Every year, memes and wisecracks flood the internet about the sorrows of being single during love season. If you are in the boat of being single this year, fret not. There are ways to deal with it without feeling downtrodden.

Disconnect Completely

While social media has helped humanity in many ways, it also has its downsides. Excessive exposure to social media can become overtly stimulating and unhealthy. Before the endless posts about Valentine’s Day begin to flood your feed, take some time to disconnect from your screen and check in with yourself. Quiet time away from social media is a fantastic way to center yourself, burn aromatic candles, read books, and just reconnect with nature.

Reconnect With Your Single Friends

If you have single friends, take out time to reconnect with them or check in. While Valentine’s Day might seem as though it is exclusively for people who are coupled up, it doesn’t have to be. You and your friends could opt to go out for brunch, dinner or the spa, and regardless of what vibe you are going for.

Treat Yourself

Life is too short to sit at home and feel sorry for yourself because somehow you feel lonely for being single. On Valentine’s Day especially, try to do something nice for yourself, including taking yourself out on a date, going shopping, or going on vacation. The goal is to intentionally do something for yourself.

Take Action

If a relationship is not at the top of your to-do list right now, that is okay. Use Valentine’s Day to fuel your drive to take care of yourself and improve your net worth, friendships, and living conditions. If you want to go back to school and get an advanced degree, use the day to plan, brainstorm, and strategize about what your next moves are and how you can get in the game. Accomplishing your goals can feel exhilarating and empowering.

It’s Just One Day

If the Valentine Day scramble starts to get to you, then it is important to remember that out of 365 days, this is just one day. Instead of getting depressed, stay in, order some pizza, cook or watch your favorite TV show, with a glass of wine or hot cocoa to refresh and remind yourself of why you are the amazing, lovable person that you are.

Buy Yourself Flowers (Or New Shoes)

Sending flowers to yourself is not corny, and is, in fact, a highlight self-love-positive thing to do. If flowers are not your thing, consider investing in a new pair of shoes, perfume or hair care item. Shopping does not necessarily equate happiness, but buying the items that you love will go a long way.

Dress To Feel Good

Every day is a good day to feel and look good, but Valentine’s Day is especially perfect for self care. Take some extra time today to take a long bath and shower, wear your favorite perfume, and outfit to make yourself feel extra beautiful. Also, being single may not be ideal for you at this time, and the fact that you do not have a significant other does not mean that you are unlikable or unlovable. Be patient with yourself, but most importantly, be kind to yourself. The most important thing to remember is that being single, is a far better choice than being in a relationship that is riddled with abuse, neglect and emotional damage. If down the road, a relationship is what you want, then at the right time, and with the right moves and intentions, everything will fall into place, but for now, enjoy the process.

Love