Enjoying Valentine’s Day at home, whatever your relationship status

Traditionally speaking, Valentine’s Day has always been about those who are coupled-up. However, given the kind of year we’ve had, we reckon it should be celebrated as a day of love, whether that’s in the romantic sense, love for your family or learning to love yourself well.

In the midst of the pandemic, many people will be spending Valentine’s Day 2023 at home. Whether you are in a relationship, living with friends, raising children, or on your own, here are three ways to keep love alive, no matter what form it takes:

1. Consider cuddling

Cuddling isn’t just a couple-thing. Even just a hug from your child or favourite person can do the world of good. Decades of research has confirmed the healing power of touch, with those who have found themselves living alone to be the hardest hit during these tough pandemic months.

Should you not have a pet or partner, you may find that adopting a small furry creature is a fantastic way to feel connected to the outside world and less lonely, and to guarantee yourself a cuddle buddy. Of course, taking on the responsibility of another mouth to feed may not be feasible for everyone and, given that it is a life-long commitment, it should be considered carefully.

Should adopting a pet not form part of your plans, investing in a body-support pillow or turning your bed into a haven of luxurious linens and perfect pillows is just the thing to reap the rewards of some comfy solo cuddling. Making up a beautiful bed had oodles of benefits.

For the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift that you can enjoy for years to come (whether alone or with a partner), you might consider investing in a new bed.

2. At-home attractions

Thanks to things like affordable home spa paraphernalia and state-of-the-art entertainment centres, creating memories without ever leaving the house has never been easier. Whether you choose to spoil yourself or a significant other, all it takes is a little planning ahead to create memorable moments:

• Home spa: an electric foot spa or a simple dish of water filled with suds and rose petals will start you off on the right foot as you create a refuge of relaxation. Once dry, your feet are all ready for lashings of moisturiser while you snack on your favourite treats and curl up with a good book or for some quality time with your loved one.
• In-house cinema: throw a bag of popcorn into the microwave or get things popping on the stove as you set up the couch or bed with throw pillows, snuggly comforters and chocolates before enjoying movies at home with a Valentine-themed (or anti-Valentines!) movie. This is also a fun one to do with friends or children. You could even arrange a movie marathon, with everyone having the chance to pick their favourite flick.

Just taking some time to create memories, whether treating yourself or a partner to fresh flowers or a pot plant, re-watching a favourite movie or enjoying breakfast in bed, can make all the difference without breaking the bank.

3. Rev up the romance

To spoil your loved one, think about ways you can show them how much they mean to you, whether it’s a gift of their favourite scent, cooking their ultimate meal for dinner, filling a jar with handwritten love notes or making a playlist of their favourite tunes. But don’t forget to romance yourself too!

The time has come to remove the restriction of thinking that a partner is necessary to be romantic. There is no reason why you can’t turn romance inwards and treat yourselves to a little more kindness than what you usually would. While retail outlets are fully-stocked with all things pink, fluffy and heart-shaped, purchasing a new outfit, or silky pyjamas may be just the thing to remind you that you are worth it.

When your bedtime routine starts with a long bath or hot shower with your favourite scented bath products, followed by a foot massage or a face mask, it may be just what you need to feel loved and take the time to reflect on your accomplishments and celebrate wins.

Let’s make this Valentine’s Day the day we remember that we are enough and deserving of love. It has never been more vital to protect and nurture our mental and emotional well-being as we reassess and evaluate what truly matters while facing challenges we never expected.

For more fun sleep facts and expert sleep advice, visit our Sleep Blog.