February has arrived and I think that the first thing that pops into everyone's mind is one single day: February 14. Ah, yes the one day out of the year dedicated exclusively toward love. For most, Valentine's Day is this exciting event where they can wear their heart on their sleeve and confess their love to their significant other by buying gifts or preparing breakfast in bed. But for others, Valentine's Day is just a lame excuse for the greeting card industry to boost their sales.
Whether you embrace it or run from it, February 14 is approaching. But let's not forget the real meaning behind Valentine's Day: to express how much you care about people. It is not only a day for couples, but a day for everyone to remind one another how much their friendships mean to them. But shouldn't we all try and practice this every day? Well, maybe it's easier said than done. Yet this year, try and express enthusiasm and love throughout the entire month of February. Here are some ideas on how to stay positive:
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Focus on being optimistic. I know it's winter and there isn't much to be happy about, right? Well, try and make yourself excited about the little things like getting a good grade on an exam or finally finishing a long paper. Pat yourself on the back just for getting out of bed in the morning because life is hard.
Stay active. It's February which means that those "stay healthy" resolutions are starting to wear off. This year, challenge yourself to beat the month-long stigma and exercise daily or as often as you can. Not only will you release all kinds of pent up frustration and anxiety, but you will look great doing it.
Binge-watch Netflix and Movies. Yes, Netflix is always a good go-to whenever you are feeling anything: happy, sad, anxious, whatever it cures everything. Start a new series and get hooked -- if you have nothing else going, at least you will have that.
Eat tons of chocolate. Treat yo' self. Seriously, do it. Buy yourself and your best friends your own chocolate heart assortments. You can count the calories tomorrow.
Buy a new outfit. The whole, "look good, do good" thing is totally right. Buy yourself a new sweater or pair of jeans and straighten your hair. Your confidence will sky rocket and you will start your day off with a smile.
Compliment a stranger. Whether it means holding the door for the person behind you, asking someone how they are doing, or telling a stranger you like their outfit. No matter how small the comment may seem to you, it will make someone's day extra special.
Go out to dinner or do a fun activity. Change up your normal Friday night plans and skip the dining hall. You may have to spend ten dollars, but you can budget your money later.
Create a new playlist. We are all creatures of habit and once you have finally made the perfect playlist, you listen to it on repeat. That will get old real quick and before you know it, you will wind up hating those songs you loved a week ago.
Laugh all the time. So what if it is at inappropriate times? Laugh anyway. Laughing is truly the best cure for anything. Don't take your life too seriously, you don't have time for that.
Call your grandparents or a distant relative. We are all guilty of getting too caught up in our own life to pick up the phone and call our family. This month take that extra 20 minutes you have (instead of napping) and catch up with your family. They miss you and we all know you miss them.
Most importantly, remember that every day is a time to celebrate and show how much you care about the people in your life. Do not waste your energy getting stressed about finding the perfect gift or wallowing because you're single. Embrace the love and spread it this February and for the rest of the year.
Go forth and go you.
