Learning to enjoy time with yourself is the key to happy living, whether you’re single or dating. You will always be your biggest support system so make sure you invest time getting to know yourself, before anyone else. In this blog, I will be sharing some great solo date ideas for you to know and love yourself, a little more each day.
Before you go, ‘I’m in a great relationship, I don’t need this’, hold on there. Choosing to spend time alone not only increases self-awareness but can also improve the quality of your general interactions.
A 2022 study indicates ‘aloneliness’ or dissatisfaction owing to lack of solitude could predict anger and aggression among people in romantic relationships.
If you’ve been feeling agitated, irritable, stressed, and overwhelmed all the time, there’s a high chance you need a solo date.
Of course, being lonely is not a great feeling but choosing to spend some time in solitude can send a whole bunch of good things your way.
Hence, it is always great to give yourself a break from your social life and go on a solo date. So, let’s get on with some uncommon solo date ideas to help you.
10 Interesting Solo Date Ideas for the Millennial in You
Research shows that people who chose to spend positive and productive time alone experienced increased relaxation and reduced stress. This in turn improves your physical and mental health. Another study shows that this can even stretch to improving your creativity which requires a balance between social interaction and solitude.
Is it Okay to go on a Solo Date?
Everyone needs some quiet time away from their daily obligations, no matter their job, number of friends, or relationship status. So, yes it is completely okay to go on a solo
Before I introduce you to some great solo date ideas, let’s talk about what you need to do to get started.
- Stop worrying about other people’s opinions: Your relationship with yourself is unique. No one needs to approve of the way you take care of yourself.
- Be open to being silly: When you’re around people, you often have to be on your best behavior. On a solo date, however, you can be as quirky, weird, or playful as you like. No holds barred.
- Prioritize yourself. Taking care of your family and friends is awesome but you can’t pour from an empty cup. So make sure you keep aside some time and days just for your solo date.
Now that you have the right perspective, let’s talk about the best solo date ideas for you to embrace spending time with yourself.
Apart from all the research-backed reasons for solitude, I’m here to tell you that beyond everything else, spending time with yourself is just pure fun.
Putting together a list of solo date ideas that make you feel good is the best step towards self-love. Being someone who prioritizes self-awareness and care, I’ve had my fair share of some amazing me-time over the years. Thus, I’m sharing my absolute favorite solo date ideas below. I hope these inspire you to ask yourself out right away!
10 Solo Date Ideas for the Millennial in You
1. Heritage Walks
Calling all explorers! Before you start planning your next vacation, remember there’s a bunch to see around you, in your city.
Get your tourist hat on and look up groups or guides offering cultural walks in your city. There’s nothing quite like discovering bits of heritage and art that are right next door to you. Better yet, take pictures and put together a virtual scrapbook for the archives.
I bet you haven’t been everywhere in your city, so now’s a good time to get started.
2. Movie Mornings
You heard that right. Sure, movie nights at that 3D multiplex are great but movie mornings are way underrated.
Look up what’s playing and book a late morning or noon show (We don’t want to wake up super early on date day!). If this is the first time you’re visiting a theater alone, a morning show will help you get more comfortable with the experience. With fewer moviegoers around, you’re likely to be less worried about who’s looking at you and judging. Also, the joys of not sharing popcorn with anyone are immeasurable.
You could also have a movie morning by taking a day off and lazing with some Netflix in your living room. Imagine waking up to watch your favorite movie or series instead of a long morning at work – the best day ever!
3. Journal and Jam
I know you know you should be journaling but are you? You’re likely avoiding it because you dislike the idea of sitting down seriously with a notebook, like homework.
What if you made it a solo date instead? Journaling can be so much more enjoyable if you let go of the pressure you’re putting on it to be all neat and tidy.
Instead, slip into some comfortable jammies, put your fairy lights on, and play your favorite melodies in the background. Once you’ve got the right mood going, pick your most comfortable chair and begin writing, without a deadline.
When you’re relaxed and at peace, you’re far more likely to enjoy journaling as a hobby instead of making it a routine activity.
4. Cafe Crawl
You don’t need a significant other to visit that cute cafe you love.
Make a list of cool cafes you’ve seen around town. Pick a weekend, get your best casual-chic outfit on, and spend the day cafe hopping.
Bring your favorite book or podcast and just kick back with your perfect coffee. Don’t forget to throw in that dessert.
5. Cook your favorite meal
I know you’re thinking – why not just order in? That is because cooking is the ultimate act of love.
Finding the perfect recipe and working to serve up your best version? There’s no better way to tell your inner self that you’re worthy than that warm, freshly cooked meal.
In addition to being a great solo date idea, this is also the ideal self-care skill that can support you on good days and bad.
So, cook up that feast, pull out the fancy dinnerware, light some candles, put on some music and truly enjoy this offering of self-love.
6. Park Picnics
Before dogs, nature was man’s best friend. Treating yourself to a bit of sun and sky now and then can help you connect with yourself way better.
Make a list of parks nearby and keep it handy. On a good weather day, pack up a quick picnic with your favorite snacks and a book and head on over. If you’re in a creative mood, carry your notebook to sketch or write.
And of course, if you find some cute floofs out there, that’s the cherry on the cake.
7. Sip and Shop
Why does shopping always have to be a Saturday out or a last-minute internet frenzy before the holidays?
For those among you who love to shop online, make an evening out of it. Put on your most comfortable jammies, grab a beverage, and have a long, leisurely evening just looking at things you like.
And I’m not just talking about clothes. Check out dinnerware, kitchen equipment, stationery or anything you actually need. Bookmark items that might be out of your budget right now so you can save up to buy them.
The smart shopping gods will approve!
8. Plan a Staycation
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. This doesn’t always have to be a fancy holiday abroad or that hiking trip to the mountains.
Try and find an Airbnb in a nice area close to you. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just comfortable. Better yet, if your BFF is out of town for the weekend, ask them if you can stay over.
Take a good book, a meditation app on your phone, some of your favorite munchies and just take the time to well and truly chill. Put a timer on your social media so you don’t end up scrolling your time away. Even better, go for a digital detox. Happy Resting!
9. Volunteer
If you’ve always been passionate about giving back, this is your reminder to go out and do it.
There are tons of causes around you that may need help. Look up local charities and NGOs that take volunteers and figure out what’s the best fit for your time and personality.
Giving back can be a great way to boost your mood and belief in a good world. A day where you get to make someone smile is always one worth having.
10. Try out new looks
Remember the time when you and your friends would play dress-up for hours, preening in front of the mirror? Research shows that dressing up in certain ways can have a significant impact on your confidence and you don’t need to go anywhere to do it.
Open your cupboard and put together combinations of clothes you never would’ve usually had. Experiment with colors and accessories – the point is to go crazy and have a little fun. Go a step further and doll up with some makeup if you’re in the mood.
Most importantly, don’t forget to take one long ramp walk in front of the mirror and blow yourself a kiss!
Conclusion
Famous host and motivational icon, Oprah Winfrey once said, “ Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own.”
A solo date is not another fun activity. It’s you showing up and committing to taking care of yourself each day.
So try out these solo date ideas above or better yet, come up with your own to get started. I recommend starting a ‘Solo Date Idea’ vision board or jar where you can keep collecting your favorite activities.
Every week, pull out one idea you’re going to use and watch how you grow to love spending time with yourself.
Have a great date!
