This story was originally published on blog.healthtap.com on February 14, 2018.
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful day to celebrate all of the love in your life, whether that love is with a partner, your friends, or your family. Valentine’s Day is also an amazing day to take the time to practice some self-care and to show some love for yourself.
If you need some last minute ideas to spice up your day, try these. They’re perfect to do as a date with that special someone, to do with your friends, or to do by yourself if you need a little time for self-love. These healthy ideas will help make your celebration more adventurous and interesting, and healthier too!
Go on a hike
Wintery hike in the woods? Coastal hike by the beach? Lace up your shoes and go spend some quality time outdoors by going on a hike with your loved ones, or just for some peace of mind. You’ll get fresh air, beautiful views, and some great exercise to boot.
Cook dinner at home
Light some candles, pop open some wine, and save some money by cooking a meal at home. It can be a collaborative effort, you’ll get to show off your cooking skills, and you can cook something healthy and nourishing for you and the one you’re with. You’ll also get to be able to better control your portions according to your health goals and needs.
Make a dark chocolate dessert
Instead of devouring a box of chocolates, try eating some dark chocolate or making a dark chocolate dessert instead. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants called flavonols, which promote heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) in your arteries and by improving circulation. Just make sure you stick to chocolate above 70% cacao, and watch added sugar and fat which counteracts these heart-healthy benefits.
Go out dancing
Whether you’re going out with a date or with your friends, going to a dance class or just hitting the town can be not only an incredibly fun, but also an extremely fit way to celebrate the evening. Dancing is one of the most fun ways to get in aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise, and you can burn up to 230 calories in just 30 minutes.
Go on a picnic
Load up a basket of healthy goodies and head outside to a nice and sunny spot outdoors. You’ll get to choose exactly what you want to put in your basket while getting to explore outside, and it can be a perfect way to end a day of hiking or any other adventure!
Spend some time smooching
If you’re with someone you care about on Valentine’s Day, it’s good to get in that time to smooch that special someone. Did you know that kissing has some great health benefits? Kissing helps lower blood pressure, spikes your feel-good hormones, and also burns a few calories. In fact, a good old-fashioned make-out can burn up to 6.5 calories a minute!
Get a massage
Whether you’re booking a couple massage or you’re going solo, getting a massage is a perfect way to show yourself some love on Valentine’s Day. Massages help decrease anxiety, relieve chronic pain, improve circulation, and have a host of other incredible benefits for both your mind and body. It’ll be a treat you’ll feel great about giving yourself.
Give the gift of a group fitness pass
Want to show someone you care? Give the gift fo working out together! A group fitness pass will be a wonderful way for you and your partner or friend to hold each other accountable in your fitness goals, and to have a lot more fun and time together doing it.
Whatever your plans are for today, we wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy Valentine’s Day!
Author: Maggie Harriman
