If isolation is hitting especially hard this time of year, practice some self care and spend time with your loved ones
The reminder that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner usually brings out the romantic idealist in me, who loves flowers, heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and cheesy rom-coms. This year feels uniquely somber, though.
In the midst of our second pandemic Valentine’s Day, I feel a little more disheartened and a little more lonely than I did in years before. I’m certainly not alone in this feeling, as we are all navigating the anxieties that come with living in a time of social isolation and limited physical touch. This is especially true for many of my single friends, who are faced with yet another holiday evening alone after two years of isolation.
However, being single during the pandemic doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate the occasion; it just means taking a more creative approach. So, what can you do? Here’s a list of three pandemic-friendly activities that can help to remedy feelings of loneliness during Valentine’s Day this year.
1. Self-care night in
What better Valentine to have than yourself? Treat yourself to an evening of self-care rituals designed specifically for you, by you.
Personally, I like to light a candle and do an extravagant skincare routine while watching my favourite show. For you, it might look a little different. Whatever your favourite routine is, do it! Self-care can take many forms, such as taking a bubble bath, going for an outdoor walk, or snuggling up with your favourite book. Think about the things that make you feel happy and calm and take some time out of your day to do them.
The pandemic can be isolating, but it can also push us to work on ourselves, understand where our self-love comes from, and help us to think about how we can incorporate these practices into our everyday life.
2. DIY dinner party
Organizing a special night with roommates or family, whether remotely or in-person, can be an excellent way to commemorate Valentine’s Day.
The details are essential for this one, so go all out! Decorate your living space, find the perfect playlist on Spotify, and grab that extra fancy bottle of wine that you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Make that new recipe that you’ve been dying to try, or hold a specialty cocktail night where each person creates a custom drink for the group.
Most importantly, spend the evening with your loved ones in a way that feels exciting and different from everyday life.
3. Virtual entertainment night
By now, we’re all familiar with the many video call platforms available to us online. This Valentine’s Day, use them to your advantage! Gather a group of friends and host a virtual games night. Some personal favourites of mine are Skribbl.io and Psych.
You can do the same thing with movies or binge-worthy television shows. Pick a good watch and enjoy it alongside your friends and family. Online services like Watch Party let you watch movies, TV shows, and videos with others online in real time. Virtual hangouts are a great way to see your loved ones, even when you’re far apart.
I’ve spent more time by myself in the past two years than ever before. At times, it can be strange, isolating, and a little sad, but it can also be extraordinarily enlightening. Spending time alone can help you discover more about yourself, help you engage in more self-care practices, and encourage you to focus on taking care of yourself.
This Valentine’s Day, spend your time doing exactly what you love to do, whether that be a night of self-care, an intimate dinner party at home, or spending time with your loved ones virtually. Most importantly, remember the value in nurturing yourself, the solace and comfort you can find in being alone, and that sometimes, you are your own greatest love story.
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