In the run up to Valentine’s Day it can be easy to feel sad if you’re single. As a friend once said: “St Valentine is the patron saint of making single people feel rubbish!” Whether you are single or not, taking the time to show yourself some love can be a great mood booster.

One of my favourite ways to do this is to cook myself something that I really like. Something tasty and kind of healthy. I used to really struggle to get the motivation to cook when I’m alone (I’m divorced, and my children live with me half the time.) If I had a penny for all the times I’ve just had cereal for dinner I would finally be moving to Rio!

I don’t make new year’s resolutions, but at Winter Solstice I did set some intentions for the year ahead and the main one was to make time for myself and to look after myself. Part of that is making the effort to feed myself well. I really enjoy cooking for my children and my partner, it’s one of the ways I show that I care, so why don’t I also show that care to myself?

My favourite self-care dinner is mushroom risotto. My children hate mushrooms and risotto rice is “too squidgy” for their liking, so when I’m alone is the perfect time to cook it. I put on my favourite tunes (I personally like some Motown or Northern Soul for cooking) and enjoy spending some time doing something nice for myself.

Whether you are single or not, and well past Valentine’s Day, it is important to take the time to show yourself some love. Not just so that you can have the energy to love and care for the others in your life, but because you are important and deserve it too.