5 tips to survive Valentine's Day after a breakup

It is impossible to ignore the buzz of Valentine's Day. The stream of happy couples and celebration images all over social media, old romantic comedies reruns on TV, coworkers sharing romantic plans, and romantic songs on the radio.

This jovial atmosphere can be alienating and can worsen heartache. It can get you in your feelings about the breakup more than if the breakup happened after Valentine's Day.

Newly-single people can use these five tips to cope with their feelings during this holiday.

1. You're not a burden

Reach out to friends and make plans. You might feel like you will be burdening them because you are feeling down and alone while they might be in the spirit of the day.

Reach out to those you trust and know what you are going through among friends and family. You need love and support during this time and Valentine's Day should not push you away from that, rather you should use it to reconnect with love because you deserve it.

There's also a chance your friends might be up to hanging out. But you will never know if you don't ask.

2. Create your Valentine's Day tradition

Rather than confining yourself to the Valentine's Day tradition of flowers, dinner, date, and chocolate, redefine it for yourself. Start a personal tradition to help you associate the day with positive feelings and memories.

3. Parental guidance on social media and entertainment

Look out for triggers that may make the day harder on you. Stay away from your ex's social media and practice mindfulness when scrolling through your feed. Use the same mindfulness when looking for something to watch on streaming platforms as they may be lined up with Valentine's Day-themed suggestions.

Remember that this is a day people pull out their best stops for their loved ones, but they too have challenges they face on other days of the year.

4. Find comfort in old hobbies or activities

Falling back into old hobbies and activities you deprioritised while in a relationship can provide cushioning for a broken heart. All those things you pushed aside for your relationship can offer emotional support and get you feeling energised.

5. It is okay that you're not feeling okay

Breakups have a grieving period and Valentine's Day happening during that period can throw you off. Accept whatever feelings that might come up about your break during this period. Seek out emotional support from yourself and other people. Use Valentine's Day to boost your healing for the love that lies ahead.