Ever Taken a Solo Date? Here are My 5 Favs

Three hours of free time have just “fallen” into your lap. What would you do?

This happened to me last Friday and my first thought was, “A movie is an option, but there’s nothing I really want to see.” After sitting on the couch reflecting for a bit on what I truly need, it came to me.  A walk around the lake (I love turtle watching) and a peach/mango smoothie from the local food co-op. Ahhhh, YES!

While there’s nothing wrong with going shopping or catching a flick, I challenge you to think about what would really nourish—and sustain you—when you get precious time alone (think: a handful of potato chips vs. black beans and rice).

Most of us are moving so fast, we’re disconnected from our true needs and desires. In fact, mental health professionals believe this “disconnect from self” is the root cause of depression and anxiety for women. While solo dates may feel weird if they’re new, they’re ideal opportunities to slow down and reconnect with your inner world and what matters most (check out these three tips for support in getting started).

The next time you find an expanse of unscheduled alone time, consider the following soul-nurturing ideas. Here are my five favorite self-care solo dates:

• BEAUTY DATE:  Pack a delicious picnic and visit your local botanical, wildflower or sculpture gardens. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on a blanket while soaking in the fragrance from the flowers.
• MOVEMENT DATE: Try a new dance or yoga class and enjoy working up a sweat; then treat yourself to an exotic fruit smoothie or an iced hibiscus rose tea.
• NATURE DATE: Enjoy a dip (or a cold plunge) at a nearby spring-fed pool, river or lake, then relax on a blanket for some lazy cloud gazing. Pick up some macadamia nuts and dried apricots beforehand for a snack.
• CULTURE DATE: Explore your local museum or an interesting gallery exhibit, then discover a new ethnic restaurant.
• JOURNALING DATE: Browse your local independent bookstore, pick out a beautiful, inspiring journal and head to a new coffee shop to reflect/write on what you’re grateful for (try my Quickie Journaling exercise I mentioned above).

This week, when contemplating what you’d most like to do, I challenge you to do it differently. Consider what would feel absolutely nurturing and delightful (if you live in Western NC, join us this Sunday June 22nd for a Wild Souls Authentic Movement dance class). Perhaps what you most desire is some time alone?

You can find more of my favorite solo dates, exercises for reconnecting with who you are and suggested mini-retreats in my award-winning self-care primer (order a hard copy or download the ebook from my site), The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life. And, from our media archives, check out my TV interview for additional ideas on solo dates.  Drop me a line, I’d love to hear how it goes!

P.S. Love to support women, have a communications background and want to receive personal mentoring from me? Check out our part-time communications coordinator job based in Western NC. Only 5-10 hours/week–ideal for a mom, recent grad or freelancer. Seeking a minimum of a one-year commitment. 

Warmly—

I’D LOVE TO SUPPORT YOU! OFFERINGS TO HELP YOU PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE:

• You deserve to take a retreat–YES! Join me September 19 – 21^st at The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC or October 24 – 26^th at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in the Berkshire Mountains, MA for Soul Tending: Cultivating Grace, Power and Intuition ~ A Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat.  Both will sell-out, so don’t delay! These are amazingly affordable retreats (as retreats go) and both offer complete packages starting around $700.
• Lead women’s groups/retreats! Secrets to Facilitating Life-Changing Women’s Groups/Retreats ~ an online, self-paced mentoring course. Would you like to empower women in your area through facilitating women’s groups/retreats? Based on Renee’s 30+ years experience training 450+ facilitators and teaching at world-renowned retreat centers like Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and Esalen Institute, this empowering on-demand video course offers everything you need to start facilitating women’s circles and retreats. Only $195. Learn more.
• Plan a 2025-2026 workshop for your team/organization. My primary work is speaking professionally at national/regional conferences, employee events and to companies/organizations worldwide! I love weaving neuroscience, work-life alignment strategies, mindfulness & resiliency practices to create unforgettable workshops & presentations that help employees and teams feel more creative, focused, resourced and alive. Learn about my speaking here and fill out in inquiry form for your next event.
• Join me in NC for a Wild Souls Nature Adventure (based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC): authentic movement classes, community song circles, full moon hikes, meditation/resiliency workshops, women’s circles & more. Have me design a custom experience for your team/friends: learn more.  Join me for Wild Souls Authentic Movement here. Every Sunday in Brevard, NC: June 22nd.