Did you know that 55% of Americans plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? That means that just over half of America will be getting all cuddly and cutesy with their significant other. Well, what about the rest of us? That’s right — what about the single Pringles that don’t have anyone?

Most of us are likely stuck listening to all of our friends rant about what gift to buy or how to surprise their lover. This might be making you feel a little sad and left out — but fear not. I have been doing this circus for a while now, so I know a thing or two about surviving this heart-sucking holiday. 

Granted, there are many things that one could do by themselves over this weekend, but I think my top five emotional lifesavers are the best. The main goals of these activities are not to remind us that everyone else is out on a date, but to allow us some extra self-care time to focus on things beyond ourselves.

5. Appreciation Cards

I know what you are thinking: this sounds very cringy. But hear me out! At the University of Pennsylvania, they had a group of 411 students write letters of gratitude to people who they felt didn’t get enough recognition. Students felt like this single act provided more benefits than any other interventions they had recently received. I am not guaranteeing that this will cure any anxiety or depression, but I do firmly believe that when we give thanks to others, we forget about our own problems. Watching someone who is, like you, for whatever reason, with no Valentine, get so excited over a simple handwritten card or text, can truly make you feel better about being single.

4. Movie Night

This is a classic. Nothing beats the feeling of melting into your bed, or a couch, covering yourself in blankets and eating your comfort snack — it’s the perfect escape. With this being said, let’s remember that it’s Valentine’s Day, and a nice romance or romantic comedy might not be the smartest choice. But if you need a reminder that anyone can find love, go for it. However, I don’t love these movies, so I would recommend something a little crazier: musicals. I am fully aware that they are associated with the “theatre kids” stereotype, but the musical rhythms of these stories are perfect if you want to escape reality. Might I recommend some ones that you can stream: “Hamilton” (duh), “In the Heights,” “Mamma Mia,” “Annie,” “The Sound of Music” — the list goes on.

3. Exercise

If you need the reminder, physical activity creates higher levels of endorphins in your brain. These endorphins boost your sense of well-being, which means that your fragile confidence will become stronger. As a single person, sometimes it feels like you are not doing enough. However, that’s not always the case. Also, even if you are happily single, a little mood boost is always welcome. If you have never worked out and then sat down to do homework, you are missing out. The productive rush is insane, and you will feel like you can do anything. 

2. Host a Singles Party

Immediately, your mind probably jumps to Galentine’s Day. But, boys, this can apply to you, too! What can you accomplish at this party? Anything. Make it a game night or make custom pizzas. Spending time surrounded by your fellow singles will melt away all of your worries because you’ll be having way too much fun to think about your worries. Mind you, this is literally just the perfect excuse to have a long hangout with your friends without your parents nagging you for not doing your homework — but maybe don’t forget to complete it later. This works best when you are able to commit to it every year. Even if you or one of your friends ends up celebrating Valentine’s Day for real, you can still make time for it. This cementation of the ritual will give you all something to look forward to every year. 

1. Baking

This is hands down, by far, without a doubt, my strongest recommendation to any singles. Why? Baking is easy. 

“But Jocelyn, baking is literally science,” you may be saying. 

No, it’s not. Take a box of brownie mix, and replace the water with coffee, the oil with melted butter and the whole egg with just the yolk. Also, please don’t bake it for the maximum amount of time; a little underbaked is way better. If that sounds too simple for the advanced bakers, go on Pinterest, type “dessert” and scroll. Find a recipe with decent reviews — and an amazing cover photo — and get to baking. The time will fly by, and activities like baking are linked with improved mood and well-being. 

ALSO READ: “The History of Valentine’s Day”