Banish the blues this Valentine's Day

It’s hard enough to be single in a society that puts a premium on relationships; the pressure goes up exponentially around Valentine’s Day, when you’re bombarded with media messages and offers everywhere. Add a pandemic to the mix, and you have the recipe for a KO punch to the self-esteem. Here are three tips on how to stay above it all through the next two days.

Don’t avoid your feelings

Being in denial about feeling lonely on this (or any other) day isn’t going to help. Acknowledge those emotions and let yourself process them. Write them down, or talk to a friend who understands, or heck, break out that Adele. By not sweeping it under the rug, you’ll let yourself come out the other end much stronger.

Do what you love

You don’t need a date to have a good time. Get yourself that box of chocolates and curl up with a good book. Turn on your favourite playlist and dance like no one’s watching. Go on a guilt-free Netflix binge. Take a spa day! By taking some time out for yourself and giving yourself permission to have fun, you’ll be too busy having a good time to worry about what anyone else is doing (or not doing) on this Hallmark holiday.

Digital detox

What has proven to be a good strategy for any time one gets overwhelmed, holds true for this situation too. A good way to avoid being bombarded with all those offers, texts, alerts and lovey-dovey posts is to stay off social media for a day or two. What you can’t see can’t hurt you. Without the digital distraction, you might even surprise yourself with how much you get done.

At the end of the day, remember that it’s just another day; it too will pass. Keep your chin up, stay awesome, and everything will be alright.