So much of what we see and experience on Valentine’s Day is geared toward couples, which can leave single people feeling left out.
On this holiday celebrating love, we should all remember that there are many different types of love besides our love for our life partner. We also love our extended family, our friends, and our pets.
However, the essential relationship in our lives is our relationship with ourselves! Liking ourselves and being comfortable with who we are can help us to love ourselves – which many people have a hard time with. Loving oneself can sometimes seem selfish or self-absorbed, but it’s vital to stable mental health.
Let’s discuss ways to take good care of yourself and show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day!
How Can I Show Myself Some Love On Valentine’s Day?
Some helpful ways you can show yourself some love and take care of your mental health this Valentine’s Day are:
- Forgive Yourself. We love our friends and family no matter their faults, but it’s hard for us to love our faulty selves. Self-love doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes; it means taking responsibility when you do something you’re not happy about so you can move forward more easily.
- Volunteer. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do for yourself is to do something nice for someone with more needs than you. The options are endless, from domestic violence centers and animal shelters to equine therapy ranches and nursing homes!
- Seek Healing. Some people who have been abused or suffered trauma will neglect their physical, emotional, and mental needs when trying to prove, on an outward level, that they’re worthy and deserve respect. Going for a walk, taking yourself out for a delicious meal (or making one), or doing something nice for someone else can be therapeutic and help you heal. Professional counseling support might be a good choice, too.
What Can I Expect From A Professional Psychotherapy Session?
If you do need professional help, here is what you need to know:
- Therapy is a commitment. It is a commitment of time, not just in the therapist’s office. A good therapist is probably going to give you “homework” to do or practice between sessions.
- Therapy is not always easy. It requires being completely honest about yourself and being open to what the therapist is telling you. You may find yourself talking about things that are not always pleasant or even painful – but sometimes you have to go through the bad stuff before you can get to the good stuff.
- Therapy is where you share your thoughts, feelings, worries, desires, and emotions in a safe place where you don’t have to fear ridicule or judgment. What happens in a session stays in a session. Therapy is all about you – and no one else.
I’m John Nichols, and I’m here to help you establish a self-care plan that empowers you to take the best care of yourself. Holidays are often the most difficult times of the year for many people, so seeking professional help can be an effective way to manage emotional imbalances during those times.
Learn more here about how therapy works and what to expect.
Every one of us is dealing with something. Bravery comes in recognizing what that something is, and healing comes in asking for help. That’s what I’m here for; book your Free Consultation today!