There’s no reason why Valentine’s Day can’t become a good excuse for you to appreciate one of, if not the most, important relationships you will ever have — the one with yourself. We can’t pick and choose which days we’ll be single or which days in a relationship — life just happens.

If you find yourself alone this February 14th, we invite you to seize the opportunity to strengthen the bond you have with yourself. This can be the day that you celebrate the characteristics you’re proud of, your accomplishments in the last 12 months or to just soak in the day with meditation and reflection. You’re not the only one spending this day solo, and we have a few ideas on how to make this Valentine’s all about you.

Meditation

Time alone is always good for relaxation. Meditation can be just the thing to set your mind at ease. This year’s Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday — the perfect time to take a much-needed break. Let this be time that you slow things down.

Meditation is a beneficial activity you can take up at home or out at your favorite nature spot. Whatever kind of meditation you decide to do, make it a special time for you. Perhaps it’s prayer that helps you connect with yourself, maybe it’s a quiet hike that really does it for you. Either way, enjoy this time and appreciate your own company.

Give back

Giving back can be so rewarding, and what better time to do it than on a loving day like Valentine’s? While it’s always good to donate to charities in need, we suggest going out and volunteering in person somehow. Although monetary donations go a long way (and we’re all for them), giving back in person leaves a more palpable, lasting feeling of satisfaction.

Not sure where to go? Start by thinking of a cause that resonates personally with you. Go online and research local non profits, shelters, charities and other organizations. Usually, their websites have a volunteer section for people who are looking to contribute.  

Cook your favorite meal

Or call it in! If you’re a foodie, this might just be another great excuse for you to dine on some good food! Valentine’s Day is a great day to treat yourself.

If you love cooking, why not make your favorite meal? Maybe you’d rather skip the work and pamper yourself—why not call in a delivery? If your favorite restaurant doesn’t deliver, don’t worry. There are plenty of alternative resources available that would be happy to bring it to you, such as the popular Favor app. Services like these specialize in bringing you food from places that don’t offer delivery. If you’ve never used one of these delivery services before, you may even score a first-time user discount on your first order.

Journal your accomplishments

Celebrate yourself by pulling out a journal and writing down all your accomplishments in the last 12 months, five years or lifetime! There’s nothing wrong with celebrating or simply reminding yourself of your accomplishments. It’s a healthy way to remember how hard you’ve worked or how awesome you truly are. You could go a little further by buying some wine and toasting yourself for all the hard work you’ve done, all your virtues and even those weaknesses that have made you a stronger person. What lessons have you learned lately? These could be big or small—everything counts!

Indulge yourself

You deserve it! Maybe you work really hard and could use a mini-vacation. Go ahead and indulge yourself. Book a massage or a full-on spa package. Let someone else pamper you for a while. We all need a break sometimes, so go for it. Do you love flowers? Don’t wait for someone to gift them to you. Buy yourself a bouquet of your favorite ones and display them in your home. Is there something you crave being gifted but haven’t ever bought for yourself? Perhaps you love chocolates or jewelry. Why wait around for someone else to buy it when you can treat yourself? Gift yourself something nice and enjoy it!

You can choose to make Valentine’s Day about yourself or not at all. Would you like to spend it in at home or spend it out and about? Consider buying yourself something nice or spend the day doing something that costs nothing. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy and feel good about doing. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a couples thing because love isn’t just one thing. Love comes in many forms! So, whether you choose to celebrate through self love or love of others, make this year’s Valentine’s Day a memory of love.