If you’ve ever gone on a date with high hopes but felt nothing but disappointment at the end of the night, you’re not alone. But if you’re feeling defeated, we have a wild proposition: Date yourself. Delete the apps, stop prioritizing others, and take some time to care for you. The idea of dating yourself isn’t just for our single friends; no matter your relationship status, you should be dating yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, use the tips below!
Ditch the Sweats
Odds are, if you’re going on a date, you put on a nice ’fit, right? When was the last time you did that for yourself? How we dress affects our mood, so the next time you head out of the house, even if it’s just running errands, ditch the sweatpants and oversized T-shirt and instead dress in what makes you feel great.
Take Up Journaling
Journaling doesn’t have to be fancy, but taking a few minutes to self-reflect at the end of the day can help you get to know yourself a little better. A great way to stick with your journaling practice is to set a timer and write until it goes off.
Take the Night Off
We’re no strangers to staying up late to get some extra work done. But this shouldn’t be the norm. Choose at least one night during the week to take off: Enjoy a delicious dinner at home, sip a glass of wine, and head to bed early after watching a few episodes of your favorite show. Your mind and body will thank you.
Fuel Up on the Good Stuff
Food is fuel, and you probably noticed that when you live solely on lattes, burgers, and cake, you start feeling sluggish. Instead, try recipes jam-packed with nutrients to give you energy and make you feel good. An easy way to do this is to try out a meal subscription service and get the healthy stuff delivered right to your door.
Take Yourself on a Date
Take a book from your TBR pile to your local coffee shop, make a dinner reservation at your favorite restaurant, or see a movie…there are endless possibilities when it comes to taking yourself on a date.
Try Something New
Whatever you’ve been thinking about trying, whether it’s a dance class, a cooking class, or skydiving, do it! We only grow when we step out of our comfort zones. When we challenge ourselves, the little things may not feel as scary.
Stop and Buy the Roses
We buy flowers for the people around us to show that we care, so why shouldn’t we do it for ourselves? Flowers can also remind you to “stop and smell the roses” throughout the day, so make sure to put them somewhere you’ll see them frequently.
Just Say ‘No’
We’re guilty of saying “yes” to things we want to say “no” to. If your annoying coworker invites you out for dinner, and you would rather go home, just say no. Is a family member making you feel obligated to attend a function? Just say no. The feeling of saying no can often be liberating.
Do you have any tips for dating yourself? Share them with us in the comments below!