With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we are all reminded of how lucky we are to be with our significant other, or just how lonely we are. I happen to fall in the second category, as I haven't had a boyfriend in four years. However, even if you are like me and spend every Valentine's Day with your cats, you should still spend Valentine's Day rewarding someone you love. Why can't that person be yourself? Emotional health is important, and taking the time to try to boost it can do wonders for your mental stability. While not all of the following suggestions will be to your liking, I hope that you all can find at least one suggestion that you can enjoy.

1. Go out to eat.

Personally, I look forward to eating at places that are not my home. Going out to eat will reward you with good food, and a relaxing time. Pick your favourite place to eat, set off there, and spend an afternoon relaxing and unwinding. If you don't want to get a full meal, or can't afford a full meal, go out and get ice cream, or coffee, or even a bag of chips. I enjoy getting ice cream from my nearest gas station, and going to my local cafe for cheesecake and hot chocolate. I find it relaxing, and it also makes me feel very grown up, so there is that perk too.

2. Think about your friends.

Friends are something that everyone needs, regardless of if someone says otherwise. We can tell our friends things that we would never tell our parents or partners. If you are feeling low, or worthless, think about why your friends are friends with you. Better yet, ask them yourself if you feel comfortable enough. Chances are, they will say something really sweet and self esteem boosting. If they don't, don't feel too bad. There are plenty of reasons why someone might not share their true feelings, most of which have nothing to do with you.

3. Buy yourself something new.

This one ties in with the previous suggestion, and accomplishes the same goal. Go out, and buy something that makes your happy, or that you are interested in. Like video games? Buy that game you have been eyeing. Like sports? Get a new hockey stick or soccer ball. Like reading and writing? Buy yourself a new book, or a pack of fancy pens. Like fashion? Get yourself a new outfit. The whole point of buying yourself something new is so that you can reward yourself for making it through another year all in one piece, which isn't always an easy task.

4. Take a bath.

This one isn't for everyone. Some people find baths relaxing and soothing, others find them gross and boring. I am one of those people. Baths don't work for me because I get bored really easily, and am scared of dropping my phone in the bathtub. But for those of you who like baths, turn off the lights, light some candles, invest in some good smelling bath products, and feel yourself de-stress.

5. Buy yourself something Valentine's Day related.

At first glance, this one seems kind of cheesy and stupid. Why would I buy myself a card or some flowers? After all, it's not like I'm dating myself. Hear me out, okay? I love getting flowers and chocolates. My boyfriend in fifth grade got me chocolates for Valentine's and I still haven't forgotten it. Although I broke up with him a couple days later, but that's irrelevant. Getting gifts make people feel good, even though experiences tend to make people feel better in the long run. And who says that you can't get yourself some chocolates, or flowers? Get yourself some chocolates, plop yourself down in the already mentioned bath, and enjoy yourself. You deserve those chocolates. Besides, why should you let all the happy couples have the fun?

6. Get outside.

I am guilty of spending most of my life indoors. Whether I'm in school or at home, I'm always inside. Now, this isn't totally my fault. Right now, it's winter in Canada. Winter's in Canada are cold. Very cold. I don't go outside unless I have to. But for those of you who are lucky enough to have nice weather, get outside. Take a walk, go for a swim, play some basketball in your driveway, even if you suck at basketball. For my fellow snowsuit people, we know that there are lots of way to get outside in the winter. Go sledding, go ice skating, build a snowman. Getting outside can not only be lots of fun, but can also be tranquil and provide a nice change of scenery, even if you are just in your front yard slaying your younger brother in a snowball/water fight.

7. Think about your strengths.

Everyone has strengths. Everyone is born with some gift that they can use. Even if you think that you are the most untalented person in the world, you have a talent. Some people's talents are more subtle than others, and that's okay. For instance, I have a friend that is great at knowing when instruments are in tune. I have another friend that always takes great pictures, no matter what they look like. Just because you aren't good at sports, or math, or music, doesn't mean that you don't have a strength. Taking the time to find and cultivate that strength will always pay off.

8. Remember that you matter.

There's a joke that I'm sure has been said at least once in every science class ever. It goes something like this:

"Do you take up space?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Then you matter!"

Corny, I know. But it is a pretty worthwhile joke if you think about it. Nobody in this world is worthless. Nobody was born for no reason. Everyone takes up space, and without you, that space wouldn't ever be the same. We are all connected, and just because you think you don't matter, you matter very much to someone else.

Thank you all for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this article. I wish you all a safe and happy Valentine's Day, and I hope that at least one person out there reads this and it makes an impact on them. Until next time...

Cat