With the winter months often considered ‘cuffing season,’ a breakup can feel even worse. The glimmer of ‘hot girl summer’ is far out in the distance, and cozy holiday pictures of your friend's relationships are up close and personal on your Instagram. Perhaps your immediate thought is to hide under the covers or even delete social media altogether. But if I’ve learned anything from my immediate need to run from any problem, it’s that it really doesn’t help. In fact, it’s pointless; the problem will still be waiting once you’ve run the distance. So why bother deleting an app to avoid all the happy couples going ice skating, scuba diving, or eating at fancy restaurants when you can take the time to improve yourself?

The cozy season doesn’t have to be spent with a significant other. At the end of the day, cold days might be better being with your friends or even enjoying your own company. If this is a season of love, why not make it a season of self-love?

Below are all the best ways to enjoy yourself this holiday season. You got this!

• Find Movement 

Maybe it’s a walk, hot yoga, or an intense pilates class, but decide to get a bit of regular movement into your life. ClassPass has a membership promo with their trail offers and it allows you to try different gyms and workouts, but also other types of experiences such as saunas, meditation sessions, spa treatments, eyebrows shaping, and many other similar services. At one point, I had a girlfriend break up with her boyfriend and start lifting weights as a distraction! It might sound like something the ‘bros’ would do, but watching yourself become healthier is the best confidence boost. 

• Embrace learning

Let’s be real, you were probably smarter than your last situationship anyway, but after the breakup, why not get even smarter? Your education and wit will make even the most boring dates all the more entertaining anyway…just try to keep a straight face when your next romantic interest begins to explain something you already know. Or better yet? Explain it to them, because you didn’t spend your last breakup sitting down, you bettered yourself.  

• Find the best sleep schedule for you 

  When you lose someone you’re used to sleeping beside, your sleep schedule can get messed up. To find your own circadian rhythm, start by trying to give yourself a solid eight hours of rest and notice the times. Should you fall asleep at 9 PM? 10 PM? What time do you get up and feel the most rested? If you’re struggling to even fall asleep, consider creating a nighttime routine.

• Embrace self-care

  Not to be vain, but if you're feeling a bit down try little things to enhance your natural appearance. Invest in some nice lotion, treat yourself to a spa day, or give yourself a facial. These little things that pamper you are great ways to bring a smile to your face and make you feel even more beautiful. 

• Go on holiday adventures with yourself or girlfriends

  One of the main reasons people might begin to feel glum after a breakup during this season rather than others is that the holidays bring plenty of little adventures that seem to be made for couples. Ice skating, tree decorating, holiday movie nights, and more make the season so perfect but don’t always assume it’s your partner who needs to do these activities with you. In fact, some of these are arguably better to do with your friends. 

• Consider dating 

  Now before you think I’m encouraging a hook-up phase, I’m not. While everyone should do what they want, I tend to be a staunch believer in the fact that meaningless hook-ups are simply done to ignore yourself and your own feelings. However, if you do feel ready, start to accept a few dates. Dinner or drinks never killed anyone and these little rendezvous will remind you there are plenty of fish in the sea!

• Spend more time with family 

  Whether this is your chosen family or actual relatives, spending more time with those closest to you can often help remind you of your worth. Apart from making you feel better, it is also important to strengthen those ties again if you made your former significant other the top priority. 

At the end of the day, remember that break-ups will take time and you need to move at your own pace.