ShareThisValentine's Day has a pretty bad rap: Hallmark Holiday, the least romantic day of the year, a day of obligation rather than celebration. To make matters worse this year, the steady stream of depressing headlines and the looming specter of more layoffs and economic struggles are enough to diminish even Cupid's enthusiasm for celebrating.
We know how hard it can be to get up the energy to do something special when you're stressed out. But it is well worth the energy. Think of how much a few words of genuine appreciation from another person can do for your mood, energy level and sense of well-being. Make this a day of true appreciation for those you trudge through everyday life with (and deserve a little special treatment). Approach it with an open heart and some creativity, and we promise you'll get back more than you could have ever expected.
Sarah on "My Love Don't Cost a Thing":
Get inspired and play J-Lo's song "My Love Don't Cost a Thing" in the next few days. It doesn't have to cost a penny to make a grand romantic gesture or two. This year, my husband and I have agreed to a zero-cost (but still big and important) Valentine's Day, which forces a little more creativity than flowers, chocolate and a romantic dinner. It has sparked our imaginations and given us a real treat to look forward to. We know we won't be getting the same-old-same-old, but something truly thoughtful and special.
Alicia on "Book Time to Get Creative":
When you're in the thick of day-to-day stuff, it can be difficult to think out of the box. The best way to ensure you don't fall into the usual candy/flower/card trap is to schedule time in your day to get creative. Block 30 minutes on your calendar sometime this week to brainstorm and think about innovative and truly heartfelt ways of saying "I love you." If you're stuck, try an online search to get inspired. Then once you have a list of ideas, narrow it down to a few that you can actually pull off with style by Feb. 14.
Here are some fresh low-cost or free ways to celebrate Valentine's Day.
1. Try a Yoga Class Instead of an Expensive Dinner
Romantic dinners are certainly lovely and often comforting. But they are not necessarily the best aphrodisiacs. If you enjoy the culinary delights too much, it may dampen your libido later. Try taking a yoga class with your significant other as a cheaper alternative to a big dinner out. Many local yoga studios offer classes that cost $10 per person. You'll stretch and bend away your stresses and leave feeling invigorated, not weighed down.
2. Give from the Heart
No amount of money spent on a gift could ever really compare with an honest and heartfelt gesture.
Gentlemen, write a few notes letting your special someone know all the ways she is special to you, and leave a trail of them where she'll find them in the morning (on the bathroom mirror, on the breakfast table, on her rearview mirror).
Ladies, leave him a series of love notes that he'll find throughout the day -- on his wallet, in his briefcase, on his rearview mirror -- notes telling him how much he means to you and promising a romantic rendezvous.
3. Make It a Family Affair
If you have kids and securing a baby sitter for the evening is out of the question financially this year, make Valentine's Day a family affair. Get the whole family together at dinner and, at the end of the meal, have everybody go around the table and share the specific things they love about each member of the family.
(The writers are co-founders of Buttoned Up, a company dedicated to helping stressed women get organized. Send ideas and questions to yourlife(at)getbuttonedup.com. For more columns, go to scrippsnews.com.)
Must credit getbuttonedup.com
