Last week, while I was vigorously working out on the elliptical, I decided to deprive myself for one day from catching up on the lives of the Gilmore Girls, and went through my music playlist. Struggling to find a song and catching my breath at the same time; I pressed the shuffle button. Bad mistake. The first song that played was a throwback Jonas Brother's tune, When You Look me in the Eyes. I promptly skipped to the next song and regretfully found myself singing along to Seasons of Love from the Rent soundtrack.
Since then, I've attempted to avoid any songs with themes involving relationships, flirting, catching the gaze of someone from across the room, etc. However, there's no escape. Spotify? Bye. Pandora? See ya. Radio? No. Even my campus has become Hallmark central with A cappella Valentine's grams, romantic letters, heart-shaped balloons, and all things red, white, and pink. There has been no liberation from the month that has paid homage to couples for hundreds of years.
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To all you single ladies/lads who have not been struck by Cupid's arrow, don't let February fourteenth control your emotions. Rather, use that day to celebrate you. Without further ado, here are my suggestions on how to celebrate yourself on Valentine's Day!
Write a Love Letter to Yourself-
Instead of spending the time and money on cliché Be Mine cards for your campus crush, make a homemade letter to yourself. Decorate it with ribbons. Add a pop of vibrant glitter. Personalize it any way you desire. Write down positive traits about you. Create a poem about yourself. Turn your words into song lyrics. After all, this is a letter to you.
Go on a Shopping "Date" with your Friends-
Who wants the excess stress of finding their hubby/significant other the perfect shirt, shorts, or pairs of socks? Your true friends know your signature color/clothing brands, and can assist you in finding the perfect outfit for yourself. Plus, you won't have to worry about dragging them to the mall unwillingly for a Valentine's sale.
Buy yourself a Box of Chocolates-
You know more than anyone what type of chocolate you prefer. Whether it's LINDOR, Dove, Ghirardelli, or Hershey's, there's no wrong way to enjoy the sweetness of being single. In addition, you won't have to worry about sharing, and being left with the undesirable flavors in the chocolate box.
Go to a Yoga/Pilates Class-
Nothing describes self-love better than a healthy workout. Take time out of your busy schedule to energize and relax your body. Put your heart into something fun and productive, while prepping for beach weather.
Binge your Favorite TV Shows-
Put on your pajamas (assuming you left your bed this morning), wrap yourself in a heavy blanket, and search for a show you enjoy. Don't have a Netflix account, or are bored of the show selections? Find a television marathon you've never seen before. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover a new favorite series.
Listen to Motivational Music-
One of my favorite music genres are motivational melodies. From self-empowerment, to discovering about oneself, there's no way anyone could be left feeling blue with these blissful tunes.
Karaoke Night-
In the mood to get up and groove? Gather your friends, a microphone, and some funky tunes. Even if your voice is not, "American Idol" quality, you'll be guaranteed to be filled with laughter and cheer. Embrace your amusing side, and don't be apprehensive to sing in front of your friends. If you want to make your mini singing "concert" into a contest, make it so every time your friend sings the word, love, they have to suck on a lemon for twenty seconds. Your evening will be far from sour.
Take a Bubble Bath-
There's no better way to end a stressful evening than with a luxurious bubble bath. Use therapeutic scents that will transport you to your happy place. Put on some smooth jazz, sounds of nature, or appreciate the peace and tranquility of you time. Close your eyes, unwind yourself from your chaotic day, and spend time focusing on you.
Spend some Time off Campus-
Need an excuse to escape the romantic bubble from your campus? Take an hour or two from your day and savor the sceneries off campus. Go to a coffee shop and treat yourself to a Frappuccino, latte, chai tea, or baked goods. Visit a book store and find some new reading material to add to your towering novel collection. Take a walk around the town, and don't forget to stop and smell the roses (even the artificial ones).
Brighten up your Room with Flowers-
Roses have become one of the greatest staples associated with Valentine's Day. So, instead of moping around and wishing with your heart that someone could get you roses; buy some for yourself to brighten up your room. Not a fan of the traditional flower of romance? Purchase some carnations, hydrangeas, tulips, peonies, etc. Flowers have been scientifically proven to provide mental health benefits including reducing anxiety, energize your mind, and increase relaxation. Vibrant flowers also are beneficial for illuminating the room during a thunder storm, cloudy day, or just an emotional-filled week. Plus, who wants to receive odd colored roses with drooping petals on Valentine's Day? Certainly not me.
Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, and don't forget to celebrate you and how fabulous you are!
