It’s time to face it: You probably won’t be kissing anyone under that darn mistletoe this year. And while you want to be okay with being that hip, cool woman who rocks her independence, you can’t help feeling a little down about it.
No boyfriend to share a hot chocolate. No boyfriend to watch the downtown tree lighting while hand-in-hand. No boyfriend… well, you get the point.
Just because you’re single this winter doesn’t mean you can’t stay nice and toasty. This winter season, use these five tricks to banish the no-boyfriend blues.
1. Put Worries to Bed
Boyfriend who? Waking up alone in a warm bed on a snowy winter morning can now be enjoyable with a full body pillow. These snuggly pillows are about six to eight feet in length and provide support for your entire body.
You don’t need to have back pain to splurge on one of these pillows. Cozy up with one of these, and it will feel like you have the quietest, most snuggly boyfriend in the world. Just be wary of adding a mug of coffee and a good book into the mix; you may never venture away from your bed again.
2. Dress to Impress
Winter months can be challenging for fashionistas. From bulky sweaters to wet socks, you may have to invest in a winter wardrobe update. If you live in a city and have to walk, make sure you invest in some fashionable waterproof boots to trek through the worst slush Old Man Winter can throw at you.
Build your closet with layers in mind. Cardigans, pullovers and some long underwear will keep you cozier than any boyfriend could. And don’t forget a comfortable yet stylish winter jacket. With a warm jacket, you’ll be up for venturing outside more often. Maybe your new sense of style will even spark a new love interest!
3. Work It Out
Keep warm by sweating it out! It may be hard to get into a workout routine in chilly weather if you’re used to running outside, but winter is no excuse to give up working out.
Invest in a gym membership or subscribe to a daily workout program if you have enough room in your home or apartment. If you lack motivation, ask a friend or coworker to meet up with you to workout.
Chances are, you’ll catch someone’s eye at the gym and maybe share a protein shake… well, maybe not. That’s just gross. But you will look and feel better than you would eating takeout and binge watching Netflix!
4. Treat Yourself
Just because you don’t have a boyfriend to be your sidekick doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and enjoy life. It may be tempting to stay in your apartment because it’s frigid, but there is a whole winter wonderland waiting out there!
Track down some concerts or treat yourself to Thai each week. Find something to motivate you to get out of your apartment for a reason other than going to work and grabbing groceries. You may even enjoy some festive winter activities, like snow tubing, ice-skating or visiting a Christmas village. Gather your best friends and go out for an adventure!
5. Be Happy
Trying to be happy during winter can be tough. With less sunshine, freezing cold and lonely feelings, you might find yourself feeling reclusive and depressed. There actually might be a major cause for you feeling that way, too.
Seasonal Effective Disorder is no joke. It can mess with your sleep pattern and affect your eating habits, making you feel crumby and down on yourself. If you have a mild case of the winter blues, try filling your apartment with plants. Nurturing something during those gloomy winter months can help keep you cheerful.
Special sunlamps are also an effective way to combat depression in the winter. However, if you start to feel too down on yourself that you aren’t able to perform your daily functions or you begin to have suicidal thoughts, it’s time to see a doctor.
With the above cozy tricks, you’ll make it out of winter without even looking for Prince Charming!
