups for people who have experienced loss can offer comfort and understanding from others who truly relate.
You may also decide that you don’t want to acknowledge Valentine’s Day at all—and that’s perfectly okay! Many people choose to treat it as just another day, much like any other ordinary day. If that approach works for you, embrace it.
Consider Taking a Social Media Break. I mentioned this in last year’s Valentine’s Day article, but it still rings true: stepping away from social media—especially on days when emotions run high—can be incredibly beneficial. If seeing posts about romantic celebrations or lavish gifts makes you feel down, put the screen away and take a break. If unplugging completely isn’t an option, be mindful of what you consume—seek out content that brings you joy and mute or skip anything that may be triggering.
No matter how you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, remember that it’s what you make of it. It can be a day of love, joy, and self-care, or simply another day on the calendar. Most importantly, know that you are not alone. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out— there are always people who care and want to support you. And remember, tomorrow is a new day.
Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it.
If you need support, you can contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273 or the Suicide Crisis Line at 9-8-8. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
