Valentine’s is a good time to think about self-care. Self-care means caring for yourself in ways that promote health and well-being. As peer advisor and author of a new self-care series, Audrey Demmitt, R.N., says, “Self-care gives you the power to nurture your body, mind, and spirit in transformative ways.” When you take care of yourself, you open yourself to enjoying relationships. So, take time out to read the first articles in the series. And then enjoy this blog on making Valentine’s a sensory experience!
Suggestions from VisionAware Peers
There are many ways to give that involve your senses. Using all of our senses can maximize our experiences.
“The day itself is a multisensory kind of experience and can be made complete with many textures, fragrances and sounds and tastes,” Elizabeth Sammons.
Gifts that Involve the Sense of Smell
Audrey Demmitt says, “There are many different lines of scented soaps and creams both for him and her in varying price ranges. Also, scented candles can “set the mood.” One of my favorite things is a wax warmer pot that scents the home and gives off light, too-I got mine at Walmart, and they have a plethora of soothing, yummy scents. The light helps orient me in the room too.”
Tactile gifts
Audrey: “When buying mementos for Valentines, look for things with special heart shapes that can be felt-such as a coffee mug with hearts indented or raised, and fill it with favorite chocolates.”
DeAnna Noriega: “Think about a heart-shaped fluffy pillow with chocolates. Hmmmm! Or how about soft and cuddly things like a throw to cuddle under while reading.”
Audrey: Bake heart-shaped cookies or a heart-shaped cake. Those appeal to many senses! Taste, tactile, smell!
Audrey: I also suggest a couples massage…or if you cannot afford it, give each other a massage! There is nothing better than the gift of touch!
Gifts That Give Auditory Pleasure
DeAnna: “What about music CDs, music boxes that play romantic songs, or even chiming clocks or wind chimes?”
After All the Chocolate and Cookies, Try Fitness
Audrey: “How about his and her Fitbit Flex fitness trackers with the promise to take daily walks together? Or you can get off for free by downloading a fitness app (of course, you may have to buy a smartphone!).
Give a Special Experience
Audrey: “Give an “experience”-an afternoon at the art museum, hike an accessible trail, tickets to a play at a community theater, wine tasting at a local winery or beer tasting at a local brewery, dinner at an ethnic restaurant to try a new type of cuisine, take a trip.
Find Out About Other Gift Ideas
Read our gift guide.
Find out about accessible Valentine’s Cards.
Check out Valentine’s Day Gifts at National Braille Press