Valentine’s Day is done for another year, but there’s never been a better time to practice self-care. While the romantic holiday has left some couples floating on air, other people are battling complex emotions as the pandemic rages on around us.
A new survey by dating app Plenty of Fish found that 62 per cent of people in the UK are struggling with their mental wellbeing during lockdown, and more than half of those quizzed want to focus on self-love rather than thinking of others.
Whether you are single or in a relationship, self-care has never been more important in the battle against depression, anxiety and stress.
Resident dating and relationship expert at Plenty of Fish, Shannon Smith, has shared her top tips for taking care of yourself at this time of year.
With so much time spent at home in lockdown, it’s easier than ever for screen time to go sky high and take over your day. Why not make the decision to take a break from all of your apps? Everything can wait a day - I promise you’ll feel refreshed!
Instead of forming a new connection, why not reach out to an old one? Especially at the moment, everyone appreciates a check-in, and chatting about old memories might bring a dose of very welcome laughter to your day.
Getting outside for a breath of fresh air, no matter the intensity of the exercise, is a sure-fire way to clear your mind and get a change of scenery too.
You might find that you always reach for your phone first thing in the morning, so why not grab a book instead? Equally, swap out that shower for an indulgent bubble bath or your evening Netflix binge for a yoga class.
If you don’t want to do anything and just want a chilled-out day on the sofa, that’s okay too. Self-love is all about listening to your body and doing what you really want to do. Maybe your body is saying run 10k, but maybe it's saying have a lie in – either way, forget the pressure and enjoy yourself!
(Cover Media/Reuters)