This is a Guest Post by Michelle Peterson
Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful time to show the people you love how much you care about them, but when you’re single, it can also be a difficult day that brings feelings of loneliness or depression. For some, the day comes after a recent breakup or stress from the holidays, making it hard to enjoy and even harder to express your feelings to the people you care about. This time of year, most stores and businesses do all they can to bring in revenue from Valentine’s Day sales, meaning they’re constantly advertising and decorating. This continuous exposure to the holiday can leave you feeling anxious or low, taking a toll on your mental and physical health.
The good news is that you don’t have to feel that way! Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples — you can take advantage of this time to do something nice for yourself, to enjoy a day that’s all about you and your needs. There are many things you can do even if you have a strict budget; the key is to look for the best deals. For example, you might take a short trip or shop for a new wardrobe. Think about the best ways to treat yourself and make a plan of action.
Read on for some great tips on how to get started!
Valentine’s Day for Singles: How to Enjoy Yourself on a Budget
Treat Yourself to a New Wardrobe
Few things can help us feel better about ourselves than a shopping trip, especially if you haven’t bought yourself anything new in a while. Plan out your trip strategically to prevent frustration; shopping for clothing can become tiring really fast if you aren’t able to find anything you like. Think about stores that cater to a variety of tastes and sizes and are also budget-friendly. Look online for Target promo codes that will help you save while you treat yourself.
Have a Date with Yourself
Sometimes, it can be emotionally and mentally refreshing to spend some time alone, and when it comes to Valentine’s Day — when seemingly everyone else is coupled up — it might be fun to go out and do something you enjoy on your own. For instance, head to a local museum for a tour, see a goofy action movie, or explore your city a bit. These activities don’t require a ton of money, and they can help you learn to enjoy time with yourself.
Make Yourself a Nice Dinner
Many single people don’t cook meals for themselves, preferring instead to go for something easy and fast. Taking the time to prepare a nice meal, however, can boost your self-esteem and bring comfort on a day that can make a lot of people feel lonely. Look for healthy ingredients that you don’t have to buy in bulk; for instance, fresh veggies are much easier — and cost-effective — to buy for one person than frozen ones. Take some time learning a recipe you love or have always wanted to try, and create a lovely table setting that will make the meal that much more special.
Take a Trip
Taking a trip can get expensive, but there are many ways to travel that won’t break the bank, and getting out of town for a bit on your own can help strengthen your mental health. Rent a cabin in the woods for a weekend, where you can sit with a good book in front of a roaring fire. Head to a bigger city in your state and do some sightseeing. Choose a place that has a lot to offer as far as what you’re interested in and make a weekend of it. Just keep in mind that driving is only cost-effective if you aren’t traveling too far; a three- or four-hour trip is best.
Enjoying yourself on Valentine’s Day can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or cost a lot of money. Plan out a few things you’d like to try and choose the one that best fits your needs. With a little preparation, you can have a wonderful day and put the stresses of those past Valentine’s Days behind you.
Check out Michelle at Recovery Pride
