For the past two years, I've been adjusting to studio-living. I wasn't planning on living on my own so early in my college career, but I'm honestly so glad I did. It's taught me how to be by myself, even if generally dislike being alone. It taught me how to take care of myself on the most simplistic levels that I overlooked far too frequently. I've learned a lot about myself that I didn't get to know when I always had others around. To be honest, I've learned the pure bliss of doing different tasks and activities alone. These are some of my favorite things to do to take a step back and they're the perfect things to do to relax this summer.
1. Go To A Yoga Class
Yoga is a staple of relaxation and can definitely be relaxing when you go with a friend. Taking a yoga class on your own is a different experience though. It's honestly a bit hard to find yourself when you know your friend is right next to you, especially when you want to look over to see how they're doing (or how you're doing comparatively). Being in a class where you don't know anyone takes away the stress that occasionally lingers when you start to compare your skills to others. Take an occasional class on your own to recenter and focus on yourself.
2. Have A Spa Day (Optional: With Wine)
I probably indulge in this point a little too much because I love it. I'll go out of my way to splurge on some of my favorite products (AKA a mini Lush shopping spree with a cute bath bomb, face mask, etc.) and take a relaxing bath. Sometimes I do this by going by going to get my nails done instead. When you treat your body, you treat your mind too. There's something to be said about the feeling after pampering yourself and just letting your mind relax for a little while. If you're like me, adding a little wine to the mix only makes it that much more relaxing.
3. Bake
Baking alone is honestly one of the best things to do. It makes your home smell incredible while making some incredible sweet treats to eat later. Plus, no one has to know about you sneaking a (few) tastes of the batter or licking the spoon. (Bonus: Bake something you can decorate because frosting is super satisfying to do).
4. Go To Your Favorite Restaurant
For some reason, we have this odd notion that it's weird to go out to eat alone. Don't get me wrong, I love catching up with friends over good food, but I also love not having to tailor my experience for them. For example, if you want to take your time to read over the whole menu before picking, you can do that without feeling guilty for holding someone else up. You don't have to keep trying to time your conversation and bites of food to avoid talking with your mouth full. It's nice to just go out and enjoy a meal completely at your own pace.
5. Go Shopping (Or Window-Shopping)
Before I lived alone, I couldn't have told you the last time I just went shopping on my own. Let me tell you, only going to places you want and looking at things you're interested changes the entire experience. You're not concerned about your friends agreeing with your choices or having to stop in stores with nothing for you, it's all about what you're looking for. The only person you have to please when shopping alone is yourself, and that's such a nice feeling.
6. Go To A Park
Whether it's a huge park or a small grassed area on campus, go outside and enjoy the nature around you on a sunny day (or a starry night). There's something refreshing about being out in the world versus inside any building. You can really focus on yourself and your thoughts when you're taking in the fresh air.
