1.) Read this awesome article! Duh. Not only will you have already spent 15 minutes of your time, but 15 minutes could you save you 15% more happiness… Just kidding, this isn’t Geico. But I will give you some super sweet ideas… so keep reading!
2.) Send yourself a package! This is a completely valid reason to splurge on that Amazon purchase you’ve had on your wish list. Everyone deserves recognition and admiration, and who better to pick out the perfect present for you, than you? Plus, you now have a reason to look forward to Feb. 14th. And when all of your “happily taken <3333” friends share what they got from Mr. Perf, you can tell them you got exactly what you wanted, which is way better than an oversized teddy bear.
3.) Bake a Cake. Or Cookies. Or Both…? Don’t count calories. Don’t think about all of the other more useful things you could be doing. Don’t tell yourself that you don’t want them. Just do it.
4.) Watch a scary movie. Or if you’re a huge baby like I am, then a slapstick comedy should suffice as well. But no matter what, do not watch a romantic movie, not even if it is of my favorite subgenres: the romantic comedy. You will not live vicariously through the heroine like you think. You will be reminded that you are watching the movie alone.
5.) Skype your dog. Or your cat. They will always love you, even long distance. Or if you are some inhumane pet-less person, then just Skype your family. They miss you. And even if you don’t want to do it for them, then at least after a few minutes of chatting about your GPA, you’ll be thrilled at the thought of just being alone for the day.
6.) SPA DAY. Let’s face it; beauty is a lot of work and a lot of time. So what better day to dedicate to yourself then a day devoted to love? Cliché as it is, go ahead and love yourself on this horrid day! After all, the key to feeling good is obviously looking good, so purchase that mani–pedi and facial mask (or the ingredients for a DYI since you are probably a broke college student like myself). And if you’re feeling really bold, you can even try a YouTube makeup tutorial!
7.) Create a New Playlist. If looking good isn’t the key to your happiness, then surely music will do the trick. Download some new tunes (illegally or legally, I won’t judge) and create a playlist that liberates your inner Beyoncé-esque dance moves and T-Swift vocals. Throw in some classics too, Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent” is the perfection addition for your new mix.
8.) Take a nap. No qualifications necessary.
9.) Read a Book. And no, this is not your professor reminding you that you are two weeks behind on your readings (don’t worry, so am I). I mean, read that book that has been sitting on your must read list for the past year. (If you want to use my list, then try Tina Fey’s “Bossy Pants” and Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?”)
10.) Surf the Web, Bro. Normally, I would encourage you to go outside for a nice stroll along Wade Lagoon, but it’s Cle winter, which means do not go outside unless it is absolutely completely necessary for your GPA or your survival. So instead, I suggest you vegetate in front of your laptop for reasons other than monitoring your blackboard notifications. You can be really creative here, and nobody will ever know how many cat videos you watched, people you Facebook stalked, potential bridesmaid dresses you pinned or shallow BuzzFeed quizzes you took. Just follow your heart on this one.
11.) Be Kim K. Aka, clean a closet. Or should I say, have a fashion show while also (possibly) donating to charity! Really though, play your new dance mix and attack your crowded closet. You can try on ridiculous combinations, and then gracefully parade around your apartment (channel your inner Angel) as you decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Then, take the old stuff to charity. This is really genius because not only do you get to feel good about how your butt looks in those old flare jeans, but you can also rest peacefully knowing that you did a good deed for the day.
12.) Hit up your super immature guy friends, who are obviously single. Most single guys are unaffected by this arbitrary holiday, spending it telling crude jokes and playing their typical boyish games, so let their nonchalant (even if also immature) attitude rub off on you, just for this one day…
13.) Learn a new skill. Find a how-to video on that one skill, no matter how embarrassing, that you always wished you could do. It might be knitting. It might be twerking. It might be juggling. After mastering your new skill, you can officially declare it a productive day, without even opening a textbook!
14.) If all else fails, just buy wine.