Valentine’s Day is coming up in a couple of days, and while the world is still closed for travel, there are a multitude of things that everyone can do, regardless of age or relationship status. There are many reasons to celebrate Valentine’s Day, one of which is chocolate. Since chocolate is a commonly consumed candy during this holiday, consuming dark chocolate actually offers a surprising health benefit.

“Cocoa is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols that may help to protect the heart. Dark chocolate contains up to 2-3 times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids than milk chocolate. Flavanols have been shown to support the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the endolethium (the inner cell lining of blood vessels) that helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure. Flavanols in chocolate can increase insulin sensitivity in short term studies; in the long run this could reduce risk of diabetes,” states hsph.harvard.edu. 

One of the many things that Valentine’s Day is known for is eating a lot of sweets, especially chocolate. But what many people don’t know is that consuming chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, can help everyone improve their health. Lowering high cholesterol levels, keeping a person’s heart healthy, and helping with diabetes are just some of the benefits of consuming dark chocolate during this holiday. Although the percentage of flavanols in the dark chocolate determines how healthy the chocolate actually is, consuming dark chocolate has plenty of hidden benefits. But even though chocolate is a major part of this holiday, there are still a wealth of other ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. 

Baking, making breakfast in bed, making crafts, having a movie marathon, and exchanging gifts are just some of the ways to enjoy February 14th. But what most people don’t know is that these activities have hidden health benefits as well that can benefit everyone in the long run. 

“When baking for other people, baking can also be a helpful way to communicate one’s feelings. Susan Whitbourne, professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts, points to the cultural norm of bringing food to someone when a loved one has passed. Sometimes there are no words, and only food can communicate what you’re trying to say,” asserts huffpost.com. 

This is one of the many benefits of baking and other holiday activities. Baking improves a person’s math skills, ability to follow directions, and ability to make decisions at a moment’s notice. Making breakfast in bed for yourself or a loved one can increase your altruism and sharpen up your cooking skills. Making crafts hones your creativity and expands the skill of attention to detail. Having a movie marathon can give people a chance to brush up on language skills or can help someone bond with a loved one. And exchanging gifts can make everyone more thoughtful and gratuitous of the people in their life. So while Valentine’s Day may seem like just a day for couples or best friends, there are many things everyone can do to celebrate the holiday while also reaping the surprising psychological and physical health benefits. 

“As commercialized and materialistic as Valentine’s Day has become over the years, at its core, it’s really all about celebrating love. Whether you’re currently in love, you’ve never been in love, or being in love has always ended painfully for you, the fact is, there’s really nothing more universally human than love,” says bustle.com.