Top 5 Tips for Valentines Day

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In case you have being living under a rock or are colour blind (like me) you may not have spotted the gush of Valentines trappings that have saturated the high street and shopping centres across the country, but you would be in the minority.

Although this is a time to celebrate love and affection for our loved ones, it can be a challenging and stressful time for some. The need to perform (cough cough) and to create a perfect evening can cause pressure both physically and mentally. See our top 5 tips for staying positive this Valentine’s Day:


1. Hugs

We all know hugs have the power to destress and bring us together, but there are hard facts that back this up too. Hugs can increase oxytocin and serotonin levels as well as build trust and safety in a relationship. We suggest a good hug for all occasions, and especially when celebrating this day of love. If in doubt, hug it out!


2. Dark Chocolate

Copious amounts of chocolate are inevitably going to be devoured throughout the evening and over the next few days, so why not go for the healthier option of dark chocolate? Along with tasting flipping great, small amounts of dark chocolate are proven to lower the risk of heart disease amongst other things. It’s a good source of antioxidants and can improve cholesterol balance too, so consider switching to the bitter stuff on this occasion.


3. Talk

It's hard these days to spend quality one on one time with your partner or loved ones, so make the most of this opportunity and don’t get lost in small talk. Use this celebration to talk about “real” things; hopes, dreams, aspirations and goals. Clarity in these areas can have a positive effect on your mood and give you definition going forward, so visualise your dreams together and go for it!


4. Booze

Bars with themed cocktails and restaurants with set menus will be plying us with overpriced plonk all night if they can. Although alcohol is great for lowering your inhibitions, it can have other, less desirable side effects, Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to lack of libido, which is the last thing you want on this day, so sip sensibly and you should be good to go.


5. Get checked

Make sure your valentine hasn’t given you more than chocolates and roses! Valentines can be a minefield; meeting new people, trying new things - if you’re concerned you may have got more than you bargained for, book an appointment and see your GP. You can never be too sure and screening tests these days are quick and easy.


Remember, Valentine’s day is just one day of the year so don’t overthink it.
If you are dating or have found the love of your life, use this opportunity to build up your health and wellbeing as well as your relationship.

If you would like to contact Dr Ben Sinclair for professional services please use the links below:

Dr Ben Sinclair Linked In Profile

Twitter: Follow @menshealthtips

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