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Let’s be real: there is nothing more important than dating yourself–and with the right self care date ideas, it’ll be so much simpler to do so!
Learning how to date yourself is an art: something that requires patience, vulnerability, and fun. Having a solo date helps you build confidence and get to know yourself better.
So get ready, because below, we have over 40 (!) must-know self care date ideas to spark your inspiration (and your motivation).
This post is all about self care date ideas.
Self Care Date Ideas
Solo dates are a true form of self-care popularized across social media platforms and wellness girlies.
By going on a solo date, you’re intentionally taking yourself out, just like you would a romantic partner, to enjoy activities or relaxation. From indulging in a delicious dinner or hitting up a local museum, self care dates have become a staple in many young women’s self care routines.
Why date yourself?
To put it simply, the benefits of dating yourself are truly endless.
You may not see it this way, but during your time of solitude, you’re actually taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing.
Going on a solo date is a form of self care: you’re allotting time in your calendar for yourself and not just for your job, your friends and family, or your tasks.
Also, when you take the time to foster a meaningful connection with yourself, you make it that much easier to connect with others and show up as your highest self, day in and day out.
Here are some of the top reasons to have a self care date with yourself:
- Escaping your comfort zone (aka the only way you’re ever going to grow!)
- Resetting your well being across all dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual
- Increasing your confidence and self-love
- Meeting new, like minded people along the way (ironically)
- Helping you deepen your relationships with others in a purposeful way
Dating yourself aesthetic
Before we move into the best self care date ideas, let’s talk about building a dating yourself aesthetic.
This popular trend involves developing a wellness aura, an aligned environment, and a vibe that fits with your dating yourself era.
Some key factors to be mindful of in your wellness aesthetic are:
- Your home furniture and decor
- The songs and podcasts you listen to
- Which scents are burning in your home
- How you speak to yourself
- The self-loving affirmations you repeat in your head
- Your wellness products: skincare, makeup routine, etc.
- The friends and family you allow access to you
- Your wardrobe…
A big part of this aesthetic is what you wear!
So, below, you’ll find some self care date outfits that scream I’m dating me!
How to date yourself
Now that you know why you should take yourself on a solo date, let’s jump into the best solo date ideas for young women:
1. See a movie alone
This is such an empowering solo date option: sit in the comfort of your own presence amongst a crowd of families and couples!
Pick your favorite new release, secure some tickets, and munch on your favorite snack.
2. Hike at a state park
Another date day for those who love the outdoors is hiking at a state park and soaking in the fresh air! You can even bring your dog with you and pack lunch to eat along the way.
3. Book a spa day and facial
Nothing screams self care day with a trip to the spa! Set your appointment in advance and load up your package with whatever feels best: a facial, full body massage, etc.
4. Cook a yummy dinner for yourself
One of the top self care date ideas at home is to prepare a delicious meal for yourself!
Set the mood with a candle, your favorite playlist, and a glass of your favorite wine, and enjoy your dinner alone.
This is the perfect way to reflect on who you are and who you are becoming, while in your own cozy space.
5. Get lunch at a cafe alone
In addition, if you’re feeling more daring, consider grabbing lunch at a local cafe by yourself!
You can bring your laptop or book to keep busy while you eat… and people watch as you hang out sipping on a cup of coffee.
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6. Go on a wellness retreat
Asking yourself, where should I go on a date with myself?
Well, why not sign up for a wellness retreat to concentrate on your mental and emotional health!
There are so many companies out there that offer tailored programs to match your wellness goals, whether that be meditation, yoga, self-discovery, or chanting.
Here are two great retreat centers on the east coast:
7. Have an at-home date night
Also, another self care date at home idea is to put together your own at-home date night.
This can look whatever way you like, whether that be watching a movie, playing board games, having a journal session, or listening to a guided meditation.
8. Go for a drive with your fav playlist
Nothing is more freeing than a long ride down back stress listening to your favorite songs!
You can also listen to an episode of your top self love podcast and try to connect the stories shared to lessons from your own life.
9. Join a local meetup group
Additionally, taking part in a local group by yourself will feel personally satisfying while providing the means to meet individuals with similar values to you.
Some meetup group ideas are:
- Skills-based groups for your chosen career path
- Business building cohorts for entrepreneurs
- Writers circle
10. Be a tourist in your own city
When practicing the art of dating yourself, don’t discount the pleasure of exploring your city!
Consider booking a staycation at a hotel or Airbnb and visiting some spots you’ve always wanted to see.
11. Get a mani-pedi
In line with the spa day idea (but a little less expensive), consider taking yourself out for the afternoon and getting your nails done.
Pick a color that suits your fancy and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at your salon.
12. Take a flower arranging class
Another creative solo date idea is enrolling in a flower arranging class through a local florist shop or farm.
You can use these flowers as decor across your home afterwards, to remember the time you spent connecting with yourself!
13. Spend an afternoon in the library
Build your confidence by wandering around the library alone, in search of your next new read.
You can even try to spike a conversation with a fellow patron, or look for ways to volunteer through your community organizations.
14. Attend a sports event alone
Another one of the more daunting self care solo date ideas is to go to your favorite sports team’s home game alone!
Once you see tickets listed, reserve one and make a night out of it. What’s better than seeing the team you love LIVE, while building your self-confidence!?
15. Head to your sunset spot
For all the self-partnered girls out there, do not discredit the power of simple moments!
Develop gratitude for the everyday beauties of life by setting up a blanket and watching the sunset at your favorite spot.
Pack a journal, some snacks, and a blanket, and get to know more about yourself!
16. Take a pickleball or dance class
There are so many community centers hosting FREE classes these days.
Pickleball and dance are two more popular options, but explore your town’s offerings to find what works for you!
17. Complete a craft
Put on your favorite songs and do a craft of your choice! This could be a sewing project, or an adult coloring book… whatever you’re most interested in completing.
18. Volunteer for a cause you love
When you give love back to the world, it finds its way back to you!
Sign up for a volunteer group and spend a few hours helping those in need. Who knows, you may show up alone but build connections that last a lifetime!
19. Go to a paint-and-sip night
One of the cutest solo date ideas is attending a paint and sip class! Check your community for classes and let your creativity flow.
P.S. if you’re more interested in making your own solo paint-and-sip event at home, here are some supplies to get started:
20. Try a fitness class
In addition, you could join a fitness class you’ve been eyeing and take care of your physical health while you date yourself.
From pilates to spin, Zumba, and cardio, there is an option that works for everyone. Just book the class, schedule it in your calendar, and make sure you arrive on time.
21. Gardening
Another one of the best solo date ideas at home is gardening!
Once you’ve gathered the right equipment and plants, set a few hours in your calendar to connect with nature (and yourself).
22. Do a random act of kindness
Social wellness is an integral part of our happiness as human beings, so connecting through random acts of kindness is a great way to individually contribute to your community.
Your random act can be passing out flowers at a supermarket, sticking post-it notes on cars in the parking lot, or donating food to a local food bank. The possibilities are endless.
23. Take a vacation alone
Now, if you are looking for an extended self care date, why not book an entire solo trip!?
Escape the comforts of your present reality, and watch how much your mind expands. All the people you meet and memories you make along the way will refine your outlook on life (I promise!).
24. Organize your wardrobe
A more practical and productive self care idea is to get your closet in order.
By sorting through your clothes and decluttering your physical environment, you’re making way for more mental relaxation and less stress in the future.
25. Go on a shopping spree
Additionally, one of the top all-day self care solo dates is to head to the outlets for some shopping!
You can walk around with a cup of your favorite Starbucks order and stock up on items you’re missing from your clothing (and shoe) collection.
Who knows, maybe setting a new style for yourself will help you better understand the more authentic version of yourself that you’re becoming.
26. Hit up a pop-up event in your neighborhood
Another date day for yourself could be visiting a pop-up shop or farmers market in your town.
As you explore, you’ll learn more about how you do alone in public and learn skills for engaging with others when you don’t have your friends (or family) to speak for you.
27. Wander around your favorite bookstore
Craft the afternoon of your dreams with a trip to your bookstore–get lost in the aisles as you find books that will aid your personal development journey!
And if you need help finding great self growth books, we have an entire post for you.
28. Lay at the beach
If the weather in your area permits, why not spend the day in solitude soaking up the sun’s rays and lying at the beach!
Bring a lunch box and a jug of water along so you can stay fueled while you zen out.
29. Read in a coffee shop
Bring a copy of your favorite read to the coffee shop for an hour and read your book in public!
30. Bake your favorite treat
Create a delicious batch of cookies or cupcakes by setting aside a couple of hours and baking. Find your favorite recipe on Pinterest and get to it.
31. Be a little kid again
To be interpreted how you wish: the point here is to channel your inner child!
Did you love coloring, reading, or making jewelry as a kid? Why not spend the day by yourself tapping into some of your old passions?
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32. Watch a play or musical
Another one of the greatest solo date night ideas is attending a show on Broadway (if you’re in New York) or a theater company play.
Enjoy the magic of a live performance and learn more about who you are while getting comfortable in public by yourself.
33. Visit a new park
Have you explored your neighborhood park yet? If not, why not spend an hour or two at a new local spot enjoying the sounds and sights of nature?
34. Have a photoshoot
Get all dolled up and take pictures of yourself to remember this stage in your life.
The dating yourself era is a special time, and you’ll want to reflect on these moments in the future!
35. Buy yourself flowers
Also, as you’re spending all this time building your identity, be sure to express love and gratitude for yourself.
Get yourself a bouquet and bring some sunshine into the four walls of your home.
36. Go for a massage
Consider booking a massage, focused on whichever area of your body is experiencing the most tension, and enjoying the morning to yourself!
37. Visit a free museum
Another one of the most wonderful and educational self care date night ideas is to go to a free museum or exhibit in your area.
And, you never know who you’ll meet admiring artwork next to you!
38. Go antiquing
This is one of those self care date ideas that also amplifies your living space: search for antique goods that fit the aesthetic of your home.
39. Spend the day at a winery
There’s no better way to spend a day by yourself than at a winery!
If you have one nearby, order a mini flight of wines to taste and munch on a yummy snack.
There’s so much to see (and understand about yourself) as you relax and stay present.
40. Have a digital detox day
Additionally, a meaningful self care day would be to truly stay away from screens!
You will learn so much about your instincts to scroll and check up on other people’s lives as you disconnect for 24 hours.
Who knows, this may turn into a more extended break!
41. Sign up for a themed cooking class
Another wonderful self care idea to nourish your body with wholesome foods is to sign up for a cooking class!
You can take the preparation skills you learn back to your kitchen, and you may meet some insightful people throughout the course.
42. Meditate
To bolster your spiritual wellbeing as you spend time in solitude, take twenty minutes to listen to a guided meditation.
As you get better at meditating, you’ll be mindful of the thoughts and sensations coursing through your body throughout every day.
43. Do something out of your comfort zone
Last but certainly not least of these date yourself challenge tips is to get out of your comfort zone! This can look however you wish, but remember to push yourself and take a calculated risk.
Some ideas here include:
- Solo traveling to a new country
- Skydiving
- Running a half marathon
- Exiting a toxic relationship
Self Care Date List
Self Care Date Ideas: Wrapping it Up
Which one of these self care date ideas are you trying next? Let me know in the comments!
And remember to check out our FREE resources page for more ideas to incorporate throughout your dating yourself era.
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