Regardless of whether you’re in a relationship or not, Valentine’s Day appears to be one of those occasions that you either adore or despise. Society, family, and friends place a lot of pressure on us to have an amazing Valentine’s Day. We’re inundated with advertising for flowers and jewellery, and we’re asked “What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?” at least a hundred times in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

It can be a really stressful and depressing holiday if you let it to be. To keep your mental health safe this Valentine’s Day, follow these guidelines.

If You’re alone, single or unmarried :

1. Ignore the pressures of society.
   The appropriate way to live, according to society, is to be in a relationship ! Being single appears to be frowned upon at times, yet this is a lie! Even on Valentine’s Day, there’s no shame in being single. You don’t have to be in a relationship or dating somebody to enjoy the occasion.
2. Self-care is important.
   Why not shower yourself with self-love because you aren’t showering someone else with love this holiday? Show yourself some love by pampering yourself and engaging in your favourite self-care activities, such as bathing with a nice bath bomb, performing yoga, running, writing, or meditating.
3. Take care of yourself.
   Who says being your own Valentine isn’t possible? Okay, so you might not want to go out to dine by yourself on “the most romantic day of the year,” but you can indulge in some of your favourite meals while watching a movie or binge-viewing a show. If you feel prompted, buy yourself chocolates, flowers, or both… because…why not?
4. Make a plan with your friends or family.
   It doesn’t have to be a romantic Valentine’s Day. Other sorts of love, such as love between friends or love between family members, can also be celebrated. Having something to look forward to on Valentine’s Day might help to lift the holiday’s melancholy. Instead of being concerned about how you’ll feel alone, you’ll be looking forward to spending time with them.
5. If necessary, get assistance.
   If you find yourself alone on Valentine’s Day and are feeling melancholy, don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Let a trusted person, whether a certified psychiatrist or counsellor or a friend in your network, know that you need to vent by texting or calling them.

If you’re commiteed in relationship or married :

1. Ignore the pressures of society.
   Yes, the initial tip is the same as for singles! If you’re a couple, the temptation to do something special or give your spouse expensive gifts might be much greater. Every marriage is unique, and not everyone will want to go out to a lavish meal or yearn for a Tanishq  jewellery, despite what TV advertising may suggest. Try to let go of the need to have a “perfect” day.
2. Communicate
   No matter how long you’ve been together, you can’t expect each other to be mind readers. Have a genuine talk about what you both realistically want to do for the holiday.
3. Prepare ahead of time.
   If you want to do something special for Valentine’s Day or give each other gifts, don’t wait until the last minute to prepare! If you and your spouse have a plan for Valentine’s Day, make a restaurant reservation ahead of time, get tickets to a concert before they sell out, or whatever your plan is, get a head start. Also, don’t put off purchasing presents or placing an order for flowers. Last-minute gift shopping = anxiety.
4. Compare and contrast should be avoided.
   Again, each couple is unique. You’re undoubtedly well aware that your relationship is distinct from that of other couples, right? After all, everyone is different, therefore your Valentine’s Day will be distinctive as well. Try not to compare your plans to those of your pals when you learn about theirs. It’s also a good idea to avoid using social media during this time. People gloating about their vacations are bound to fill your feed, and seeing all of this might make you second-guess yourself and make you wonder what you and your spouse are doing. All that counts is that your plans are excellent enough for you and your partner and make both of you pleased.
5. Keep in mind the true purpose of the holiday.
   Sure, these businesses want you to believe that the true point of the holiday is to get your spouse the trendiest, most costly present possible, but that isn’t the case; they’re simply after your money. Valentine’s Day is all about honouring love, and you don’t need expensive presents or elaborate feasts to show that you and your spouse are happy. Be grateful for the relationship you have with your partner, and celebrate your unique love.

Remember these recommendations in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day so you can have a stress-free holiday, or at the very least feel a little less anxious than you did previously. When it comes down to it, February 15th is simply another day of the year.

Articles on Mind & Mood Clinic are authored by seasoned mental health and wellness writers and are based on scientific research and best practises.  Our goal at Mind & Mood Clinic is to give readers with the most up-to-date, useful, and impartial information on mental health-related issues so that they may make educated decisions.