I am a solo-date enthusiast. Whether you have a partner or not, spending quality time with yourself is an ultimate practice of self love and appreciation. When work, home life and other stresses feel too overwhelming, this article will illustrate 30 ideas that you can pursue. My initial recommendations is to choose a day that's completely clear of any other plans. You don't want to have many chores in your mind, so try your hardest to get these done the day before so you don't cause yourself to worry and feel guilty. We get way too wound up over little worries in our day to day lives and that's why a solo-date can help destress and help you feel like your connecting with your truest self.
Of course by doing anything solo, it begs the question of safety. Remember to tell others of your day plan so they know where you are are. I recommend downloading life360 and connecting with family, a partner or close friends so they can stay updated with your precise location and come to get you in case of emergency.
A day trip to a town that sparks joy in you
Primarily, have budget in mind for your day out and look online for train and bus tickets that accommodate you the perfect amount of time at the location. My exemplar day out (I live in Brighton most of the time) would be Lewes if I wanted a nearby, short and sweet trip, Hastings (a hour and 10 minute drive or train) or the medieval town of Rye that would take me 2 hours on the train. Meanwhile if you live in London, perhaps Windsor or Oxford would make a perfect day trip. I plan posting as many day out itineraries in the most UK towns over this next year so keep your eyes peeled on my page! Fill up your solo date with a combination or one of these activities: 2. Go walk to a bookshop and choose a new book Sit down in a coffee shop you love or have always wanted to try out or a quiet spot and get lost in your book.
3. Do the same as 2. just instead with a diary This is the perfect opportunity to consolidate all the things flying around in your mind making life feel overwhelming. By getting them down on paper you can then create goals and use it as a way to inspire you.
4. Visit a National Trust property If you live in the UK you'll likely know of national trust houses. They are stunning historical houses and gardens that you can walk around, usually with a cafe, gift shops or even a restaurant attached. If you live to the West of London or not too far from Maidenhead, I recommend Cliveden House due it's stunning architecture and never-ending beautiful grounds. If you don't live in the UK search for similar public houses/museum that are not too far.
5. A Photography Day Head down to a known beautiful location you wish to capture and experiment with taking pictures. Just a reminder: make sure the camera is fully charged and bring a bag to store it when not in use. If you don't own your own camera or cannot borrow one from family/friends, you can just take images with your phone.
6. Grab a pad and pen/pencil and draw your surroundings Like a photography day, choose a location that inspires and excites you. Once you have done it, perhaps frame it and put it up in your room as a reminder of your day-out and as a act of self love. Avoid criticising your piece as much as you can, instead, remind yourself how your efforts are equating to progress.
7. Picnic On a warm day, making up a picnic at home and walking to a local field/park brings immense joy. Prepare your favourite food and drink (don't forget utensils) and perhaps a little speaker to play your chosen tunes for the ultimate happy vibes.
8. Go solo to the spa Depending on your budget, this is the perfect way to destress (especially if it's a day spa as you can spend more time relaxing).
9. Hair or nail appointment Depending on your budget, you can get a cheaper procedure (just a wash and blowdry or simple nails) or go all out. You deserve to get treatments that make you feel good and confident!
10. Go to the cinema I recommend to everyone to go see a movie by themselves, it allows you to base an opinion on the film that isn't altered by someone else. I also recommend going out for a bite to eat afterwards, where you can write a review on Letterboxd (your own film review diary app) or research the cute actor/actress in it that caught your eye!
11. Zoo Not always available for most nearby, but a really fun day out by yourself - being alone means no distractions and you can really observe the animals for as long as you like. I recommend bringing a camera and capturing these memories.
12. Exercise - try going on a long jog/run If you don't exercise often, your date is a great time to start. Take breaks and evaluate and praise your progress. Hopefully, you will finish your work out having had a great day out exploring whilst running and feel proud of yourself.
13. Library You may have a local library nearby - if you live in London, The British Library, The London Library, Guildhall Library, National Art Library at the V&A or The Poetry Library at the Southbank Centre are great options. Use it as an opportunity to turn off your phone and fully indulge in a book.
14. Art Gallery Being alone in an art gallery means that you can take your time to analyse and enjoy your personal favourite pieces to the fullest, with no one waiting for you to be done. Many places have free entry such as (if you choose London as your location) National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Modern.
15. Thrifting You'll find charity shops all around the UK, go ruffle through the rails in hopes to find something special that doesn't break the bank and helps out charities.
16. Take a exercise class Whether spinning, yoga, boxing, Spanning HIIT, Aqua Aerobics, dancing etc. Try out a new sport or choose one you know you enjoy. Going independently will help you exercise the ability to be confident in new situations that put you out of your comfort zone.
16. Take a creative class Whether pottery, painting, floristry, sewing, graphic design, film and editing skills etc. You can feel proud of the work you create and share it with others after your solo-date, aiding your self love and appreciation!
17. Take an educational class Learn a new language, exercise your business skills, learn how to code like a Software Engineer, cooking classes, a topic that you can use to help you integrate into a new career etc.
18. Farm A fun trip to a farm will help you connect to nature. Perhaps take your camera or sketchpad to photograph or draw the animals to work on your skills whilst capturing your day.
19. Go back to your hometown, old school and favourite childhood spots Reconnect with your inner child and recognise how much you have grown and progressed through life.
20. Go see live music If you are going to a concert at night, have someone to pick you up or meet you after for your safety! By being independent, you can choose to see an artist you love that your friends or family didn't want to see and relish the performance to the fullest.
If you don't want to do any of these ideas, I hope you take the message from this article - that you deserve some time to yourself, to slow down, not think about your troubles, reconnect with your inner child, do the things that make you happy and remind yourself to be proud of your growth and to love yourself inside and out.
“Your words have so much power. Every day, if you tell yourself ‘I love you,’ if you give yourself one word of validation, it will change your mind.” —Ashley Graham.

Comments