5 things to do if you're alone on Valentines day (not just single)
The day is finally upon us. A day that is catered to those of us in relationships, so we can show another person we love them, on one day of the year. Valentine’s day for me has always been different. I have been single, in a relationship, with friends or alone. What I have discovered, as I am getting older, is Valentine’s day is exactly what you think it is. If you believe that the day is only for people in relationships, then that’s what it is. I believe the day is about love, joy, and passion - whether you show that to someone else or yourself. A lot of people this year have had to go through life alone, whether it is because of Covid, they have lost their family members, lost their jobs or have been self-isolating. We have seen increases in loneliness and mental health issues. This blog is to highlight how we can tae care of ourselves and our mental health on Valentine’s day, and it has nothing to do with the other person. I hope you enoy it, and leave a message in the comments about how you are spending Valentine’s day!
5 things to do today
1. Go for a coffee walk
It is a classic right? Going for a morning walk with your partner or friend, stopping to by a cup of coffee at your local cafe. Well, its a classic because it is actually enjoyable. Going for a morning walk (especially in autumn or late winter) with the cool air followed by a warm coffee can change your mood instantly. Walking helps to lower your blood sugar, improve your mood, think creatively and protects the immune system. If you are alone on a day where the whole world seems to be with their loved ones, it is hard to feel positive and do things that make you feel good. Put on a feel good playlist - I like The Food Medic Morning music - or listen to a podcast that is fun, and has a lot of people talking, so you feel in the mix - like DESSERTED (My podcast with Grace). Going out in the morning for your morning beverage will boost your mood, energy and motivate you to do the other things on this list.
2. Call a friend
It doesn’t have to be a ‘friend’ perse, but just someone that you like to talk to. Especially at this time, it might not be possible to meet someone in person, depending on where you live, so set up a call with someone who always makes you feel good. In a Bustle article, it says that talking on the phone can strengthen a connection, especially in a new relationship, and we pay more attention to the other person when we are on the phone with them. Texting is lovely in a day-to-day capacity, but speaking on the phone or voice chat, will strengthen the bond you have with the other person and will make you feel less alone today.
If you can’t phone a friend, don’t worry, people might be busy with others face to face, but don’t let that stop you from building a connection in another way. Head to Instagram lives, or eventbrite.com for online events. You may not be sharing but you will connect with someone and get to know them on a different level, removing the facade that is depicted through social media - and if you still feel want to be more connected, DM me and ask for a video chat, I would love to meet you.
3. Breathe
This may seem like the simplest one right, because you are doing this right now, however a lot of people when they are overwhelmed or in an emotional state forget this one simple technique to breathe. I am an overthinker, I don’t look it as negative, but when I am thinking of all the things I wish I was doing when I am sad or feeling lonely, I forget to breathe properly.
My many thoughts prevent me to breathe deeply. Deep breathing is extremely powerful and helps you change your state. An article in Healthline, explains how deep breathing can help people cope with post traumatic stress. If you are dealing with feeling sad, or money today, deep breathing can help your body to regulate your emotions and ease any anxiety or negative thoughts. Have a look at the article for tips on how to breathe deeply or find some quick 5-10 mediations on YouTube - I like this one - Controling your breath is extremely important for your digestion, body temperature and immune system.
Do it with me : Breathe in - 1, 2, 3, 4. Breathe out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Repeat 3 times and comment below on how you feel.
4. Light candles
Candles aren’t for the soppy romantics out there who want to be intimate, it is also a way to set the tone for yourday. Burning candles have many benefits, from calming the mind to promoting restful sleep. The ambiance of having a darkened room with just the candles lit can create a peaceful atmosphere for you. Play some classic music or put on a film, get cosy under a blanket and enjoy your evening with yourself, because you deserve romance too. You might want to have a snack whilst watching a film, and I have just the thing…
5. Bake
You might be thinking, “if I bake, I have to make a whole batch of something and I just want one. Well don’t you worry, I have just the recipes you need. I have been single for a while now, I know exactly how it feels when you just want a slice of cake or one cookie, but all the recipes are for 12 or 4. I have got you covered today! I will be sharing some single serving recipes, so that you can enjoy your favourites without having to eat them all week- if you do want to eat them all week, double tor triple the recipes!
SINGLE SWEETS
This Valentine’s Day, let your dessert-deficient sadness melt away, and savor a delectable single sweet made just for you. Single sweets are single-serving, top-8-allergen-free desserts which can be baked in the microwave. Every sweet is created, designed, and photographed by Kristin Osika, a 16-year-old baker and allergy advocate who hopes to spread the joy of easy, simple baking.
To find more of her recipes:
Instagram @single.sweets
facebook @trysinglesweets
Website www.singlesweets.com
You can find her COOKBOOK, Single Sweets, on Amazon!
The Allergy Table’s vegan single cookie
The Allergy Table’s vegan & gluten free single cupcake
Ingredients
1tsp chia seeds
3tsp water
30ml plant based milk
1/2tsp apple cider vinegar
40g gluten free flour (Creative Nature)
25g caster sugar
pinch baking powder, baking soda and salt
20ml oil (olive or sunflower)
20g icing sugar
4ml water
Method
Preheat oven to 180ºc fan
Mix the chia seeds and water in a small bowl and set a side for 3 minutes or longer
Add the apple cider vinegar to the milk and let rest with the chia ‘egg’
Mx the flour, sugar baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl
Add the ‘egg’, milk and oil and combine into the flour mixture
Once you have your batter, oil spray or grease a cupcake liner (silicone or paper) and pour the batter in.
Place in the oven for around 12 minutes
Mix the icing sugar and water together and set aside (dont put it in the fridge - if too runny add more sugar
Once the cupcake is done, remove from the oven and cool completely.
Once cooled, add the icing sugar and eat.
*If the batter is too runny add some more flour, 1 tsp at a time, and if it is too dry add more milk 1tsp at a time.
Valentine’s Day
It is what it says in the title. It is just a day. Whether in a relationship or not, or meeting people or staying at home, it is just a day like anyother, and the most important thing is to love yourself and others on the other 364 days. if you are alone, sad, lonely and discouraged just know that I am here for you and I understand those feelings. The first stage is to love yourself, because, whether you like it or not, you will be with yourself every day for the rest of yourlife - you might want to get to know yourself.