8 Ways to Spend Your V-Day *Partner Optional*

Valentine's Day. The day St. Valentine was brutally executed eighteen centuries ago is now known as the day of love (or in some cases, loathing). Valentine holds the title for this emotionally turbulent day to honor all the Roman soldiers he illegally married against the wishes of Emperor Claudius (who believed soldiers needed to focus on their country instead of love) during his time as a Catholic priest.

Valentine's Day is more than an excuse for a date with a special someone, it's a day to remember that love conquers all. Whether it's spent alone or not, here are eight ways to do it in the most loving way:

Ax Throwing

If you've been having trouble getting into the Love Day mood, the best way to make room for love is to throw out built-up hate. Ax throwing is a great way to do exactly that by blowing off some steam. Trained professionals guide you through at the start, but soon after that, you'll be throwing like a professional having one of the most exhilarating experiences. Seriously, movie and dinner nights are great but this is a switch-up you'll be glad you did. Grab your, friends, your lover, or just you and your cutest throwing outfit and enjoy yourself. At less than $50 for sessions over an hour, this is one of the best ways to fire up your heart, sure to leave you sweating.

Massage

If you have a crazy busy life and ax throwing is a little too much activity for your day of love, booking a good massage might be the way to go. Some peace and quiet while having a professional unwind all of your troubles is a great way to show your mind and body just how much you love them. If this is your first time looking into massages, companies like MassageEnvy allow you to give more details about your lifestyle, health, and possible stressors in order to tailor your massage to give you the best possible experience. By the end, your body will thank you--you'll walk out on a love cloud for sure!

via @chaneeezy

Shopping Spree

Now, I wouldn't be me if I wasn't suggesting a shopping spree as the solution for every minor inconvenience. It's one of the easiest ways to show yourself some love. There really is some magic in putting a bunch of clothes in your cart and awaiting their arrival. (Extra magical if someone else can foot the bill for you!) But even if you're spending your own, remember money comes and goes but self-love is forever--and looking badass in the leather pants you've been eyeing? That's one night only. So go for it.

Gratitude Letter(s)

Gratitude letters are one of my favorite things on the list--not to mention the cheapest and quickest, of course. They also make your heart grow two sizes if you're the Valentine's Day version of the Grinch. If you're unfamiliar with gratitude letters, they can be made out to anyone you are grateful for (not just a lover) and can be two sentences or twenty pages. Write out--yes, with a paper and pen, no text allowed--all the ways in which you thrive because of that person's existence, everything they've helped you become, why they make you happy, or anything that expresses your love for them in a profound and sincere way. Feel free to make it a party amongst friends and write them for one another or opt for some alone time for the most intimate emotions. By the time you finish, you'll be surprised at how full of love you feel even though it was for someone else. Send it off to them and you'll feel even better when they call and thank you.

Cook Dinner

If the quickest way to your heart is your stomach, you should definitely try cooking for yourself this Valentine's Day. The most important part of this one is actually doing the cooking YOURSELF. Go to the grocery store this weekend and pick up everything you need for your favorite dish made the best way: your way. Don't know how? Look it up babe, the worst thing you can do is fail and order in. Like Gusteau says: "Anyone can cook." And it's true. The first time I cooked, it went a million times better than I ever expected simply because I believed it could. When I ate it and realized I prepared it with myself in mind it felt ten times better than some stranger making it for me. A good meal for you by you is the epitome of self-love, make it as spicy or as sweet or as salty as your heart desires--it's all for you.

via @bodybyneeks

Workout

I'm a firm believer that self-love starts from the inside and how much you nurture internally determines how much love you give and receive from the world externally. The best way to work from the inside out is to get your blood flowing and heart pumping with a great workout. My favorite fitness gurus to recommend for a quick burn include Blogilates and Chloe Ting, both found on youtube. If you're anti-gym, do it at home. Like cooking, by the end, you'll be so glad you did and may even make it a habit past V-Day. Follow fitness gurus on Instagram to give you a little motivation between scrolling, like @Bodybyneeks pictured above. Making the gym a habit is a great distraction if you're in between lovers at the moment and want to fall back in love with the one who matters most: yourself. There's nothing like re-entering the dating scene as a better version of yourself because you attract even better options. Not only because you look hotter, but because you feel hotter too! Which is sure to show in your flirty conversation.

New Tattoo or Piercing

Sometimes the best way to show yourself some love is a change--big or small. My favorite way to change when I'm having a bit of an identity crisis or get a little too bored with my money is by getting pierced or getting a new tattoo. It may sound silly to go through pain for a mood boost, but you'd be surprised how new you feel after getting off the table. For my corporate girls who have to be cautious of where you get a tattoo or piercing, there are still lots of ways to have fun with a new look by getting some unique jewelry or colored ink.

Long Drive

The last on the list is a simple way to get some peace of mind. I know it may sound dull, but remember how fun it was to drive when you first got your license? How free and spontaneous you could be? That feeling has only gone to ruin because we've gotten so used to it or because a lot of us are often driving to places we'd rather not be at. Make Valentine's Day the time you go back to appreciating the gift of transportation. Putting $20 in your gas tank, turning your favorite songs on full blast, and riding through your city is an underrated form of tranquility. Made even better during the early morning or late night when no one is out, you'll feel transformed to a different world on a cruise to nowhere.