What if we questioned everything we’ve learned about love? What if we started fresh and changed the way we view romantic love? Don’t you think shifting the narrative would give us many of the answers we’re looking for? That’s our invitation to you this Valentine’s Day: what if we re-learn love together? What if we prioritized our mental health this Valentine’s Day?
At The Better Normal, we love reflecting on the different ways we can take care of our mental health. That’s why, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re tying this special day to our mental well-being. The goal is always to find balance and be good to ourselves and to the people we care about.
Why Self-Care is Your Secret to Mental Well-Being
Self-care is the foundation of self-love and self-esteem. It shapes who we are and helps us practice self-compassion—key ingredients for building a healthy relationship with ourselves. When we care for ourselves, we create a life where we value our worth and nurture the life we deserve.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. This practice can help you manage stress, reduce your risk of illness, and boost your energy levels. Even small acts of self-care can have a big impact on your overall well-being.
Self-care is essential. But it’s crucial to understand that caring for yourself isn’t just about tending to your body—it’s about nurturing your mind and soul as well.
- Physically: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are key to maintaining physical health.
- Mentally: Reducing stress, practicing mindfulness, journaling, and managing emotions are vital to mental well-being.
- Spiritually: Connecting with your inner self through yoga, reiki, aromatherapy, and other spiritual practices plays a huge role in your overall well-being.
Skip the Chocolates: Treat Yourself to What You Really Need
Sometimes, all we really need is a dose of love. But love can mean so many different things. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, or navigating life in any other way, the love you need won’t be the same for everyone else. This Valentine’s Day, we invite you to open your mind and think of love as an invitation to take care of yourself.
At The Better Normal, we strongly believe in the value of community. We’ve said it before, but we’re not who we are without the people around us. Being there for others, and having others there for us, is what builds a fairer, more empathetic society.
Celebrate love by:
- Spending time with yourself: Dive into a solo activity that brings you joy.
- Having a friends’ night: Gather your favorite people for a chill night in.
- Visiting a loved one: Reach out to someone special in your life.
- Connecting with someone who’s alone: A small gesture can mean the world.
- Joining a community event: There’s something magical about being part of something bigger.
How to Prioritize Mental Health This Valentine’s Day
Enough with the red hearts, chocolates, and teddy bears. A gift or a random day on the calendar won’t change who we are or make us feel happier. It won’t fix what’s wrong, nor will it measure our worth. We are worthy simply for being who we are—our strength, resilience, and empowerment.
I’d like to make a note here: if you and your partner love celebrating Valentine’s Day to connect, that’s awesome! I love love and celebrate it in all its forms—as long as it’s healthy love, of course. This blog is for those who want to prioritize their mental health on this special day, whether they’re in a relationship or flying solo.
Practical Tips to Prioritize Mental Health This Valentine’s Day:
- Put down your phone: Take a break from social media and disconnect from any digital pressures.
- Stop comparing yourself: Remember that everyone’s love story is different. Your journey is uniquely yours.
- Don’t put too much weight on the day: It’s just another day on the calendar.
- Let go of unrealistic expectations: Set boundaries for what you truly need, not what you think you should be doing.
The Importance of Mental Health in Relationships
If I’m not good with myself, it’s going to be hard to be good with others. Anyone who has been in a relationship while dealing with mental health issues knows how challenging it can be. While it’s not impossible, it’s crucial to know how to care for yourself in certain situations. If you’re struggling with mental health, seeking guidance from a professional is always the best route.
Key Relationship Tips for Maintaining Mental Health:
- Establish boundaries: Communicate openly with your partner about what feels good for you.
- Prioritize your well-being: You can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Protect your mental health: Don’t ignore your needs for the sake of others.
- Take breaks when needed: Give yourself and your partner the space to breathe.
- Keep communication open: Honest conversations are essential for a healthy relationship.
Navigating Valentine’s Day as a Single Person
Remember the Valentine’s dinner Carrie and Miranda had in Sex and the City? If you need some comfort, take solace in the fact that no Valentine’s Day can be as tragic as that one! Though, let’s be real—the true tragedy was Sarah Jessica Parker as a brunette!
On a serious note, did you know that, according to the Census Bureau, 49% of Americans are married, while 51% are single? That’s right, there are more singles than couples—and that’s perfectly fine. We need to ditch the idea of the “perfect family” with the “perfect kids” and the “perfect house.” These unrealistic ideals put more pressure on us than we need, leading us away from the self-love we should be embracing.
So, in 2025, let go of those unrealistic expectations that don’t represent love. Love is a beautiful, positive force, and it nourishes us. We can find love in others—our family, friends, pets—and we can also find it in ourselves. This Valentine’s Day, choose yourself, choose your mental health. It’s the best decision you can make.
And if you need ideas for celebrating this day solo, check out 10 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Yourself.
