In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, especially when you’re juggling roles as a parent, partner, business owner, and everything in between. Finding time for yourself might seem like a luxury, but in reality, it’s a necessity. One of the most impactful ways I’ve learned to reset and find peace is through solo dates—intentional time spent with yourself.

Nature Dates: A Reset for the Soul
There’s something about being surrounded by nature that pulls you back to your center. Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting by a lake, or hiking through the woods, nature has a way of reminding you to be calm, to breathe, and to simply be. It draws you back to peace in a way few things can.

I use my nature dates as a time to read and meditate on the Word of God. I have a white rocking chair on my deck that faces the woods near my house. I love sitting there quietly, listening to the birds chirping or the wind blowing. I even have binoculars that allow me to see the beauty of the birds and trees up close. On some days, I spend time reading the Bible and meditating on it. These moments are sacred—they help me reconnect with my spirit and draw me closer to God.

Book Dates: Immersing Yourself in a Good Read
Another solo activity I treasure is my book dates. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book, allowing the world around you to fade as you immerse yourself in the pages. As a mom, I had to be intentional about carving out this time.

Once in a while, I put my kids to bed early on weekends. While I typically let them stay up later since there’s no school, I make an exception for myself. I tuck them in at 8 p.m., knowing I’ve created space for an hour of uninterrupted reading. That hour feels like a sanctuary, where I can dive deep into a story and escape for a little while. Afterward, I treat myself to a bath date—half an hour of soaking in warm water to unwind even further.

Bath Dates: Small Moments of Self-Care
These bath dates have become essential to my self-care routine. After my kids are asleep and I’ve enjoyed my reading time, I let myself relax in the quiet. It’s a mini-retreat right in my home, where I allow myself to simply be. I love the smell of a nice candle and the soothing aroma of a bath bomb. To complete the experience, I put on some relaxing spa music and let the peacefulness of the moment wash over me. These simple but intentional actions nourish my soul.

Solo Dates: Time with Yourself, and God
Solo dates are incredibly underrated. They offer something more than just “alone time”; they are moments of reflection, spiritual connection, and personal growth. It’s time spent with yourself—and for me, with God—where I can focus inward, connect, and find clarity. These moments strengthen my relationship with myself and remind me of the importance of self-care and personal peace. It’s just you, your thoughts, and the quiet of the world around you.

A Letter to My Younger Self: Start Earlier
If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to start solo dates much earlier. I didn’t begin until my late 20s, but now I see how valuable this practice could have been in my teens or early 20s. When you intentionally spend time with yourself, you learn to understand your needs better. You build a stronger sense of self, which can benefit you in every area of your life. Solo dates help you discover who you are outside of your roles and responsibilities—just you.

Final Thoughts
If you haven’t started already, I encourage you to make time for solo dates. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a quiet reading session, or a warm bath, these moments with yourself are priceless. They are opportunities to reset, recharge, and reconnect with the most important person in your life—you. Take time to be with yourself, and you’ll be surprised at how much peace it brings.

Solo time with you, yourself, and God is truly the best time. So, set aside a moment for yourself—your soul will thank you for it.