Avoiding Heart Break on Valentine's Day
By GalTime's Jennifer Powell-Lunder, Psy.D.
These days it is hard to ignore the fact that Valentine's Day is coming. You can't go to the grocery store without noticing that the chocolate Santas have quickly been replaced with heart shaped boxes; green and red are gone; pink and red have taken over.
If you are going solo these days, Valentine's Day can have an impact, especially if you are still fresh from a break-up. Recent research has suggested that such feelings may even have a negative affect on your heart rate!
So, what's a single girl to do to turn that frown upside down? Here are some 'heart healthy' suggestions:
Being alone and feeling lonely are two different things. If you just ended a relationship don't let feelings of regret overwhelm you. We all know you can be in a relationship and still feel lonely. Sticking it out just to make it through Valentine's Day, is never a good idea. There are many benefits to being single and now is the time to take advantage!
Related: 7 Ways to Love Being Single
Exercise will not only help you look good, but it will actually help you feel good. Go for a brisk walk or run; work-out at the gym. The exercise will promote heart health by increasing your heart rate and when the endorphins (the chemicals naturally released in the body that lead to 'runners high') kick in you will really feel good!
Make plans. Don't allow yourself to sit home feeling lonely. The more you have to do the less opportunity you have to think about your dating status. Get together with a group of friends, share a meal, or a coffee break, go see a movie, go shopping, get a makeover at your local department store.
Sad about being single? Take fate into your own hands! Everyone knows you have to be in it to win it. Do something pro-active. Here are a few ideas:
Plan a Crush Party- Get a group of your friends together and tell them to each invite their crush.
Plan a Mix-n-Match Party-Ask each of your single friends to bring an available member of the opposite sex such as a friend, a relative, a co-worker.
Related: The Truth About Men and Women
Attend a Valentine's Singles Event--Check the internet or your local paper. You will be surprised at the number of functions. Too shy to go alone? Convince a friend to accompany you.
Buy yourself flowers or a box of candy. There's no reason to sit around waiting for someone else to send them. Be mindful how much candy eat however. The last thing you need is to feel full and grumpy after you crash from a sugar high!
Treat yourself. Go get a mani/pedi, a massage, buy that pair of shoes you have been eyeing. You work hard; you deserve to reward yourself.
Revel in your independence, and remember, tomorrow it will just be another day!
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