Be Your Own Valentine to Beat the Valentine's Day Blues

Highlights:

Let's celebrate this Valentine’s Day with some self-love
Gift yourself that gift or celebrate the day with your friends this Valentine's Day to celebrate the day of love in your company
Coping strategies can help you feel happy this Valentine's season

Fresh flowers, exquisite chocolates, and red hearts abound on social media early in the morning, continuing into the office and onto the streets, in every storefront, grocery store, and restaurant. And it elicits a wide range of feelings in both singles and couples.

Nobody enjoys the Valentine's Day blues. They appear to hit you the hardest if you're alone or in a relationship that isn't as fulfilling as you anticipated it would be. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to alleviate your Valentine's Day blues.

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‘Instead of feeling obligated to celebrate with a romantic partner, use the occasion to honor yourself and the love you have for yourself. Let's focus on how to be your own Valentine in this season of self-love’

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Celebrating Valentine's Day with you as your own Valentine can be fun too. If you don't believe that statement, then it is time for you to try our ultimate list of ways to celebrate Valentine's Day solo.

Guide to your Solo Valentine’s Day

To start your solo Valentine’s Day celebration, let’s declare Valentine’s Day an "all about me" day.

Buy Yourself the Best Valentine's Day Gift

You can complete the work yourself even if you don't have someone to get you something unique. Treat yourself to whatever it is that makes your heart sing. It could be chocolate-covered strawberries for some, flowers for others, or even a new designer bag. Buying yourself something you'll appreciate can make your Valentine's Day more enjoyable. Don't worry about feeling ridiculous about buying something for yourself; it can be your secret.

Make Someone Else’s Day

Giving to others can be as rewarding as receiving a gift. Giving provides a higher amount of personal fulfillment than getting. Choose someone you believe could benefit from some cheering up. It could be one of your parents, siblings, or friends. Give them something to show them how much you care. Valentine's Day is for more than just lovers.

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Plan Something Fun

It can be beneficial to arrange something enjoyable to do on Valentine's Day. This can help you avoid dwelling on the fact that you're not in a relationship. Make plans to go out to supper with other single pals or order your favorite takeout. If you decide to stay in, you may organize a movie marathon. It makes no difference what your plans are, as long as they make you happy.

Remember how Loved you are

On Valentine's Day, it can be beneficial to recall how much you are loved. Even if you don't have a special someone in your life, you are most certainly loved by a large number of individuals. Valentine's Day is about love and not just the kind of love found in romantic relationships. Concentrate on all the individuals who care about you, and your spirits will most likely rise. On Valentine's Day, you might even want to do something in return to express how much those who love you mean to you.

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Stay Away from Social Media

On Valentine's Day, social media is not the best place to spend your time. It has the potential to make you feel worse. It might be lonely when people share photographs of flower bouquets, jewelry, and chocolates and brag about their fantastic dates. Today might be an excellent day to avoid social media. You don't need anything else to depress you.

Remember that it is Only One Day

Valentine's Day only lasts one day. It can be difficult to get through, whether you're single or in a bad relationship. I've had some similar Valentine's Days throughout my life. But guess what? It will only be one day before things return to normal. And guess what?

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Following Valentine's Day is Singles Awareness Day, which serves as a reminder that there is nothing wrong with being single. Indeed, the day following Valentine's Day emphasizes how singleness benefits our communities and more.

Being single has several advantages. Singles can come and go as they choose, regardless of their partner's schedule, preferences, or needs. Is there a job opening? A single person is not required to consult with a spouse before accepting an offer. It is also easier for a solitary person to maintain good behavior. There is no one to undermine their attempts to exercise and eat sensibly. Singles are also more self-sufficient and committed to their communities.

Coping Strategies for the Valentine's Day Blues

Dr. Wallace shares five suggestions to help you deal with the unreasonable expectations that might lead to feelings of melancholy and loneliness on Valentine's Day.

Make Your Own Valentine's Day

Even when you're feeling down, keep an open mind and a good attitude. Loneliness can make you want to isolate yourself at home. Make a concerted effort to remain positive, open, and optimistic. Make a schedule that includes some self-indulgent activity, such as a massage, yoga class, or manicure. Even when you're at your lowest, resist the impulse to wallow.
Put Things in Perspective

Ask yourself what is causing these feelings of loneliness and isolation. Acknowledging them is one of the first steps toward fixing the issue. Reframe your thoughts. Think of this day as a reminder to practice gratitude and express appreciation. The most meaningful way to celebrate the holiday may not be with a fancy dinner at a swanky restaurant, but rather with a list of things you love about yourself and/or your partner.
Stay Busy

If you are anticipating feelings of loneliness on Valentine’s Day, don’t wait around for these feelings to manifest themselves. Make a list of all the things that make you happy. Go to the library and find a travel book to help you plan a vacation. Plan to reconnect with an old friend via telephone or Zoom. Keep yourself and your mind active.
Monitor your Feelings

No matter how you prepare to avoid the blues, understand that it can happen—and it’s common around Valentine’s Day. Monitor the difference between just feeling lonely around the holiday and symptoms that last for more than two weeks. If feelings of sadness and loneliness persist, you may want to see a therapist. Symptoms of depression include thoughts of guilt and hopelessness, a loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities, feeling sad, anxious, or tired, changes in sleep or appetite, an inability to focus, or experiencing suicidal thoughts. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Put things into Context

Put things into context by asking yourself what is generating your feelings of loneliness and isolation. Recognizing them is one of the first steps toward resolving the problem. Reframe your thinking. Consider this day a reminder to be grateful and to express thankfulness. The most meaningful way to commemorate the holiday may not be with a nice meal at a luxury restaurant, but rather with a list of things you appreciate in yourself and/or your partner.
Stay busy

If you anticipate feelings of loneliness on Valentine's Day, don't sit around waiting for them to appear. Make a list of everything that brings you joy. Find a travel book at the library to help you plan a vacation. Make plans to reconnect with an old friend via telephone or Zoom. Keep yourself and your mind active.