If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to say, YES! You need a night out. However if you’d like some more proof, keep reading! For the women who try to do it all – juggle a blossoming career, or create a happy home – social obligations are at the bottom of their priorities list. The most social activity they get is going out for the kids recital or hanging around the kiddos soccer practise. Worst case scenario – getting on social media is the most “socializing” they get to do.
Being cooped up inside the house is not the worst thing that can happen to you. However, it’s good to get out from time to time. You don’t need to organize a perfect party or plan an elaborate night out. It doesn’t even have to be with other people. You could go as a family and still enjoy the benefits of having a night out. Sometime it’s just important to put on your ‘good jeans’ and go somewhere, anywhere!
One factor for happiness is the quality of our relationships. The more we strengthen our relationships with others, the happier we get. This means creating lots of shared experiences. The Danish seem to have this happiness thing down pat. After all, Denmark is the happiest nation in the world. They mostly attribute this to living the hygge way. What is hygge?
According to Meik Wiking, author of the bestselling book “The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well”, “Hygge is one of those beautiful words that doesn’t directly translate into English, but it more or less means comfort, warmth or togetherness. Hygge is the feeling you get when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, in warm knitted socks, in front of the fire, when it is dark, cold and stormy outside. It that feeling when you are sharing good, comfort food with your closest friends, by candle light and exchanging easy conversation. It is those cold, crisp blue sky mornings when the light through your window is just right.”
Togetherness is key to a happy life and you might need to go out of the house to create that experience. Here are 5 signs you need a night out:
- You are out of touch with other friends. – Social media is notorious for presenting a carefully curated “perfect” picture of someone else’s life. Find out what’s really going on in your friends life by going on a night out. Catch up over dinner or drinks and find out what’s going on in their lives.
- Your “going out” clothes are collecting dust bunnies. – People sometimes get stuck in a rut and lock themselves inside for days and days. There can be a number of reasons for not wanting to go out – anxiety, depression, or being too overwhelmed with daily tasks. Our self esteem gets hit and we feel that it’s “too much work” to get ready to go out. But remember when you had those pretty going out clothes back in the day. Right now they’re collecting dust bunnies in the closet. Boost your self esteem by wearing those cute outfits instead of your usual old jeans and sensible shoes. You gotta wear those heels once in a while. A night out might reduce your anxiety and might even make you feel less depressed. For serious issues, you can find local counselors or talk to someone online.
- You haven’t tried anything new in a long time. – Since your last date night out, a couple of new restos and cocktail bars have sprouted in the neighborhood. You should try the hip new joints instead of going to your usual place for date night. Find a thing to love or take amazing pictures (even the food is too hipster for your liking). We’re pretty sure you’d find something you like enough to recommend to a friend.
- You watch too much TV. – You’re all caught up in seven different series and have started binge watching seven more. Sure, these streaming services are convenient and give you enough family time – but take the family out to a movie at an actual movie house every once in a while. Nothing beats seeing those amazing superheroes out on a big screen for a larger than life experience.
- You need something to look forward too that is your own. – While it’s good practise to go out on family dates, it’s also part of healthy self care to plan and do your own thing. A night out by yourself to get a massage, get your nails done or eat a quiet dinner can be a sound investment for your mental health. Life coaches recommend creating your very own self care routine and incorporating a night out by yourself could be healthy for you.
Have you experienced any of these signs? What’s a good way to spend the night out? Share your favorite night out activities with us!
