It’s probably one of the strangest days of the year. Not everyone loves Christmas, New Year or their birthday, but there’s some collective joy to be found in each of these holidays. With Valentine’s Day, though, it’s not so straightforward. People very roughly fall into two camps: those who are head over heels in love and celebrate Valentine’s Day like it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and those who are single, have recently broken up, are in that in-between relationship stage and just aren’t sure how to spend the 24-hours.
Some turn to Galentine’s, a lovely alternative which puts friendship first; others write the day off altogether. In fact, a survey by Elite Daily found that 28% of women and 35% of men felt apathetic towards Valentine’s Day. Just another day in lockdown. Others can’t stand the constant slew of inescapable PDA. Research actually found that people who overshared their relationship on social media were less liked by others – so people don’t like couple photos, huh?
Whether you’re single by choice, going through a breakup, have set your status to ‘it’s complicated’ or are on a break, it’s really important to put your mental health first this Valentine’s Day. So, we’re sharing exactly how you can do so to make sure that the 14th of February is enjoyable for everyone involved.
Stay off social media.
If you’ve recently gone through a break-up, or just fall very much in the ‘I hate PDA camp’, then stay off social media for the weekend. We say weekend because let’s face it, the couple photos will start rolling in as early as Friday…
Catch up with friends.
Virtual Galentine’s, anyone? When we’re not able to go out, it’s easy to feel downbeat if you’re spending the day alone. Schedule a call with your friends in the evening, plan some fun drinking games or a quiz and let them cheer you up. That’s what friends are for.
Block. Your. Ex.
I do not subscribe to the idea that blocking your ex is petty or childish; it’s merely protecting your mental health. Especially if it’s a fresh break up or they’ve moved on with a new partner, it’s really important to resist the temptation to pick up the phone and have a stalk. Block them, delete their number, wish them all the best and move on.
Watch a feel-good film.
There’s plenty of good movies that focus on friendship rather than fairytales: Bridesmaids, Sex and the City and The Other Woman, to name just a few. How to Be Single is also an excellent and empowering option. Avoid any overly-romantic films or songs at all costs.
Create your own tradition.
It could be buying yourself a present or baking a cake, but try to create your own Valentine’s Day tradition and promise to keep up with it each year.
Treat yourself.
Restaurants, bars, and pubs are closed, but many restaurants have released special Valentine’s Day kits (for one). Check out websites like Restaurant Kits to explore all the options.
Get creative.
A little bit of creativity goes a long way. Whether it’s writing, sketching or paint by numbers, getting creative and in a flow boosts our mental mood and even helps to slow the heart rate down.
Plan ahead.
Whatever you do, don’t spend your day dwelling on the past and thinking about what could have been. Perhaps there’s a city you haven’t visited or something you’re longing to do when lockdown is over, so make a plan for better times.
Ignore it altogether.
If it gets you down, literally just ignore its existence. Treat it like any other day, and move on. Forget it ever happened, and see where the next year takes you.
Trust the timing of your life.
Especially on a day dedicated to love, it’s all too easy to get downbeat about where you are in your life. Remember that relationships do not define you and your progress. Try and trust the timing of your life and remember that everything you face is there to test you, and you are strong enough to get through whatever is thrown your way. Believe that things will work out in the end.