When was the last time you took yourself out on a date? If you have been feeling down in the dumps lately or lacking inspiration and creativity at work it may be because you are not showing yourself enough love. So often in our lives we take time to show our family and friends that we care but forget to be good to ourselves. Here are 6 ideas for dating yourself that will help to build your self-esteem and improve your outlook on life.
How To Date Yourself
1. Grab your favorite treat, head to the park, and people watch
In the daily hustle and bustle of life it is easy to forget that so much of what makes it sweet is in the details. The pigeons circling the park bench for seed, the street performer blowing bubbles, the sound of children splashing water in a nearby fountain…all things that are easily missed because we don’t allow ourselves time to even notice them. Give yourself an hour in the park to clear your mind and reflect on the little details in your own life that make it worthwhile. Better yet, add the “Walk” habit to your Lift profile to be reminded to head outdoors more.
2. Take that class at your gym that you’ve been afraid to try
Did the description of the Pure Barre class sound intimidating? Wondering if you could really hang for an entire 50 minute Hot Yoga session? Now is the time to find out! Not only will the experience of something new be exciting, but your body and mind will be renewed after you get your blood pumping. If you’d like some initial guidance, start with Foundations of Yoga – a beginner’s plan on Lift where you learn a new yoga pose every day.
3. Go off the grid
There is no denying that technology is a huge part of what has simplified our everyday lives. As with anything though, too much of a good thing can lead to overload. If you want to shed some mental clutter take a personal day and “unplug”. Lose yourself in a paperback book, plant flowers in your garden, or prepare a meal with a loved one. After a day without the distraction of notifications and messages you may find yourself much more open and truly connected to the world around you.
4. Volunteer your time
One of the best gifts you can give yourself is to give to others. Find a cause that is important to you and spend a day helping to make the world a better place. It doesn’t matter if you are walking dogs at the animal shelter or reading to children at the local library, your efforts will bring goodness to those around you and the feeling of accomplishment you have at the end of the day will inspire you for weeks to come.
5. Primp and Pamper
When is the last time you had a massage or manicure? If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. The simple pleasure of a new haircut, outfit, or spa treatment goes a long way when it comes to renewal of spirit. When you look your best, you feel it too and it shows. So indulge a little and pick up that new perfume, you’re worth it.
6. Take up a new hobby
Nothing jump starts your creativity like a new hobby. Learn to paint or take a poetry class. Grab that stack of dusty photos and make a scrapbook. Sometimes we burden ourselves so much with work projects that they steal all the creative energy out of our lives. It is refreshing to pour yourself into something that is strictly for your own personal benefit…and surprisingly gratifying when you are able to display your finished product and share it with others.
