Navigating Valentine’s Day for Needed Self-Care

Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day the traditional way, opt to provide your over-worked self with a little self-love and care this February

Valentines+Day+sugar+cookies+are+made+with+lemon+zest+which+gives+them+a+unique+flavor

Jesse Hauskencht-Brown

Valentine’s Day sugar cookies are made with lemon zest which gives them a unique flavor

Emme Perencevich, Opinion Editor

February in quarantine has me stressed and depressed, and the weather we have been having is not helping. From school to the safety of your loved ones and more, there is a lot to worry about this year.

Despite everything going on, I am actually looking forward to Valentine’s Day. It might seem frivolous, sure, but I think that it could be a good opportunity to focus on a little self-care. It has been so easy to get burnt out with everything going on. Taking a day to truly unwind may be just what we all need.

So, without further ado, here are a few of my unsolicited suggestions on how to enjoy your Valentine’s Day safely during a global pandemic:

Tip 1. Bake! Baking is relatively inexpensive and fun! Also, I have found that it can be a huge pick-me-up when I am feeling lonely. There are also a ton of Valentine’s Day-themed recipes out there, especially on YouTube and Tik Tok. Baked goods are the perfect gift to drop off at friends’ houses. They are delicious, but they also let them know you still care!

Tip 2. Cozy Up. I know that I have spent an unreasonable amount of time just lying around my house this past year, but it’s never really been special. This Valentine’s Day put on your favorite sweater, pour yourself a mug of cocoa, coffee, or tea, and binge-watch your favorite show! Even if you do that every day anyway, pretend it’s special. Just changing your mindset might help you enjoy it more!

Tip 3. Spa Day. If you have a bath and that special bubble soap, take a bubble bath! Bring a book or watch Netflix or listen to your favorite playlist! Pretend you don’t have homework for just one second. Take a couple of deep breaths. Exfoliate. Do facemasks over facetime with your friends. Paint your toenails even though no one will see them. Put cucumbers over your eyes like the popular girls do in Disney Channel Original Movies. Do it for yourself!