As red and pink heart-shaped décor is swiped from the shelves of almost every store, it is a sign that it is that time of year again: Valentine’s Day. For a college student, the holiday is not what it once was in elementary school. There is no “To: , From: ” card or Valentine’s themed school dance. Students have upgraded from gifting their partner stuffed animals and chocolate to providing a romantic dinner and picking a movie. Furthermore, the lingo of today has altered a bit, as students no longer rely on Cupid’s arrow but “shoot their shot” instead. For those unsuccessful attempts, and anyone else who might be spending this day alone, here is a guide to surviving Valentine’s Day.

Treat Yourself

Rather than spending money on another person this Valentine’s Day, spoil yourself. 

Be your own secret admirer and have flowers sent to you.

If your wallet allows, treat yourself to getting your nails done or a massage, and for the guys, a haircut, and food from your favorite restaurant.

Head over to the mall and try on clothes. Even if you do not buy anything, at least you’ll get some great selfies out of it. 

End the night with some wine, if over 21 of course, and a bubble bath.

Make sure to include your skin care routine, and even try out a new face mask.

Grab your favorite Valentine’s candy, crawl into bed and binge watch that show you have been trying to start for the longest time.

Journal

If you are spending the day alone, use this time to start a journal. Log out of your social media for the day and write down your thoughts. 

List goals and ideas that you have for the future, and how you plan to achieve those goals.

Take the time to write how you are feeling. Look back on every aspect of your life, list the things going well and what you want to improve on. 

If you have been desperately wanting to get out of the city, plan a trip.  

Galentine’s

Galentine’s, a term, according to Insider,  that comes from an episode of Parks and Recreation that aired in 2010, is a day when friend groups, made up of women, go out to celebrate. Much like Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s can be celebrated with love, wine, hugs and chocolate.

Women will go out in full glam from head to toe, and the hype they receive from their girlfriends is enough to release their inner baddie.

Unfortunately, there is no “Galentine’s” term for men. However, that does not seem to bother men since it has been twelve years and they have not come up with a new name.

“To be honest, Galentine’s Day doesn’t sound too bad for a name,” University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student Jesus Reyes said. “My friends and I are doing a Galentine’s Day.”

Workout

For some, Valentine’s Day can trigger sadness and depression. In fact, “research suggests that Valentine’s Day is the start of an annual rise in suicide rates,” according to an article from Banyan Mental Health.

For those newly single and even those who spend every Valentine’s Day alone, seeing the love shared between others can be heart-breaking.

A trip to the gym is good for reducing the risk of depression and anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that physical activity such as exercise is beneficial for treating depression.

Cleaning

This Valentine’s Day, get a head start on some spring cleaning. 

Revisit your closet by going through your clothes and cleaning out the ones that no longer fit you or your style. 

Bag the clothes up and drop them off at your local donation center. This random deed will make others feel good this Valentine’s Day. However, if you are one of those that has a chair full of clothes in your room, spend Valentine’s Day putting away your laundry. 

Work

 If none of the tips above seem to be your style, pick up an extra shift at your job. What better way to distract yourself than working, unless you work at a movie theater or restaurant.

“I work at a movie theater,” UTEP student Sergio Rochin said. “That is where all the couples go.”

Although work may not be your first choice, it is definitely an option, one that pays. 

For those spending Valentine’s Day without a partner, it is encouraged to try something from the list above.

Whether this is the first Valentine’s spent alone or an annual thing, keep the faith that there is someone out there perfect for you. 

“We are all young,” Rochin said. “There is plenty of time for you to find someone in the future.”

This Valentine’s Day, do not let social media discourage you about your current relationship status. 

February 14th is one day out of the year, just like any other, and should not be the only day spent showing love to others.

“I feel showing the people you care about and love shouldn’t be celebrated specifically one day of the year,” Reyes said.

Story by Brianne Williams // Photography by Jasmin Campoya