Love yourself, love others: Make a difference this Valentine’s Day and beyond
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 14, 2025) — Although Valentine’s Day often focuses on romantic love, it’s also a great opportunity to prioritize self-care, spend quality time with loved ones and practice kindness. Whether you’re celebrating solo, with friends and family or looking to make a difference, here are some meaningful ways to embrace Valentine’s Day this year.
Treat yourself
Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential. Here are a few ways to treat yourself on Valentine’s Day and beyond:
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Make or buy your favorite meal. Whether it’s a homemade dish that brings you comfort or a takeout order from your favorite restaurant, enjoy a meal that makes you happy.
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Practice self-care. Take a long bath, read a book, journal or practice mindfulness. Whatever helps you feel recharged, make time for it.
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Relax. Take a break from the hustle and bustle. Whether it’s watching your favorite show, taking a nap or simply enjoying a quiet moment, allow yourself to unwind.
Spend time with family and friends
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples — it’s a great time to strengthen your connections with those who matter most. Consider these activities to try with friends and family:
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Hop on a video call with your long-distance loved ones. A simple phone or video call can make someone’s day, especially if they live far away.
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Watch a movie together. Whether it’s a rom-com, an action-packed adventure or a nostalgic classic, sharing a film with others is a great way to enjoy the day.
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Bake your favorite treats together. Whether you’re making cookies, brownies or cupcakes, baking can be both therapeutic and delicious — plus, you get to enjoy the results!
Practice kindness with yourself and others
Love isn’t just about grand gestures — it’s about the little things we do to spread kindness every day.
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Give a compliment — A small, genuine compliment can make a big difference in someone’s day.
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Practice daily affirmations — Remind yourself of your worth by speaking or writing affirmations like, “I am enough,” “I am worthy of love” or “I am doing my best.”
Make a difference: Become certified in QPR
One of the most powerful ways you can show love — both to yourself and your community — is by learning how to help a loved one when they’re struggling.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training has been made free to all Kentuckians through UK HealthCare’s Healthy Kentucky Initiative. In less than an hour, you can learn how to help someone in need.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.