Valentine’s Day: Just a Card Holiday or Something More?
“I always found it strange that some vehemently reject Valentine’s Day under the notion that love should be shown every day, not once a year on a commercialized holiday. Love should be shown every day, yes. It should move through your words, your actions; it should be shared. Whether via romantic partner, best friends, or family, love should be stated, and noted, as often as possible in this charming little life. Why not then, proudly celebrate affection on a day dedicated to it? With felted heart banners or handwritten cards. A dozen roses or chocolate cake. Music with friends or a teddy bear from your father.
Humans expressing their love is precious. How strange that one would not enjoy celebrating it. Take advantage of the chance to show it through doily hearts and gummy candy and tacky decorations. Watch a child’s face light up when they decorate their Valentine’s box or sift through conversation hearts.
Love is adorable. Life is too short to not embrace it.”-
Jenna Del Pozzo
IG: @aloveletter.to
TikTok: @aloveletterto
The Power of Love
Expressing love, whether through words, actions, touch, or simply showing care, has profound mental health and physiological benefits. Love activates key neurochemicals, strengthens emotional resilience, and enhances physical health. Whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or acts of kindness, love has a transformative impact on well-being, deepening human connection and fostering a sense of emotional and physical security.
When we express love through affection, gratitude, or kind words, we soothe the nervous system, promoting emotional balance and happiness by boosting dopamine and serotonin. This helps combat depression, reduce negative thought patterns, and strengthen our emotional security by creating a sense of belonging and safety. Love also encourages mindfulness and presence, drawing us into the moment and reducing overthinking and rumination by shifting our focus to meaningful connection.
Beyond emotional well-being, love also benefits our physical health. Loving interactions can lower blood pressure and heart rate by triggering oxytocin and endorphin release. Expressing love and maintaining positive social connections also enhances immune function, making the body more resilient to illness.
On a neurological level, love stimulates neuroplasticity, improving cognitive function and emotional intelligence while promoting longevity. Love also improves sleep quality by regulating stress hormones, making rest deeper and more restorative.
Love is not limited to human relationships. The love we share with pets provides companionship, emotional support, and a profound sense of comfort. Interacting with animals can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and increase feelings of joy. Even simple acts of love, such as posting uplifting and supportive messages on social media instead of spreading negativity or discord, can create a ripple effect of positivity.
At its core, love is a healing force that nurtures both body and mind.
If you would like support and are ready to book an appointment, click here to do so and to view my list of services available.
Lisa Angelini, MAPC, LPC, ACCHT
Holistic Psychotherapist and Coach
602-330-6378
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