10 Ways to get out of those Valentine's Day Blues....

For someone who is a very romantic, mushy, person you would think today of all days would be one of my very favorite days of the year, but in all honesty it happens to be my very least favorite holiday.... Valentine's Day. I think it is very-overrated. I personally do not think that we need one "special" day of the year when everyone who is in a relationship with someone really has to go out and get all dressed up and be "romanced" for the night. I think that that should happen anytime.... and then for those people who do not really have someone, this day just makes that even more apparent....

I read somewhere that Valentine's Day is also nationally known as S.A.D. (single awareness day), and I could not agree with that more. It is so true. Apparently they say that one in ten younger adults feel really depressed, insecure, or inadequate on Valentine's Day. So how to get out of those Valentine's Day blues if you happen to be one of those one in ten.... well here are a few tips that might help ya'll out.... ;)

0. Remember that you are not alone in your depression at this or any time of the year. Many people become so wrapped up in themselves and their own depression that they forget about the millions that are worse off than them. Visit some folks that are less fortunate with the intention of raising there spirits and you will find that you raised your own as well.

9. Zero in on your depression and the thoughts that are causing it on Valentine's Day. Negative thinking is very common with people that are depressed and finding out the negative thoughts you are having is the key to reversing it. Ask yourself what thoughts are running through your mind and then challenge them. You will find that many of the thoughts are simply not valid, and realizing this can lift your mood.

8. Set aside some whine time. It sounds silly to be sure, but allowing yourself time to feel depressed can sometimes disarm the depression itself. By allowing it you are actually taking some control over it and therefore more likely to be able to break the chain.

7. Take yourself out for a Valentine's Day treat. Go to the spa, or the gym, or get a massage. Allow yourself something special on Valentine's Day that you normally would not. Sometimes loving yourself is better than being loved by someone else.

6. Force yourself to smile on Valentine's Day. You may not feel like it but the simple act of smiling can lift depression away more effectively than anything. Keep a smile on yourself throughout the day.

5. Give yourself a workout. Valentine's Day is a day to be doing things, and going for a jog or working out at the gym will certainly lift your mood. Depression really responds well to exercise, and you just might meet a Valentine at the gym.

4. Eliminate the Valentine's Day chocolate. Sugar rushes are the worst enemy of mood levels. Stay away from the candy hearts and chocolate bears.


3. Give yourself permission to cry. Crying is one of the most effective ways of lifting your spirits. Once you have let it all out, then you tend to feel a good bit better. Do not be afraid to let it out.

2. Stay away from the chick flicks on Valentine's Day. Many people wallow in these movies and then wallow in the fact that they are alone on Valentine's Day. Enlist a friend to go see the newest horror movie at the theater. Spend some quality time with someone who cares about you, regardless of your depression.

1.Take a trip to the mountains or coast. Sometimes putting yourself in nature is the quickest way to lift your moods. If you are not hip deep in the Valentine's Day festivities, then chances are you will not be thinking of how depressing it is to be alone.

There you have it. Ten quick and easy ways to lift your depression on Valentine's Day.