Oracle advice columnist Alicia Rosenberg explains how one commercialized holiday is actually good for your health.

It may not feel like it when you’re single, but Valentine’s Day is actually good for you.

Whether you are single or romantically involved with someone, it’s proven that Valentine’s Day is good for a person’s health. And everyone should enjoy the positive effects the holiday’s spirit can have.

For most, Valentine’s Day is about showing affection through gifts, romantic dinners, cards and verbal professions of love. But the misconception that it’s only for romantic couples often leaves people out. And this is far from the truth.

The most positive aspect of Valentine’s Day is it reminds us to think about the important people in life and tell them how loved and important they are. In a 2008 study by Fardis, it was found that positive emotional expression is beneficial even if it doesn’t come from someone romantically involved.

In another study by Tischer, openly expressing emotion to someone proved to generate good feelings.

Being busy college students and employees on a fast-moving campus makes it easy to forget the people who provide emotional strength and support. But make it a point this Valentine’s Day to slow down and remember the important relationships in life.

This doesn’t mean you need to spend your next paycheck on greeting cards or a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Most signs of affection come free. A 2007 study about parental relationships with their children found that physical affection created strong positive emotions such as love, security, caring and warmth.

Sometimes, a hug can do the trick. Hugging is a particularly important type of touch because we emotionally hug many important people in our lives, not just those we date.

But if you need one last reason to participate in Valentine’s Day rather than avoid it, consider that expressing positive emotion can actually lead to deeper thinking. It can give you more creative and effective problem-solving skills, according to the Journal for the Theory of Social Behavior.

So, this Valentine’s Day, focus on the loving relationships in your life, and, for your health, tell those you love that you love them and enjoy the day.