While most people look down on being single, I see it as a glorious opportunity to redefine yourself without anyone or anything tying you down or holding you back. But if you're a little less convinced, you can lessen your odds of feeling sad by keeping a few things in mind.

Remember that being in a relationship isn't the be all, end all

Going into the new year sulking about your relationship status is no way to welcome a fresh start. You're single, okay? You're not dying of a terminal illness. It's not the end of the world.

Besides, who knows what the new year will hold?

Form new friendships and reconnect with old friends
You're never too old for new friends. New friends can be great because you can share the same old stories you've told all your old friends a billion times (plus they'll probably be grateful you've got a new set of ears to pawn them on). Even better, new friendships can provide a new perspective on life that may even transform your own outlook.

In a way, rekindling old friendships can be even better than making new ones. There's something comforting about catching up with someone you haven't seen in ages. People can change over time too, so you may find you have even more in common than you did before. Either way, it doesn't hurt to say hi.

Try new things

Singledom is a glorious period of self growth positively made for trying new things and getting outside your comfort zone. Always wanted to get into yoga? Take a class. Always wanted to go hiking? Take a buddy or go solo and find a track. Do something new that will make you happy just because you can. The world is your oyster.

Travel

You're in a place in your life where nothing is holding you back so take advantage of it and see the world. I guarantee you won't regret it because no one ever comes back from a holiday and wishes they'd stayed at home in their bedroom instead.

Throw yourself into your career

Chances are you haven't figured out what you want to do with your life yet which is fine because you're still young. Use this time when you're virtually free of responsibility and aren't tied down to anyone to figure out what you want to do.

Focus on now and the future

Maybe your relationship came to a spectacular end last year or you've been single for awhile. Either way, don't let the story of how you became single or have always been single doesn't need to be voiced or replayed in your head. Be in the moment and embrace the new year for what it is - a clean slate. Let the past do what its best at - staying behind you.

Emma is just your average book loving, tea drinking, story writing, narcissistic millennial on an eternal quest for the perfect t-shirt. Ever since she picked up her first copy of Dolly when she was twelve, she always knew she wanted to work in magazines. She would describe herself as a bit of a hopeless romantic with an obsession for true crime and horror and a love for red wine, whiskey or a stiff gin and tonic. When she's not binge watching Netflix or buying things she can't afford online, she spends her weekends trawling through bookstores and eating her way through Brisbane.