How to Have an Anxiety-Free Valentines Day
Feb 09, 2022 10:00AM ● By Anand Subramanian
Valentine's Day seems to be one of those occasions that you either adore or dread, regardless of whether or not you're in a relationship. The commercially proclaimed “day of love” may really create tension, worry, dissatisfaction, and even depression for a lot of individuals. Society, family, and friends all place a lot of pressure on us to have an amazing Valentine's Day. If you're having trouble breathing as the 14th of February approaches, here are some tips to assist.
If you are single -
With so many status posts from taken or married friends flooding your newsfeed, Valentine's Day might seem like an unpleasant reminder of your single status today more than ever. Instead of stressing about it, utilize the day to take little efforts toward happiness and the basic joys of life. Here are some ideas to help you get over the Valentine's Day blues.
Confronting the signs
Everyone has their own speed for getting over relationships, whether you've just broken up or your last relationship was a long time ago. However, if you are feeling extreme emotional stress or even physical discomfort, you should see a doctor. Extreme stress may lead to major health problems such as stress-induced cardiomyopathy (or broken heart syndrome) and depression in certain situations. If you believe you need assistance, contact a medical professional or a therapist.
Figure 1 - Facing the issues with therapy - Source - PexelSelf-love
Because your relationship with yourself will be your longest in life, it is critical that you treat yourself properly. If you are not celebrating Valentine's Day with a significant other, make your own plans. Consider what energises you. It might range from taking a calming bath with aromatic oils to hosting a private dance party in your jammies. If you want to keep things simple, consider meditation, reading a book, or taking a stroll in the sun. Do what makes you happy and keeps you healthy - both emotionally and physically.
Figure 2 - Visual Representation of Self Love - Source - GoogleTaking part in volunteer activities
Finding a cause that you are passionate about and donating your time to it is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time. For example, you may be able to locate a local animal shelter or old-age home that might benefit from your presence for a few hours - you might even decide to return once you discover how much the folks there value your company. You don't need any special abilities or contributions to accomplish this; sometimes all they need is someone who will listen to them and smile when they speak.
Figure 3- Visual Representation of Volunteer Activities - Source - Pexel
Friendentines
Organize a gathering of your closest pals for drinks and supper at your favorite bar. They're the ones who are always there for you, through thick and thin, and who will never leave you alone while you're going through a tough time. Make the invitation available to friends who are in a relationship, particularly those who are living apart from one another - you never know when someone may want some buddy time. You may even bring them a tiny token of your appreciation, such as a card with a brief letter expressing your gratitude, or, if you're not one for words, something as simple as your favorite candy bar or comic book from when you first met - anything cheap but special to them.
Figure 4- Visual Representation of Friendentines - Source - GoogleDisconnect from social media
Spending all day on social media is one of the worst things you can do if you are already unhappy about your circumstances. Remember that everyone is presenting their best side to you. You may see a lot of happy couples espousing the merits of their relationships, and yes, some of them may be that happy – but what you are seeing as a whole is not a honest representation of reality. To combat this illusion, consider going without internet access for the day. Don't use Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform that you know will make you feel horrible about yourself.
Figure 5 - Disconnect from social media. Source - Google
If you are in a relationship -
Valentine's Day creeps up on you, leaving you stressed out or scurrying to arrange last-minute plans. In particular, since we are all pushed in so many ways, we may lose track of the fact that it is the middle of February and we find ourselves hurrying to commemorate our loved ones. With another Valentine's Day approaching, we all have a chance for romantic redemption — and it all begins with making sure you and your partner are on the same page. So, let's talk about how to have an anxiety-free romantic day for you.
Have early and frank dialogues
Whether you're dating someone new this year or celebrating Valentine's Day with your long-term love, you should start talking about it as soon as possible. This will provide you with an excellent chance to express your expectations for the day, agree on an acceptable budget, and dispel any tension in the air. Don't be hesitant to openly express your desires for larger gestures from your spouse on Valentine's Day - but be prepared for them to be less than enthusiastic. If you didn't plan ahead of time, late is better than never. Check in as soon as possible, but be realistic about how you may need to temper your expectations given the short notice.
Figure 6 - Early and Frank Conversations. Source - PexelAvoid making comparisons
Every relationship is unique. You're undoubtedly aware that your relationship is distinct from the relationships of other couples. After all, everyone is unique, so therefore your Valentine's Day will be unique as well. When you hear about your friends' goals, try not to compare them to your own. It's also a good idea to avoid social media during this time. Your feed will almost certainly be swamped with people gloating about their experience and seeing all of this might cause you to second-guess yourself and doubt what you and your partner are doing. All that counts is that your ideas are suitable for you and your partner and that they make both of you pleased.
Figure 7 - Every couple is unique. Source - GoogleUnderstand your love languages
There are several ways to convey your feelings for that particular someone in your life. If you and your partner can determine which "languages" are at work in your relationship, you may avoid any possible misunderstandings - particularly on special occasions like Valentine's Day, when miscommunication can bring additional issues. Determine how your spouse likes to both offer and receive love. You'll be pleased you took the time to decide if words of affirmation, acts of service, presents, quality time, or physical contact are the key to your valentine's heart, whether you perform a little analysis on your own or speak it out together.
Figure 8 - Love Language. Source - GoogleThoughts always count
No matter whether it's your first or tenth Valentine's Day, gift buying can be a stressful experience. But Valentine's Day is about romance, and romance should not be priced. There are so many fantastic gifts that will really reflect how much you care about the person receiving them. Depending on your relationship, it might be anything from a memory book to task vouchers for things you both agree to perform over the following six months, a recipe box for a home-cooked meal, or even a special day away from home.
Figure 9 - Thoughtful Gifts. Source - GoogleConsider devoting the entire day to stress reduction
You shouldn't arrange a complicated romantic evening that includes dozens of precisely timed stops if the thought of Valentine's Day makes you feel like you're about to burst into a ball of tension. As an alternative, spend the day with your significant other genuinely relaxing and de-stressing. Stress can do some pretty nasty things to your body, yet conquering stress isn't quite as difficult as it may seem. In the event of Valentine's Day, use the opportunity to spend time with the person you care about most. Everyone's interpretation of this will be different, but just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean you have to make great efforts to express your love. A long stroll, resting on the sofa, a home cooked supper, or anything else that relaxes you and your partner is just as authentic as dining at a candlelight establishment.
Figure 10 - Spending quality time . Source - Google
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.
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