Spend some quality time… with yourself

As Carrie Bradshaw said in Sex and The City, the most significant relationship in our lives is the one we have with ourselves. So why not spend some essential you-time with your truest soulmate?

1) Head to a museum or art gallery

Feed your curiosity with a trip to a museum or gallery. Visit somewhere you’ve never been to before, and go all out – use the audio tour, enjoy lunch in the cafe, pop into the gift shop before you leave. Soak up every piece of information, and follow whatever piques your interest. Need some museum inspo? Head to tripadvisor.co.uk. According to reviewers, the top museums in the UK include the National Railway Museum in York, the National Gallery in London, and the Roman Baths in Bath.

Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others

2) Go for a coffee and reading date

When you’re craving some quiet time, or even a little escapism, grab a book and take yourself off to your favourite cafe. Order a drink and settle into a comfy seat. Enjoy the bustling hum of the cafe in the background, or put your headphones on and listen to some soothing music. Get lost in the pages, and let everything else fall away for an hour or two.

3) See something at the cinema

How often have you missed a film you were excited about because no one else wanted to see it? Next time, head to the cinema solo. You won’t have to worry about sharing your popcorn (or deal with that friend who loves talking through the trailers), and you can go whenever suits you.

4) Learn something new

Developing a new skill can be incredibly fulfilling, and helps to keep our brains healthy. According to research, learning a second language can increase your grey matter and slow down brain ageing. Why not try a class in your local area? You could take a pasta-making course (and enjoy the finished product at home with a glass of wine), an art class, or grow your brain by learning a language.

5) Go street combing

A creativity technique devised by Dutch innovation consultant Richard Stomp, street combing involves walking up and down a street and taking pictures of anything and everything that interests you. It sounds simple, but it’s an amazing way to get your creative juices flowing while getting you out in the fresh air – and helping you see familiar streets with fresh eyes.