While for some people Valentine's Day is about ultimate romance, boxes of chocolate and expensive flower arrangements, for single women it might sometimes feel like a day to survive against all odds as they are forced to face the lovers' holiday head on.  

If you're feeling the weight of your single status bearing down on you, don't get defeated. We've outlined some fun and exciting ways to spend the day focusing on you and the things you love to do.

Toronto-based psychotherapist Kimberly Moffit offers tips on how single women can celebrate themselves this Valentine's Day.

Make it a day of reflection

Embrace the day as an opportunity to engage in self-reflection rather than simply feeling bad about being single.

 ''Perhaps you are incredibly dedicated to your career and have little time for a relationship or you're suffering from Taylor Swift syndrome and have a string of failed relationships,'' says Moffit.

Either way, Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to take the time to reflect and recognize your wants and needs.

Host a vino and vision board soirée

Pass up igniting your ex-files at a group bonfire and opt for a vino and vision board party instead. All that's required is a corkboard, some materials (like old magazines) to cut words and images out of, some cheerful company and plenty of wine.

''Use Valentine's Day as a productive day to set personal goals for the year as opposed to feeling self-pity,'' says Moffit. After all, it is into the fullest lives that love is most likely to fall.

Make some 'me' time

There is no better way to spend a day than treating yourself to all of the things you love and crave. Whether it's pampering yourself with a blowout, a facial or a Ryan Gosling movie marathon, go ahead and relish your independence.

''It's not every day of the year where you can get that peace and quiet,'' says Moffit.

Go out on a date night

Why not spend Cupid's special day doing something you enjoy, while meeting someone new? Match.com's DateSpark app allows you to post a date of your desire – be it ice-skating or taking a cooking class -- and other members of the site reply if interested. Simply peruse their profiles to choose the winning candidate you'd like to meet. Refuse to let your single status turn you into strong hater of all things red and fragrant on Valentine's Day.

Spread compassion

Add up all of the hours you were going to spend replaying Love Actually with a pint of Ben and Jerry's in your lap and volunteer them to a favourite charity. Seeing a face light up from your small kind gesture or petting an animal at your local Humane Society is sure to leave you with a happy--go--lucky feeling that's sure to last long past February 14.

Stay active

Boxes of refined sugar are sweet yet hazardous, and being cooped up inside will leave you feeling lethargic and dreary. Get those feel-good endorphins moving and avoid any hermit--like behaviour by taking a stroll, joining a dance class or going for a bike ride. Research has shown that exposing yourself to nature can positively influence your mental outlook.

Plan a girls' night out

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw herself, spend a night out being ''single and fabulous.'' Research has proven that social support can have a positive effect on mood – and we're not talking about social networking over your computer. Head out and mingle in real time. After all, it is the one night of the year when you can be sure everyone in the vicinity is without a plus one.