Lizzo, the queen of self-love, sings in her song Soulmate ‘‘Cause I’m my own soulmate (Yeah, yeah)/I know how to love me (Love me)/I know that I’m always gonna hold me down”.
Preach it, kween.
Often more than not, the person who best knowns how to look after yourself is just that: yourself. You, better than anyone else, know what you enjoy doing the most and what cheers you up after a bad day. So, it is important to spend time with yourself and keep in check who you are and what you enjoy doing. Going on a ‘date’ with yourself is the best way to do this. Whilst it may seem daunting to go and do something completely on your own there are a variety of benefits which, for example, help you to be more relaxed in public, independent and self-assured. I often go on dates with myself. I take my laptop or notepad to a cafe or pub, I enjoy and coffee or pint and get stuck into my writing for a couple of hours.
If you have never been on a date with yourself before it might seem hard to think what to, or where to go. So, I hope that these few ideas will get you thinking about date ideas for yourself. If anything, regardless of what you do, you won’t be getting ghosted at the end of it.
Date Ideas To Have With Yourself
Food For Your Soul
Whether it is a Michelin star establishment or your local Wetherspoons, we all have our favourite places to eat out at. Be it for the great service, affordable prices or tasty food that you simply cannot replicate at home – no matter how hard you try – there is a reason it is your favourite. One great date idea to have with yourself is to take yourself out to your favourite place to eat. Whilst going on your own can seem intimidating, it gives you an invaluable chance to appreciate the food, the service and the ambience on a one-on-one basis – really appreciate it. This can solidify and/or reinvigorate what you love about that restaurant and, also, what you expect for yourself when you go out.
Food, in many ways, holds a special place in our lives. It is something we need to survive, certainly, but it is something that fills us with endorphins, feelings and memories. Health and lifestyle blogs all over the web attempt to list off all the foods that can improve your mood, bring you happiness and revitalise you. Regardless of these many lists, your favourite restaurant will always beat ‘a handful of blueberries’ or ‘a cup of walnuts’.
Lose Yourself In The Screen
The art of film is well regarded for its ability to make its audiences lose themselves in its storytelling and imaginary worlds. Going to the cinema to watch a film is a great way to spend time with yourself, relaxing away from all your problems and stresses by concentrating on a world that is not your own. A cinema trip can make you feel like you have been to a different galaxy, saved the world and fell in love all without leaving the comfort of your seat (and dealing with the actual stresses of doing any of that). As well, going to the cinema is a fantastic date idea for yourself because there is almost always something for someone, meaning you won’t be left without a choice. From action to animation, romance to horror there is a genre to suit everyone’s palette. Then if you can’t decide between two films? Turn your ‘date’ into a whole day event by watching both!
A Walk Is Natures Best Medicine
It is often said that walking is the best exercise you can do. According to the NHS, it helps build stamina, keep your heart healthy and gets you out of the house and into the wide world. Going for a walk is a wonderful date to have with yourself as it allows you to experience nature and the world around you in an uninhibited way. Across the UK, and the rest of the world, there is an almost unlimited amount of places to go for beautiful rambles, hikes and walks all of which will make you feel physically and mentally healthier. If you live in a big city or are not normally the ‘outdoorsy-type’ and so are not quite sure where to start, then the National Trust is a great place to look for walking routes near you.
The Queen Of Your Own Castle
Is there anything better than being unapologetically yourself? For most people the place we feel most comfortable doing this is in our very own homes. We can be ourselves without the pressures, expectations or stresses that social situations may bring. That, in itself, can have a number of positive effects as it helps you relax and feel less anxious.
A great date idea for yourself is thus as simple as it sounds: spend a day at home doing whatever you want. Watch a film? Catch up on that Netflix series? Try a new recipe? Clean everything Mrs Hinch-style? Do whatever it is that sparks joy for you, to quote from Marie Kondo, and treat yourself to a day of just #DoingYou.
