Whether you’re dating, single, or in a committed relationship, we could all use some time alone. After all, it’s the relationship you have with yourself that’s the most important one you’ll ever have. Taking yourself on dates can improve your existing relationships, give you time to focus on your own interests, and it can aid in your own self-discovery. Here are a few things you might try doing solo to enrich your life and enjoy your own company.
- See a movie. Rom-com, horror, drama — whatever your genre, go see a movie. Most of us don’t socialize during a movie anyway, so go treat yourself to a box of candy and watch one of the new releases that have been building up over the last year. Watching a movie by yourself means you can be fully present without worrying about what your friends or partner are thinking, and you can have the popcorn all to yourself.
- Shop at a thrift store. On a budget? Grab the wadded up $10 bill you accidentally put through the wash and go to your nearest thrift store. There’s nothing better than finding an adorable outfit at a low price. If your closet is too full, try going through it and finding things you can repurpose or take to your local consignment shop to make an extra few bucks (maybe to spend at a thrift store!); it’s a never-ending sustainable cycle.
- Grab a cup of coffee at a local favorite or a new spot you’ve never tried. Find a new coffee shop and bring a book or your journal. Enjoy the company of others, even as you sit alone, and take some time to think about your goals or enter into a new world with your favorite characters. Oh, and make sure to get nice and caffeinated too.
- Take a fitness class. Get your endorphins going with a yoga, cycling, or strength training class. Most places offer a new customer deal, so you’ll be able to find places for cheap. Exercise is said to improve your mood and take away stress, so not only will you get the physical benefits, you’ll get some mental benefits as well.
- Have a night in. Pour yourself a glass of wine, watch your favorite show, and have a dance party of one. You don’t have to leave the house to have a great night, and it’s always fun to dance like nobody’s watching (because this time, no one is). If you have a bit of extra money, treat yourself to some new PJs and have a bubble bath as part of your evening too.
- Watch the sunset. A universal daily beauty awaits you. Find out what time the sunset is and go capture it. There’s nothing more peaceful than watching as the sky explodes into color. Practice being in the moment and slowing your perception of time. Watch as the sun passes over the horizon and just breathe.
- Go kayaking or hiking. Get your daily dose of vitamin D the fun way. Take some time to get outside. Explore your local park or find a business nearby that does kayak rentals. Being outside is proven to increase energy levels and decrease anxiety, and there’s even research suggesting that being alone in nature can improve your future goal setting and help you to focus on your priorities. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a bit of tranquility.
- Grab your groceries at a public market. Public markets have a ton of benefits, from promoting public health to bringing together diverse groups of people. Going to a public market can make your Sunday grocery run a lot more fun. Not only is the produce fresher and more affordable than at grocery stores, but it’s also better for the environment and your health. Shopping locally supports the local economy and is a great way to explore a new part of your town or city.
- Bake a new treat. Ever find yourself stalking Instagram foodie accounts and salivating? Why not try to bake your dream treat on your own? Baking is a meditative act and can be incredibly soothing to do alone. Take your time picking out a recipe and allow the butter, sugar, and flour to paint your kitchen. After your creation is baked, you can explore your creative side by decorating with frosting, sprinkles, and other decorations. By the end, you’ll have a delicious treat to bring to a social event or enjoy all on your own.
- Day trip to a new place. Going somewhere unfamiliar alone can be scary, but it can also be a great way to see something you wouldn’t usually. The best part about traveling alone is that you don’t have to take into account anyone else’s feelings; you can explore the area at your own pace and make your itinerary completely your own. And, if you’re driving, you can control the aux.
Choosing to take some time to yourself and do things that you love to do can be rejuvenating. Plus, learning to love being alone can make you more comfortable with yourself and help you to discover who you are. You deserve to be treated like a princess, and who better to treat you right than yourself?
