WHAT TO DO ON VALENTINE’S DAY BY YOURSELF
Valentines! It is such an easy day to sit around, cry, watch romance movies all day, and try to convince yourself that love is real if you don’t have a significant other to spend it with. However, that doesn’t have to be the case- I have compiled a list of 7 things to do to get the most out of your Valentine’s Day this year!
1. Get outside!
Going outside is such a great way to spend time with yourself this Valentine’s! Shuffle your favorite playlist and take walk around nature, downtown, or in your neighborhood! You can also take a hammock or blanket to the Refuge and read or journal. Spending time outdoors will give you a chance to slow down, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the world surrounding you. Plus, fresh air is so good for the soul!
2. Cook for yourself!
One of my favorite things to do is cook myself a meal that I have been craving. This is also a good time to try something new! Whether it be a creamy rich pasta or a dish your mother used to make, this will make your day. Treat yourself! Look up some yummy recipes and cook what YOU want to eat- you don’t have to be on a date to eat great food!
3. Buy yourself flowers!
Nothing says Valentine’s like a fresh flower bouquet. You don’t have to wait for someone to get them for you! Florists and grocery stores both have options of individual pre-made bunches that are so cute, you can just put them in a vase when you get home! Usually, you can find your favorite flower in one or you can just choose whatever catches your eye. Either way, a bundle of flowers is sure to uplift your living space and mind!
4. Indulge in your favorite dessert!
Ahh, chocolate, sweets, and candy. Treats are practically everywhere this time of year. Get whatever your heart desires! If you’re into it, bake yourself some cupcakes or your go-to dessert (mine is chocolate-covered strawberries- easy, quick, and yummy!) Let go of any diets or insecurities, I pinky promise you will be okay if you let yourself have it! Contrary to what you may think, you will not gain 5 pounds if you look at chocolate, and you will be just fine with a cheat day. You deserve it! Just take a walk down the V-day aisle & let yourself be free!
5. Have a movie night!
Now, it is really easy to start watching a rom-com and end up surrounded by tissues and ice cream containers in bed, which in itself isn’t bad, but can leave you feeling alone and yearning for what the couples on screen have. This Valentine’s Day try watching a comedy, reality, or a documentary instead! There are plenty of happy movies, so grab a drink, some snacks, and get comfy! This is also a great one if you want to rally your single friends together for a good time!
6. Date yourself for a day!
Have you ever thought about an ideal date? Take a day to do it! Do whatever will make you happy! Grab a coffee, lunch, ice cream, dinner, go see a movie, get yourself a gift, the possibilities are endless! This looks different for everyone but treating yourself to a day where you only focus on yourself is so important for your mental health; Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do it! Doing things alone is normal and nobody will judge you for it!
7. Take a self-care day!
We all know how important self-love and self-care are to our mental health. There are so many different things you can do, so I put together my go-to self-care routine as a guide to help! You are encouraged to go outside of this and simply do what makes YOU feel great!
- Light a candle/use essential oils
- Put on your favorite music
- Do yoga (this is GREAT for mindfulness, there are so many beginner videos on YouTube too!!)
- Do a face mask
- Take a bubble bath
- Paint your nails/ get them done
- Do a craft/paint/draw
- Clean (a clean space is a clear mind!)
- Go shopping or shop online
- Work out
- Read/Journal
School and life can get pretty busy sometimes. If you feel like you never get a break, give yourself one! There are so many things single people can do on Valentine’s, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Being alone doesn’t make you any less loved or special; it is good, healthy, and normal! So, take on this Valentine’s Day with yourself and get ready to have the best one yet!
~Sidney Burden