Written by Simone Usselman-Tod
In Finland, Valentine’s Day is celebrated a little differently. It’s called Ystävänpäivä, or “Friend’s Day,” and the focus is on inclusivity. Rather than being reserved only for romantic partners, the celebration extends to friends, family, colleagues, and even neighbours. It’s a day where love and appreciation flow freely among all the important people in your life. This is an important reminder of how inclusive love and connection can enhance our overall well-being.
As a Neurolinguistic practitioner and stress management coach, I find this idea of Ystävänpäivä quite fitting when we talk about cultivating healthy relationships—not only with others but also with ourselves.
The Power of Love
The power of love isn’t limited to one type of connection. While romantic love is often highlighted during Valentine’s Day, Ystävänpäivä teaches us that love can be expressed through friendships, familial bonds, and even simple acts of kindness toward strangers. Expanding our definition of love can have profound effects on our mental and emotional health.
When we open our hearts to more inclusive forms of love, it nurtures a sense of belonging, acceptance, and support—key factors for reducing stress and fostering a sense of community. Feeling loved and appreciated in multiple dimensions of our lives contributes significantly to mental wellness.
Developing Healthy Boundaries
In the context of inclusive love, it’s essential to discuss the importance of healthy boundaries. Love and connection are powerful forces, but it’s equally important to protect our energy. Setting boundaries allows us to express love in a way that is sustainable and doesn’t drain us.
Boundaries are not about distancing ourselves from others, but rather about maintaining balance. They empower us to give and receive love in ways that align with our personal values and emotional capacity. Establishing healthy boundaries is a cornerstone of self-love and is crucial for managing stress.
When we learn to say “no” when needed, protect our time, and ask for support when necessary, we create space for healthy relationships to thrive—both with ourselves and others.
Managing Stress for Holistic Health
Stress is a natural response to challenges, but chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both our physical and mental health. Managing stress is an essential part of maintaining holistic well-being, and it starts with understanding the mind-body connection.
Our thoughts, emotions, and physical responses are all interconnected. When we experience stress, it triggers physiological changes in our bodies—like increased heart rate, shallow breathing, or muscle tension. Left unchecked, this can lead to issues like high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and chronic fatigue.
However, the good news is that we have the power to shift these responses through mindful practices, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies. Taking time to breathe deeply, reflect, and engage in activities that nourish both our body and mind can help us manage stress more effectively.
Additionally, the practice of cultivating gratitude and love—whether through personal affirmations, acts of kindness, or simply appreciating the beauty in our lives—can lower stress levels and boost our overall mood.
Self-Love in Managing Stress
Self-love is foundational to managing stress and improving mental wellness. It’s about recognizing our worth, being kind to ourselves, and treating ourselves with compassion—just as we would do for a loved one.
When we take time to nurture ourselves, we’re more resilient in the face of stress and better equipped to support others. Practices like meditation, journaling, and self-care routines help us connect with our inner selves and build emotional resilience.
By prioritizing self-love, we create a foundation for healthier relationships with others. We learn to appreciate our own worth, and as a result, we attract more positive connections into our lives.
A Tool for Transformation
Whether it’s the unconditional love we give to ourselves, the strong bonds we share with friends and family, or the intimate love we experience with a partner, love has the power to transform our lives. It fuels us, energizes us, and makes us feel supported and grounded.
Inclusive love, like that celebrated on Ystävänpäivä, reminds us that we are part of a larger community, and our relationships—of all kinds—are a vital part of our well-being.
This Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on all the love you have in your life. Express gratitude for your connections, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize self-love. And above all, remember that love is not just a feeling—it’s a powerful tool for transforming your mind, body, and life for the better.
Here’s to a day (and a life) filled with love, connection, and holistic well-being!
About Simone:
Simone Usselman-Tod is a Neuro-Linguistic Coach and Neuro Change Practitioner with a background in Health Science. She combines practical psychology with neuroscience to help entrepreneurial women gain traction, implement lasting change, and achieve their goals with efficiency and effectiveness. Simone specializes in helping her clients reprogram limiting patterns, habits, and beliefs, enabling them to overcome self-doubt, worries, and fears. By mastering their inner game and leveraging their strengths, her clients achieve results beyond their expectations.
Simone works with both emerging and established entrepreneurial women who are ready to gain momentum and develop mastery to accelerate their success. She currently facilitates Goal Accelerator programs designed to help participants conquer their limitations, achieve rapid transformation, and reach their full potential in health, career, relationships, and finances.
Book a 30-minute goal accelerator call to learn more: https://simoneusselmantod.com/book/
Simone is founder of the Wild About Wellness Community where members passionate about holistic health and wellness come together to share information, educate and contribute for the purpose of learning and growing. You are invited to explore the site with a free 1-month membership. Get your 1-month free membership HERE. Register for our FREE monthly events HERE