WEEKLY SELF-CARE COLUMN
Now the thought of a solo date might seem a little crazy but it can actually be a lot of fun. Solo dates are also a good way to get to know yourself and relax after a long work week. Guess what, even if you have a partner you can also do this as well.
There are four core solo date categories that I am going to write about. Intellectual, creative, experience and self care.
An intellectual solo date would include something like visiting a library or reading a book. Whether the book is fiction or non fiction is totally up to you. If you want to just unwind and escape in a book that is totally acceptable. If you want to read a self help and take notes, or not, that is your choice too.
A creative solo date would include something such as making paper flowers or necklaces. I personally enjoy writing so one of my creative solo dates might include going to a library with a coffee and writing for a couple hours. Again, this date is solo, so all the decisions are yours to make.
An experience solo date would include something like, going to a movie or going on a hike. You could join a class, which would make it less of a solo date but the idea still applies. The purpose of a solo date is to put yourself first for a couple hours a week, or whenever you have time.
A self care date might include something like taking a long bath, getting a massage or getting nails done. Again, make it your own, have you been thinking about getting a facial treatment for months or years, now is the time to do it.
When I go on solo dates I like to give myself a big budget, so that I do not feel pressured to not do the things I want, that is not always possible for everyone and that is okay. There are plenty of cost effective options to anything. I also like to have a loose set plan, because I want to have a plan but it is also good to be spontaneous.
A solo date also does not have to be any one of the options. It could be a combination of creative and intellectual. Such as learning a new skill and using it. That would include both and that is okay. It is good to make it your own, and if your idea does not align with one of my categories then you have found a new category.
Also a solo date can have a specific goal, just make sure it is something you are interested in. Personally, I will go on a solo writing date, with a specific writing goal in mind. I also tend to go on solo reading dates, I never like to rush myself to read so I do not really set goals for those dates.
One of my favorite solo dates includes going after work, because I like to do things later in the day generally and to feel like I did something productive in the day before I do something for myself.
I would go and get my favorite food to go. Then I would run to the coffee shop to get my favorite drink, a caramel frappuccino. I would go to a small bookstore or thrift shop to get a few new reads before heading out to a park or walking trail.
Editor's note: Angel Day is a 16 years old who has always had a love for reading and writing. She is a self-published author, originally from California, now living in Blandinsville. Angel is joining the Community News Brief as a columnist, writing a weekly column on self-care inside and out.
