My previous post about being single again and Valentines Day focused on what you might do for others. This post will focus on you. It is so important to remember to take care of yourself. It is quite common for people who are divorced or in the process of divorce to feel rejected, unloved, lonely and/or depressed. Throw in all of the hype for Valentines Day and you may have more than enough triggers to accelerate these feelings.
This Valentines Day LOVE yourself! Now please do not get me wrong here. I do not mean love yourself in a selfish, self centered, self absorbed sort of way. I am suggesting that you take care of yourself. Do something loving for yourself.
If you have children at home who depend on you, it is even more important to take care of yourself. I am sure you have heard this before, if you do not take care of yourself then it is more difficult to take care of others. This is so true. Taking care of yourself physically, making a point to exercise and eating healthy can help you emotionally when you are struggling. Often times we can get busy taking care of others, attending to work, daily details and neglect ourselves.
Give yourself permission to do something good for you, for Valentines Day! Think about what energizes you, what would lift your spirits, what is something special you do not normally do for yourself that would be a special treat? I have listed some ideas below to get your creative mind flowing.
- Massage
- Dinner or lunch at one of your favorite restaurants
- Carry out dinner from one of your favorite restaurants
- Flowers, chocolate,
- Go to see a movie you have been wanting to see with a friend. Funny movies can be healing!
- Schedule time to do one of your favorite hobbies; if one of your hobbies involves exercise like hiking, biking, walking, running, skiing, all the better!
- Shopping – maybe you have a gift card you have not used. Now might be a great time to use it.
- Treat yourself to something that fits within your budget whether it is a new book, music, manicure, pedicure, television, shoes, something for one of your hobbies.
Consider doing something special for yourself. Maybe you have not taken the time to do anything for you for awhile, or possibly there is something that would normally make you feel guilty spending the money on yourself? It is okay to do something special for yourself. Be realistic and reasonable. Keep it within your budget.
This Valentines Day take care of yourself in a healthy way!
May your day be blessed with something that brings you joy!
Feel free to share your thoughts or ideas in the comment section below, on what you intend to do to take care of you on Valentines Day!
Copyright 2010 Shelley Grieser All Rights Reserved.
