Valentine’s Day. What a beautiful, wonderful, absolutely repulsive holiday for single people. Kidding, but that may not be too far from the truth if you’re feeling alone on this day of love. How do you counter it? Do something! It can be anything, just don’t sit on the couch and binge watch romantic comedies. They’re going to wind up together – we promise.
Do something you’ve been putting off
You know that project, paper, or book you’ve been putting off? It’s time to finish it. Go to your favorite coffee shop (where, barring a first date, couples probably won’t be), and get to it! Plus, you’ll have the warm aromas of coffee and the sweet scent of pastries to keep you company.
Spring clean
It may not sound like much fun, but this is the perfect time to clean; especially if you’ve been putting it off. Cleaning is therapeutic and can help remove tension and stress from your life. A clean room is organized, open, and free, while a messy room is cluttered, chaotic, and often smelly.
Take a trip!
Don’t want to clean? Then maybe you’d rather take a trip! Where? The first place that comes to mind. No, not that one. Somewhere more realistic. There you go! Pack the essentials, figure out where you’re going to stay, and go on an adventure. Life’s too short to spend in the house on a weekend. Plus, who knows what you might see, or who you might meet…
Or, just take a long walk
Mayo Clinic says walking helps strengthen your muscles, can lift your mood, and may even help you lose weight. Many of our world’s greatest creators swear by taking walks. Thomas Jefferson once said: “Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.” He also said, “The object of walking is to relax the mind.” So put one foot in front of the other and chill. Combine this with an outdoor adventure and go find yourself some solitude in the great outdoors.
Practice meditation
Speaking of relaxing, you could try to just stop and think for a while. Get into a comfortable seated position with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap or on your knees. Try to completely empty your mind, control your breathing, and turn your awareness to the body. You’re searching for tension – if you feel any, try to relax and breathe into that space. If any thoughts try and interrupt your time, just observe, and then let them pass. Meditation is a great way to see the kind of thoughts you’re habitually thinking, but it can go much further than that. Have fun!
But most importantly, remember that it’s just Valentine’s Day. Odds are, you were alone the day before too, so what’s the big deal, right? Look at it this way, you don’t have to spend money on at a fancy restaurant or buy any presents, or… okay, it’s miserable. Sorry.