A Healthy and Happy Valentine’s Day

The month of February marks the beginning for the celebration of love. It is the day when we make sincere efforts to spend time with our loved ones with candlelight dinners, romantic getaways and extravagant gestures. Valentine’s day gives us the perfect opportunity to express our love and affection to all our loved ones. 

Over centuries philosophers and poets have described love in volumes, yet every love that you and I find is unique. While Rumi once said “If I love myself, I love you. If I love you, I love myself” and that is the simplest, the purest form of love. It is exceptionally important to love ourselves to be capable of loving others.  

Love comes in different forms and they all are special. Be it a relationship which you have with yourself, your spouse, parent, friend or even your pet. Showering one with gifts is one way, but as we all know there is no greater gift than the gift of health.  So, why not make a wish for the longevity and good health of one another? 

So, let’s begin the tradition of bringing healthy changes in your and your loved one’s life. plan a gift that becomes an enabler, and being healthy becomes a way of life. As a result, you both can share experiences, make memories and live the phrase ‘happily ever after’. 

Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day

Your heart beats for your loved one. So invest in making memories, sharing responsibilities and the most important is being a friend who supports. Sometimes, empathy and understanding and doing it together make it work. 

Commence on a fitness journey that would rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. This valentine’s day, you found an occasion to make simple changes in your daily life. Be the cheerleader for your partner and commence on a journey that would change your outlook towards life. We at Healthifyme romanticise about the idea of rediscovering yourself, whatever be the reason. So, let’s make it happen with a lot of love in your heart. 

1. Sweat Together: 

Initiating your day with a joint workout or yoga session can be a great way to start valentine’s day. Moreover, it is a great way to bond with your loved one. We have always witnessed that working out with your partner keeps you motivated and passionate. So, if you plan to start strong, a fitness band or scheduling a home workout session can be a great gift for your partner. 

2. Breakfast in Bed: 

Hollywood must be blamed for putting the idea of breakfast in bed as romantic. It is, because who doesn’t like being pampered a little? Have your breakfast like a king or a queen but healthily. Imagine having a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a delicious smoothie, and even a steaming cup of your favourite herbal tea. If you want to indulge in self love, a make ahead acai bowl with fresh fruits is all that you need. 

3. Love Notes: 

There’s a reason why these handwritten love letters are still well-loved in the digital age. You can also rely on a good old handwritten letter and note to set the stage. Compliment them, let them know that they are special and show them that you care about them. If you think a poem is a bit of a stretch and you are not much of a wordsmith, this would be perfect. Be it your partner or your family, even your friend, they would appreciate this thoughtful action. 

4. Gift a Spa Day/Massage: 

We have all been through some very serious times and stress has been a constant companion. So, why not spoil yourself or your partner just a little by gifting them a spa or massage session could be the ideal solution. Look at the numerous options available, conduct some research, and make your companion feel pampered and looked after. Massages also relaxes your tensed muscles, reduces pain and improves blood circulation. 

5. Cooking Together: 

It brings a sense of satisfaction when you’ve both cooked a meal together, and it feels great when you complement each other’s cooking. Make heart-healthy lunches and dinners for your family. If you are staying with your parents, prepare a meal for them and end with a healthy decadent dessert. Also, candle light dinners are just for restaurants, you can set it up in your home.  

6. Shopping Healthy: 

While you may argue that friends do have friendship day, Valentine’s day can be another day that you can spend with your friend. Who knows a person better than their best friend? So, you take up the responsibility to tug your best friend along with you to shop healthy. Maybe your partner is having certain underlying health issues and he/she simply needs a little bit of encouragement to turn around their lifestyle. So, surprise him/her with the idea of shopping for that oh so cool sport shoe, or how about some matching workout outfits?  

7. Spend Quality Time with Your Loved Ones: 

While it may seem clichéd, one of the best presents you can give your loved ones is your time. Plan an activity that brings you closer together while keeping you mentally agile. For example, you can try activities like getting passes for the arcade, comedy club or even that once in a year heritage walk across the city. You might also consider volunteering in the community, which is beneficial to your mental health and brings you closer together as a pair.

8. Create Memories: 

Plant a sapling, adopt a pet, or start preparing for a marathon. Start something afresh together to keep the spark alive. Remember, creating memories is a continuous process, but it need not always be about the other person. Make happy memories that you can remember and cherish. Keep a gratitude journal that would help you relive those moments. Also, if you start today, you would always look back and remember that Valentine’s Day 2022 was remarkable. 

9. Get Adventurous: 

Go hiking or on a trek with them; be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. In the process, this will help you overcome your fears, increase your strength, and build endurance. Also, plan an outdoor activity, such as learn to surf or plan a lunch date with your sibling or your kids. 

10. Establish a Routine: 

When one partner follows through a routine, it can encourage the other to do the same. A routine is not always dull. It can be everything from breakfast responsibilities to fitness routines to creating a no-phone time zone where you can spend some quality time together. 

Not just to keep them company, but also to develop a lifestyle for yourself. Read a book, have a heartfelt chat, and prepare some delectable hot chocolate to enjoy before bed.

11. Build Healthier Habits Together: 

It’s simple to form habits, but it’s much more difficult to break them. But it won’t be so bad if you have someone to motivate you. For example, it can be a friend who eats junk food and leads a sedentary life. So instead of opening a bottle of red wine and eating some cupcakes, gift her a diet and fitness plan. 

If your significant other frequently complains about how he fails to walk the dog in the morning and it is impacting the pet’s and your partner’s health, share the responsibility to take a walk along with him.  

12. Other Ways

Valentine’s day is a reasonably new celebration. For a lot of us, it’s about celebrating a loved one. It doesn’t have to be a partner or a spouse specifically. It can be your mother, who is almost 60, and you know her blood pressure has been fluctuating. 

You can gently nudge her to take care of yourself. For instance, if you start walking with her every day, you will make her feel loved. You will give her time while making sure that she is getting healthier. Gently trick your loved ones into taking care of themselves. While you’re taking care of your loved ones, make sure you take care of yourself too. So take a baby step and make health your focus for the rest of the year. 

You may combine some of the above presents into a bundle for your loved one. However, this is a special day and a perfect occasion to rekindle the love that you share with one another. 

Healthy Valentine’s Day Plans

These are long term commitments that you need for your partner and yourself. So here are some tips to make your actual valentine’s day plans healthier!

• While it may be tempting to overindulge in Valentine’s Day exclusive offers on foods and drinks, make a healthy choice instead.  
• Scrumptious dark chocolates, fondue and a healthy bowl of fruit or nuts with dark chocolate chips are more nutritious than most desserts. Food is a sensory experience; slow down and savour the food and focus on conversations and your time together. 
• Brownies are great for every occasion. So, make black bean brownies and gift them to your friends and family. 
• Pop some plain popcorn and watch your favourite movies and shows on repeat.

We wish you a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day.