Valentine’s Day is here. Love it or hate it, February 14th is a day when millions of people will express their love and affection to the V.I.P in their life. But who says you need a romantic partner to shower with heart-shaped gifts? Take this opportunity to give a little love to the other relationships in your life – starting with the one you have with your work.

1. Give yourself some credit
Send yourself a Valentine’s card with a difference. Write down your biggest work achievements. Add those things you are especially proud of from the past few months. Then, think about a goal you want to achieve in the coming year – something that will make you happier at work. Seal it and leave it at your desk to open on Valentine’s Day. Better yet, send it to yourself. And when you read it, bask in this reminder of just how brilliant you are.

2. Perk up with plants
No need to send yourself a dozen roses; give yourself an instant pick-me-up by adding plants to your workspace. Not only do they look good, plants also improve air quality, lower stress and increase productivity. Research also shows that workers in offices including natural elements reported a 15% higher level of wellbeing and are 15% more creative. But mostly they’ll make you smile, and we can’t argue with that!

3. Say thanks to your work BFF
Do you have a co-worker you can laugh with and share sneaky looks with during meetings? Someone who will always save you a leftover muffin, no matter who they had to fight for it? Show them how much you appreciate them this Valentine’s Day. Shout them a coffee, take them out to lunch or give them a bouquet of pens. A simple gesture is all it takes to show them how much you care.

4. Rekindle your passion
We can all find ourselves stuck in a work rut now and again. So, if you’re struggling to get motivated, find a way to say “yes” to more things. Even if it’s a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means you will try something new, meet someone new and embrace new possibilities. This little word could be the best thing you’ve done for your career.

5. Love thy workspace
You spend hours in your workspace each day, so create a space where you can feel inspired and work at your best. Research shows that decorated workspaces improve workers’ well-being and boost productivity. Add a touch of your personality with pictures and colourful stationery. Change your screensaver to something guaranteed to make you smile every time you log on. Even invest in your own coffee mug and water bottle – this will remind you to stay hydrated too (bonus!).

6. Treat yourself
We all need little rewards in our lives to keep us motivated, so why not splurge on Valentine’s Day? Drop into that fancy croissanterie you glance longingly at on every commute. Get an impromptu massage. Take yourself out to lunch… for a whole hour. Self-care isn’t selfish, so do whatever makes you feel on top of the world.

7. Book a holiday
Sure, we’re only in February but it’s never too early to start planning some time off. Open your calendar and book a few days for yourself. Whether it’s lazing in the Whitsundays or a relaxing staycation, you deserve it.

Corny as it may sound, take a moment this Valentine’s Day to love what you do and where you do it, and it’s guaranteed to love you back.