Day at the Zoo Self Date - Michal B. Lehman

Spread the love

Table of Contents

How to create a perfect day at the zoo Self Date for yourself, in seven simple and easy steps.

{This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at NO extra cost to you. See my disclosure for more details.}

If you ask me, this is probably the perfect self-date, or even romantic date, or date with a friend. It is a well rounded date. You’re outside in the fresh again, in what usually feels like nature. It’s a wonderful place for a nice picnic. And most of all – you get to see some animals. There’s just something about animals that always manages to make me happy, helps me just let go and be in the moment. They make me forget about everything but them. Animals are fascinating, adorable and just amazing to watch. Especially if it’s a “safari-like” zoo.

That being said, I’ve always also had a complex with zoo’s, because I love animals so much… It feels a bit like animal abuse, which I’m completely against. However, recently I went to two zoo’s in Austria, which have the animals out in nature… And not caged into a tiny, artificial space. Which is amazing. And also great, because I got to take myself out on an amazing date. It was a wonderful day that helped me connect with myself and have so much fun on my own. It’s definitely one of the best ways to spend quality alone time.

Connect to your inner-child

No one wants to get old. And despite our bodies aging, none of us really ever grow up fully. There will always be a part of us that will remain young forever… That just wants to have fun and do stupid things. Do silly things and feel like a child again. Going to the zoo is definitely going to help you turn back time for the day, and feel like a child again. It’s also the best activity to help you do so, because it’s not too extreme, or likely to take you out of your comfort zone too much. This date is meant to be fun and lighthearted, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to do just that. So allow yourself to just be in the moment, and connect with your inner-child.

Take your time

As always, you should never rush your self-dates, because they shouldn’t be something you need to get out of the way. They’re not something to just tick off your list and do it as quickly as possible so you have time for other things. You need to take your time, to understand that it’s something to be cherished. When you’re at the zoo, it’s a wonderful opportunity to do just that. There’s usually so much to see at zoos and aquariums, so it’s very easy to use this date to learn how to take your time. When you take your time, it will also help you just be and enjoy the moment… To let go of anything else and focus on yourself and the self date you’re on.

Disconnect

A big part of connecting and reconnecting with yourself is disconnecting from everything else. This is not to say that you need to ignore the outside world, or be MIA for the whole date. But you should try to put your phone away as much as you can, there’s not much that can’t wait a couple of hours while you’re on the date. It’s okay to respond to a text or two, but don’t spend the whole date on the phone… Certainly not working or doing anything work related. Further, try to let go of all your daily worries and all the tasks you need to do. You’ll have to worry about them as much as you want later. I know this is easier said than done, but remind yourself that nothing will happen and it won’t be the end of the world if you put it aside for a bit.

Get a map & Navigate

Since I was a child I loved maps, and whenever I’m at a park or any place that has one, I like to get them. I like to challenge myself and try to navigate my way through with the map alone. It’s a great challenge to try on your own date, so you can spice it up a bit and make it more interesting and fun. It will also help you develop some navigation skills and maybe even upgrade your sense of direction. Not to mention, that it’s also a wonderful way to disconnect from your phone… And not always depend on it to get around. Even if you’re not a map person and don’t like navigating, try to find your own ways to make it fun and exciting. Either by turning it into a game, giving yourself rewards for every navigation you get right, or anything else you can think of.

Have a picnic

This is also a great date to combine with a solo picnic date, as a zoo is a wonderful place for picnics. There are usually so many wonderful spots for this at the zoo, and you can choose the right one for you… Where you will feel most comfortable. Of course this is also a great opportunity to learn how to feel more comfortable with yourself, and like I mentioned above, a great way to spend some quality alone time. I recommend taking a nice easy meal to prepare, which won’t be too messy… Along with a nice book to read, or even some crossword puzzles, for when you feel like you need something to do, or irritated. I personally love my own company, but even I can’t just sit and do nothing for too long.

Journal

If you ask me, journaling is always a good idea. In last week’s blog post “How to Shift Your Mindset”, I went in deep to the benefits of journaling. I think that this date is a wonderful opportunity to do it, because there’s so many great spots to just sit and be in the moment. And no one can tell you no or what to do, you probably also won’t feel out of place too much, because many people just sit around there and there’s usually so much space to do so. Journaling adds the final touch to this date, as it helps you soak it all in… Express what you’re feeling and let it out. It’s also a great way to connect with yourself in the moment.

There are so many great journals and notebooks out there, but one of my favourites (if not the favourite) is Best Self Journals. They have a variety of journals, notebooks and planners, but without a doubt, the best one is their Self Journal. They are not just like any journal, and they are certainly not just a notebook to write in. The notebooks provide you with all the prompts and motivators to help you set, plan and track progress towards your better self.

If you’d like, you can also check out these AWESOME journals my Mum designed!

Feed the animals

Another great way to just disconnect and have fun, to be in the moment… Is to go to the petting zoo… Where you can just be with the animals, pet them and feed them. Besides the fact that petting animals has been scientifically proven to have a calming and de-stressing effect… It’s also just fun and a great way to enjoy the moment, and also reconnect with yourself and your inner-child.

So why the zoo?

This date is especially great, because it forces you out of your comfort zone. And helps you feel more comfortable in your own company. As it’s the place for families, so you may feel a bit out of place. Which also makes it the perfect place to learn how to not give a f*ck.
You get out of the house, spend some time in nature, get some fresh air and move your body. Which is always a wonderful way to lift your spirits and help you fight anxiety and loneliness.
Animals! Need I say more? Personally, I found animals more tolerable than most humans. There’s just something about watching them that is very calming and rejoicing.

Yes, being out and about alone in a place where people mostly go as families, and is widely known as an activity for children… Can be quite weird and awkward. But in life, we need to learn how to just not care what others will think or say. Or what we look like on the outside, and just do what we want. What’s best for us and what we enjoy. So my suggestion is to just let go of all the outside voices, and just have fun with yourself. I promise you, it will be worth it.

Happy zooing!

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong!
All my best,
Michal B.L.