Humans are wired for connection so it is no wonder that being single on Valentine’s Day can bring with it a sense of feeling left out.
Society has a way of communicating that being in a relationship is the only way you get to celebrate Valentine’s Day. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE! Whether you are single by choice or single for reasons beyond your control (e.g., because we are in a pandemic 😷), you do not have to be in a relationship to take part in this holiday.
There is no rule that says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day but if you would like to, these tips may help:
—Shift the focus and be your own secret admirer
Practice self-care, compassion, and self-love. Instead of focusing on what you may not have, reframe your mindset onto what you do have and treat yourself well.
—Reduce or eliminate love triggers
Today may not be the day to watch a movie with a romantic love story or listen to love songs. Rather, try a new genre or better yet plan something new that you can look forward to. Focus on your holistic growth by going on a hike, trying a new virtual workout, participating in a new activity, and/or tuning into YouTube for some virtual travel sights. In fact, research shows planning, watching, or re-living a past travel experience in your mind can elevate the feel good chemicals as if you were actually on the trip.
—Plan a Singles Zoom Date with Friends
Get together with others to play online games, watch a movie, cook a meal together, or just hang out.
—Shower someone else with care
Do you know of someone else who is single or recently lost a loved one? Sending a small but thoughtful gift could mean the world to another. Bonus, it may bring increased levels of happiness and connection to you also.
Valentine’s Day can be a joyful time if you are within a relationship but quite difficult if you find yourself alone. If you’re struggling with severe feelings of loneliness and inability to cope, it may be a good idea to reach out to a caring mental health professional. The global pandemic has brought with it a whole array of difficult and residual effects. We all need someone sometimes to help and support.
Jennifer Hyatt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist through the Board of Behavioral Sciences in Southern California.
Mrs. Hyatt earned a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in Counseling: Human Services with Christian Specialization from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Mrs. Hyatt went on to work in both private and community-based schools as a teacher before earning a Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University (CBU) in Riverside, California.
Mrs. Hyatt holds the belief of continued personal and professional growth and education and strives to add to her evolving skill set. Mrs. Hyatt's clinical background includes working with the Murrieta Unified School District as a mental health professional serving students within the areas of individual and group counseling, specifically within the military and foster student populations. Mrs. Hyatt also has experience within the foster care system as a former Certified Foster Parent in Temecula, CA before going on to complete work as an Agency Social Worker and eventual Social Worker Supervisor with Kamali'i Foster Family Agency in Lake Elsinore, CA for youth, ages 0-21. Mrs. Hyatt has also served as the Corporate Compliance Specialist and Resource Family Specialist Supervisor wherein she is certified within SAFE psychosocial home studies towards the assessment of prospective families towards the goal of permanency for youth. Further, Mrs. Hyatt was a key member of the CARF accreditation team towards quality assurance and attainment of the highest level of accreditation standards. Current day, Mrs. Hyatt serves the role of Mental Health Clinical Director for a Non-Profit, Vice President of Operations for a fully online group practice, and runs a part-time Private Practice.
Other areas of clinical experience Mrs. Hyatt possess include: grief/loss, attachment issues, balancing family and work, divorce/separation, identity, trauma, blended families, trauma recovery, resiliency, self-esteem, child abuse/neglect, positive parenting, behavioral issues and positive discipline, human growth and development, life skills, infidelity recovery, self-care, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, suicide awareness and prevention, relationship issues, problem solving skills, anger management, de-escalation, emotional regulation, time management, family dynamics, parent support, stress management, conflict resolution, and much more.
Equipping and empowering is the cornerstone of Mrs. Hyatt’s approach towards the holistic healing and growth of Mind~Body~Spirit. Mrs. Hyatt believes in the power of partnering with the client on the journey towards healing and restoration towards optimal functioning. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Mrs. Hyatt utilizes a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Interventions, and Mindfulness as she seeks to tailor treatment goals towards individual client needs.
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Jennifer Hyatt 