Whether or not you have a partner on Valentine’s Day, learning to love and care for yourself is paramount to comfort another.
To help, we came up with a list of ways to enjoy some self-love on Valentine’s Day that could easily be shared with others—many with local connections.
1.) Enjoy a cup of Joe
Enjoying a special cup of coffee is a nice way to savor the moments. One suggestion is to get a treat at the recently opened Bitty and Beau’s Coffee at 305 Main St, Ann Arbor.
While helping yourself, you would also be helping others. Bitty & Beau’s goes out of their way to employ people with disabilities.
2.) Meditate
Meditation is one way to slow down, be present, become aware, and exist in the here and now peacefully. Many people meditate through yoga, mindfulness techniques, and even religious prayer. Mediation is also a method to work on the self.
Ann Arbor Yoga And Mediation is a local place that offers many kinds of meditation techniques.
3.) Eat chocolate
Since Valentine’s day is traditionally associated with chocolate, why not indulge and enjoy this sweet treat?
The Mindo Chocolate Makers Retail Store at 206 North 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, is offering “Heart Beets” through February, while supplies last. These are 67% chocolate hearts with pearlescent beetroot powder.
4.) Journal your thoughts
Writing is also a wonderful form of reflection and meditation. Consider writing about all the things you are grateful for or a spectacular nature sighting that you witnessed.
You could write a letter to a long-lost friend or a letter to yourself about what you like about yourself and your interests.
Rock Paper Scissors at 216 South Main St, Ann Arbor, is a local shop that sells fun journals, notepads, and other stationary items.
5.) Get a massage
Massage therapy is known to relieve stress, and provide physical, emotional, and therapeutic benefits.
Getting a massage can enhance relaxation and relieve some forms of pain. In addition, it can lower heart rate and boost the immune system. Core Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork located at 202 East Washington Street, suite 704 is one local option.
6. Order delivery
Feel like having someone else make a meal for you? Why not order a healthy and delivered meal?
If you are in the mood for Mediterranean food, try Palm Palace.They are known to have a delicious fattoush salad in Ann Arbor. Feel free to add a Baklava dessert for a nice ending.
7. Sip tea
Take a moment for yourself with a cup of tea and perhaps a macaron or other tasty treat.
Depending upon your mood, try oolong, herbal, or classic black. Teahaus’s Tea Room and Cafe at 204 North 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, is a local place with nestle nooks, tables, and a bar, along with books, games, and puzzles on hand to enjoy.
8. Go for a walk.
Walking in nature is spectacular no matter the weather or temperature. Whether it is snowy, rainy, sunny or cloudy, there are always some beautiful branches, clouds, or dried flowers to find.
Ann Arbor is blessed with countless trails, parks, and paths for meandering.
9. Try yin yoga
Yin yoga comes from the yin and yang duality. Yin is the more female, gentle, restorative, and slower side for balance that holds various positions for longer periods.
The health benefits include aid for circulation and joints. Imagine Yoga and Fitness at 3100 West Liberty, Ann Arbor, is one of many local Yoga venues that offer such classes.
10. Apply essential oils and creams
Essential oils can put you in a good mood with pleasant fragrances to help you relax as well. Some people swear by certain kinds of fragrances helping with certain conditions and having medicinal qualities as well.
Body Balance at 708 W Huron St, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, offers its essential oils and creams along with original blends such as “Lemongrass Basic Joint Cream” and “Black Pepper Roll-on.”
11. Visit an Ann Arbor art gallery
Ann Arbor is known for its artistic flare. Spending time alone at a museum or art gallery is a great way to enjoy some stimulating aesthetics.
The University of Michigan Museum of Art offers about 20 special exhibits per year as well as a permanent collection of world-renowned works of Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol.
For a bit older and classical material, consider the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology which features Ancient Roman and Egyptian art, among other cultures.
12. Create your own art
Creating your own art can be therapeutic and rewarding. Whether it is drawing, painting, or photography, the possibilities are endless. Feel like you need some help creating?
Tipsy Ypsi Paint and Pour in Ypsilanti at 5 South Washington St, is offering a special “Amore” session on Valentine’s Day. “Amore” in Italian means “Love” in English.
Artist Miguel will be on hand to create a beautiful heart as a tree with branches. This event is open to individuals or couples and runs from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and costs $35.
13. Rest, restore, and recover
Doing nothing is underrated, but so important. Just be. Take a nap. Maybe listen to music. Buy nothing and try to not even move much. For those who are sleep-deprived, just relax and enjoy being at peace.
