Declutter your heart, declutter your life!
There are certain treasures and keepsakes that have high sentimental value. We hold on to them because the memories are so precious and we are not quite ready to let go. It might be an antique necklace from an ex boyfriend, or a retro watch from an ex girlfriend. You probably don’t even wear it all that much anymore. But you keep it anyway. Perhaps it’s time to let go. Go pawn it or give it away to someone you rarely see. These keepsakes can hold a lot of emotional clutter likely to make you sob-around on Valentine’s Day or even have you spewing fire on such a love filled day. So let it go, declutter, get rid of the old to make room for the new!
Reconnect with your hobbies!
We all have a hobby we tend to neglect. Perhaps Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to reconnect deeper with yours and rediscover your passion. It could be anything - cooking, bird-watching, drawing, painting - whatever. Get your hobby supplies ready and spend some time enjoying yourself. If your hobby is more arty, you’ll have a beautiful work or illustration to show for it. If your hobby is more practical, outdoors and dirt inclined, hey, you'll have a stunning garden or landscape to enjoy while enjoying your morning coffee. Whichever way, you can't lose!
Try something new!
You know that one thing you have always wanted to try but have always made up an excuse...? Well, isn’t it time to stop procrastinating and do the damn thing? It could be anything from making dessert, baking a carrot cake for the first time, knitting an awesome scarf for yourself in preparation of winter or learning to play a musical instrument! Yes, we're signing up for guitar classes. It is never too late to expand your skills and passions. Life is long and, in this way, you should never run out of fun things to do. So stop making excuses, make like Nike and just do it!
Stay away from social media!
That annoying bug called FOMO (fear of missing out) seems to bite all too often when it comes to social media. Sometimes if feels like a competition to be the first to see what's new on Facebook or Twitter. On certain holidays people flood the platforms with some positive, some negative massages. Sometimes, you just don’t it. If you have just come out a relationship, it’s probably a good idea not to check your ex’s Facebook page to see how they are spending their day. Or if you have a major crush on someone, it’s also probably a good idea not to check what he or she is tweeting about. Social media in general has the power to change our mood - whether we like it or not. The seemingly happy lives of others sometimes just make your life seem not so great, when in fact, 99.9% of the time it’s probably exactly the opposite. It's because they are so insecure that they have to shout about every move they make. So, do yourself a BIG favour, put your phone away, disconnect from the Internet and reconnect with yourself.
Treat Yourself!
You know how you love flowers and chocolates or, if you’re a gamer, the new Mortal Combat? Well, what better day than Valentine’s Day to buy yourself something to brighten your day? Or, maybe you don’t have any intention of spending money. Well, you don’t have to. Make yourself the kind of breakfast you’d imagine making for someone you love, but because this is for you, add an extra pinch of love. Pair that with some juicy OJ or rich coffee. Grab your favorite magazine, newspaper or book and indulge in the perfect breakfast for one. Consider booking the rest of your day off at a spa. for a full body massage, facial and perhaps a relaxing session in the Jacuzzi thereafter. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect treat?
Host a small lunch or dinner party!
Much as breakfast for one is amazing, it's great to maintain your social life and hook up with some good friends. Offer to host a lunch or dinner where either you prepare the whole shebang, or ask each friend to bring something they like. You could choose to have the grown-up meal with some good chats and laughter over food and wine or share some awkward Valentine’s Day stories from the past. Or turn the get together into a fun games afternoon or evening. Everyone loves board games so get your competitive self out and go for gold!
Be someone’s Valentine!
In the fast-paced world we live in, it is getting more difficult to appreciate each other as humans. Some people can go through an entire week without being told they are loved, appreciated or that their existence is valued. So why not send anonymous Valentine’s Day cards to people around you. You could personalize the cards by mentioning a unique quality - the reason why they are loved and appreciated. Or you could send each one a red rose simply signed “From Your Valentine”. Be the cupid in their lives and see how much joy you'll bring. Spread the love and make someone’s day!
Take a road trip!
All those places other people always talk about? Those destinations that are not that far from the city and that sound amazing, but you’re never been there yourself? Well, isn’t it time you took a road trip and experience one for yourself? You could make it a weekend breakaway or a day trip with friends or, simply hang out by yourself. Have your phone fully charged and ready to take some snaps of the beautiful scenery. Take in all the natural elements and explore the roads you normally wouldn’t. Strike up a conversation with new people, wish them a lovely day, make new friends and rediscover your inner peace - one of the joys of road tripping!
Do absolutely nothing!
So maybe you’re thinking, what’s the deal with all this pressure to do something? I mean Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year and maybe you really don’t want to do anything. If you're working you'll probably want to have a lazy evening. Well, here’s good news, with Netfix and the like you really don’t have to do anything. It is just another day after all...
The perks of being single!
Though being in a relationship has some of perks, there are some things about you that need to adapt to ensure a peaceful co-existence - whether that be consciously or subconsciously. If you’re a guy and you can appreciate the simple perk of leaving the toilet seat up without being reprimanded. As a girl you can apply your facemask and hang around in your sweatpants, an oversized T while eating strawberry sorbet from the tub. Sometimes we just need our own personal space. Hey guess what, when you’re single you can do just that - one of the great advantages of being single. So celebrate and enjoy Valentine's Day in your own special way. Please believe me, millions of couples will be pink with envy...
By Cleopatra Shava
