In today’s world where hectic schedules seem to be the norm, taking time to care for yourself can be a challenge. And when you do find the time, deciding what to do and who to do it with can turn into a daunting task that ends up robbing you of precious time. But what better way to unwind and indulge in some much-needed self-care than a solo date? Read on for a list of ideas that are sure to give you some inspiration, whether you’re looking for relaxed fun or a bit of an adventure.
Coffee shop If you’re the kind of person who likes the smell of coffee and the gentle buzz of conversation in a coffee shop, then your solo date could be as simple as some time spent in your local café. You can also explore a new spot around you or order something you’ve never had at your usual haunt to change things up. Pick a comfy seat, grab a book or magazine, and you’re good to go.
Park Nothing can beat Mother Nature when it comes to providing some peace and quiet. If that’s what you’re looking for, a trip to the park could be just the thing. You can fix yourself a snack and read, draw, journal, or just watch people. Needless to say, the fresh air and sunlight will do you good.
Dinner Going out for dinner is probably the most popular idea for a date, so why not do it solo? Dining alone can seem a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before, but that’s even more reason to go for it. You can step out of your comfort zone and enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant of your choice.
Gallery Whether you’re in the habit of visiting galleries and art shows or not, time spent appreciating art is never wasted. It makes for a great solo activity that is sure to entertain you and open your eyes to new things.
Shopping Many claim shopping is therapeutic. You may agree, or traipsing around the mall may sound like a chore to you. But how about shopping for what you love? Maybe you’re a comic book fan, or you like collecting antiques. Whatever your passion is, there’s almost certainly a store that caters to it.
Event Events are a great way to take a break from your routine and get your mind off things. While it’s true they’re not what they used to be before the pandemic, it’s still worth finding something that interests you, be it live music, poetry readings or even a lecture on a topic you’d like to learn more about.
New skill It’s hard to come up with a better use of downtime than self-improvement. There’s a wide range of skills you could learn while also having fun. Maybe you’ve been itching to try pottery or take a dance lesson. And who knows? You might even pick up a new hobby along the way.
Somewhere with a view The relaxation and the feeling of distance from the daily grind that a great view offers can hardly be matched by anything else. This option is also very versatile, as you can find different places with a view you can enjoy. You could drive to a spot where you can look out at your city, or the sea if you happen to live near one. A rooftop restaurant or bar is another possibility. You could also hike somewhere, adding a sense of achievement to the beauty of the view at the top.
Different cultures You may not have the luxury of traveling the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a day off to satisfy your sense of adventure. Get a taste of a different culture by sampling foreign food you’ve never had before or exploring a part of town dedicated to a particular culture.
Adrenaline rush If you spend most of your time sitting at a desk or tackling the same long to-do list every day, you could really benefit from challenging yourself and feeling the high of an adrenaline rush. Use your free time to go on a scary ride, skydive, do some public speaking or any number of things that can get your blood pumping. A word of caution – your safety should always come first.
Now that you’re armed with this list, you know where to look the next time you feel like taking a break and planning a solo date or ten.