1. Visit a new fitness studio
Easily one of the most nerve-wracking things as a human being is walking into a gym you've never been to before...alone. Gym anxiety is real -- the risk of making yourself look silly on a machine? No, thanks -- and when you're surrounded by ~fitness girlies~, that anxiety doubles. But facing that fear and walking into a brand new yoga class, then crushing the class, is an instant confidence-booster. And that's before the endorphins hit.
2. Catch a movie
This is a good first step in taking yourself out. No one's looking at you -- they're looking at the screen, duh -- and you can stuff your face full of popcorn without worry of judgment from anyone sitting next to you! It's also more decompressing than you'd think, walking into a dark theater and using your brain solely to follow the plot -- consider it a spa day. Or, take it up a notch and get all dolled up to go to the theater or opera! Have yourself an experience.
3. Go out to eat
Not for the faint of heart, surely, but this can be done without too much fear-facing needed! Start small, at a local cafe or sandwich shop, and bring a book. Then work your way up to a barstool with a glass of chardonnay before meeting a friend. Eventually, you'll be making a one-person reservation at that new five-star place you've been eyeing without a second thought.
4. Take an art class
Pottery, figure drawing, flower arranging, calligraphy -- pick an artsy thing you've been meaning to try and just...go alone. Seriously, why wait until a friend finally agrees to accompany you? You're sure to meet someone else who's on a solo date at one of these classes and strike up a conversation. Boom, new friend and new home decor.
5. Book a vacation
You've undoubtedly heard someone talk about the trip they took in their 20s to ~find themselves~. Pro tip: You can do that whenever you want. "Eat, Pray, Love" the heck out of your life, and do it somewhere you've always wanted to see but that has been left behind in lieu of responsibilities.
6. Check into a wellness retreat
The same but different than booking a vacation. Something like this could be more of a staycation, as long as it's a relaxing venue (a spa or your own hotel room for a weekend, perhaps) and encourages you to invest in a little TLC for Y-O-U. Get a massage, write in your journal, breathe in some fresh air and do it all with your own thoughts.
7. Start volunteering
What's a cause you really care about? An easy way to find your way back to yourself is to invest time and energy into what gives you purpose, and that might not align completely with the purposes of those around you. So, go at it alone! Find an organization that resonates with you and make it a habit to show up for those in need and yourself.
