A reminder to reap the health benefits of self-care and self-love this Valentine’s Day
(ROCKLAND COUNTY) February 10, 2023 – We all know Valentine’s Day centers on romantic love: gifts of roses, chocolates, flowers, and fancy dinners are all on display at this time of year, helping us celebrate the special someone we are happy to have in our lives. But it’s also a great day to honor love in all its forms and to cherish all the people we love—including ourselves.
This year, Rockland Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) is urging everyone to take this day that is dedicated to love as an opportunity to show love and care for ourselves. Self-love and self-care are crucial aspects of our overall well-being and should be incorporated into our daily lives, especially on Valentine’s Day. Practicing both is a great way to maintain a healthy balance in our lives, reduce stress, and improve our overall well-being.
Self-love is about accepting and embracing who we are, flaws and all. It’s about treating ourselves with kindness, respect, and compassion, and recognizing that we are deserving of love and happiness. Practicing self-love leads us to embrace self-care, or taking time to attend to our physical, emotional, and mental needs. This can involve anything from getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, exercising, or simply taking time to do things that bring us joy.
“This Valentine’s Day, we are recommending that everyone make self-love and self-care a priority, whether it’s treating yourself to a relaxing massage, taking a long walk in nature, or just giving yourself the gift of positive affirmations throughout the day. This is especially important if you are single or feeling lonely on Valentine’s Day, which can be challenging. If that’s your scenario, have a plan in advance to combat the blues: cook dinner with a friend, connect with supportive family members, get involved in a community volunteering event, or just focus on gratitude for other aspects of your life. Remember, being single on Valentine’s Day is just one day, and it’s an opportunity to focus on yourself and your well-being,” states Tara Brock, Home Based Crisis Intervention Coordinator for Rockland County’s Behavioral Health Response Team.
Brock also recommends celebrating the other types of love in your life that don’t revolve around Cupid’s arrow. As a reminder, here are some non-romantic loves to be grateful for on Valentine’s Day:
- Friendship love: the affectionate love and support we give and receive through various friendships. Take the time to send a thoughtful message to the great friends in your life who have brought you joy, such as co-workers, neighbors, childhood friends, etc.
- Family love: the unconditional love of parents, siblings, children, and other extended family members. This protective, bonding love is always worthy of celebrating. Be sure to share the love with your family on Valentine’s Day!
- Pet love: our furry friends make us feel love in a unique and special way that can incorporate self-love, friendship love, and family love. Pets can help you make sure your needs are met, can give you support and love, and also foster that bonding, protective love that you share with family.
As you reflect on this heart-filled day, be sure to find the joy in loving yourself, your romantic and non-romantic partners, and your friends, family, and pets. Embrace the day as one to care for yourself and the most important people in your life who bring love in its many forms. Happy Valentine’s Day!
A video with additional tips and advice featuring Tara Brock will be posted to the BHRT Facebook page. https://fb.watch/izmSpsKI0h/
BHRT services are offered free of charge through a grant from the NYS Office of Mental Health through Rockland County. A 24 hour hotline is available for anyone dealing with a mental health emergency at 845-517-0400. Additional information can be found at www.rocklandhelp.org.