Be your own Valentine

For those who are single on what's often described as the most romantic day of the year, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s Day looks different for everyone, and that's completely normal.

Practicing self-love this Valentine's Day

Rather than viewing February 14 as a reminder of what’s missing, you can reframe it as an opportunity to focus on emotional well-being, self-care and meaningful connection. From a mental health perspective, self-love isn't indulgent; it's foundational to wellness and resilience.

Katie Gilsenan, RN, a registered nurse at Baptist Medical Center South, and Savitha Puttaiah, MD, psychiatrist and medical director of Baptist Behavioral Health, shared nine ways to support your emotional health this Valentine’s Day and throughout the year.

1. Treat yourself with intention. "Self-care isn’t selfish," said Dr. Puttaiah. “Research shows that engaging in intentional, pleasurable activities supports emotional regulation and reduces stress. Doing something meaningful for yourself – buying flowers, preparing a favorite meal or enjoying dinner out – reinforces self-worth.”
2. Send a little love. Valentine’s Day is a great time to show the people in your life how much they mean to you. "Pick up the phone and call an old friend or send them a thank-you card, flowers or a box of chocolates," Gilsenan recommended.
3. Develop a gratitude practice. “In the demands of daily life, it’s easy to overlook positive moments,” Dr. Puttaiah explained. “Studies suggest that regular gratitude practices are associated with improved mood, reduced stress, and greater emotional resilience.”
4. Write yourself a love letter. "Start by making a list of all the qualities you like about yourself," Gilsenan said. "For instance, 'I have great hair,' or, 'I’m a really good runner.'” Dr. Puttaiah added that positive self-reflection has been shown to improve self-esteem and emotional well-being.
5. Engage in acts of kindness. Acts of kindness benefit both the giver and the recipient. "Have your own baking competition and give your sweet, home-baked treats away to a stranger or a charity of your choice," Gilsenan said.
6. Participate in compassionate service. "Volunteer your time at a local hospital, nursing home or animal shelter, or at any number of virtual volunteer opportunities," Gilsenan said. Dr. Puttaiah added, “Volunteering, whether in person or virtually, has been associated with reduced loneliness, increased purpose and improved mental well-being.”
7. Move your body, with intention. Regular physical activity is strongly associated with improved mental health. “Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and support emotional regulation,” said Dr. Puttaiah. “It doesn’t need to be intense; walking, stretching, yoga or strength-training can all be beneficial. Consistency matters more than intensity.”
8. Support mind-body restoration. “Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected,” said Dr. Puttaiah. “Stress-reduction practices, such as intentional rest, calming environments and relaxation, support both emotional and physical well-being.”
9. Prioritize laughter and joy. “Laughter has well-documented mental health benefits,” Gilsenan said. “It reduces stress hormones, improves mood and fosters connection. You can try going to a comedy club or streaming an online stand-up show."

“You can’t pour from an empty cup,” Dr. Puttaiah said. “Evidence shows that when self-care is neglected, emotional resilience declines. Valentine’s Day isn’t solely about romantic relationships; it’s also an opportunity to strengthen the relationship you have with yourself.”