Give the Gift of Longevity This Valentine’s Day

By Sara Butler

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Sure, you can go with the traditional box of heart-shaped chocolates, a nice Cupid-adorned card, a fancy dinner out, or a dozen roses, but those gifts only last one day. What if there was something you could give your loved ones that would benefit them the other 364 days of the year? There is!

Sharing wellness with the ones you love is truly the gift that keeps on giving. After all, your presence in their lives is what is being celebrated with Valentine’s Day, and the experiences you provide for them make the best gifts. Here are a few wellness practices you can share this Valentine’s Day or any day of the year.

Nourish Your Body

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with dinner dates, but you can go beyond a simple night out and prepare a meal for your sweetheart that truly nourishes their body. Make them a healthy meal that has one of their favorite ingredients or prep some healthy Valentine’s Day treats you can share. Healthier alternatives to the sweet stuff you can find at the store this time of the year is always a good option, or maybe you can make ice cream from frozen bananas. You can even break out the fondue pot you’ve used once since it was bought off your wedding registry and melt some dark chocolate for dipping some of your favorite fresh fruit.

Cuddle Up

Did you know that love truly is medicine? That’s not just something hokey you can find in a card, but a researched fact. When you hug, touch, or even just think fondly of someone you care about, it releases a rush of hormones and neurotransmitters in your brain that make you feel more at ease, relaxed, and calm.

You can cuddle together, hug, hold hands, and kiss to encourage the release of soothing chemicals. Just sharing these small things with someone you love every day, not just Valentine’s Day, is a great way to stay healthy both mentally and physically.

Unplug

Can you guess the average amount of time a person spends glued to their phone each day? It’s three hours -- and that’s average; some people spend more while some spend less. Doing a digital detox on a regular basis, not simply during special occasions, can have a very positive impact on your life.

Spend time with those you care about, but do it away from screens and do something that you enjoy together. Build memories and give yourselves a break from the daily digital overload.

Valentine’s Day is a day meant to celebrate love -- and that is indeed something to celebrate. It adds richness to your everyday life and there’s no reason why you can’t take a little time to show and celebrate love every day, not just this one. If there’s anything the last two years have taught us, it’s that life is precious, and the time we have with the ones we love doesn’t last forever.

Take Valentine’s Day to celebrate love, yes, but don’t forget that it’s worth being mindful of each day and use that in your pursuit of increased health and wellness so that your love together can last a little longer.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.