Go Solo, Because YOLO

Have you ever felt days when you just don’t feel like meeting friends, but still want to go out and about?

We feel you because to us, being out alone is simply therapeutic;

- there’s no need to constantly maintain a conversation
- you decide what to eat, where to shop, what to do
- human-watching (like the French do) sharpens your observation skills
- you can take your own sweet time finishing up a meal or in the toilet
- you can make silly detours without getting judged

So, we’ve come up with some activities that you can enjoy with confidence (tried, tested and approved by us, team Super Farmers!) It’s time to bring out that independent woman in you!
(Cue music, feat. Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Woman”)

For a quiet time

Sometimes we just want to leave the house, not particularly to do anything, but just so we can get some fresh air. Below are 3 activities that would be good for a nice and quiet time.

Visit the museum

Did you know there are more than 50 museums in Singapore to visit? The ones that are more popular include the Art Science Museum, and National Museum of Singapore, and also quieter ones like the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum housed in National University of Singapore (NUS), and The Gem Museum. Heading to the museum gives you an excuse to dress up a little. On top of that, armed with your preferred playlist plugged in to block out all the external sounds, you are bound to have a productive time learning new things and recharging.

Before heading down to any of the museums, go online to check the current exhibitions and take your pick. A little search online can bring you to the lesser-visited museums, where you can really have some quiet and quality me-time. Private museums like The Intan Museum even allows you to have a tour with the owner, where you will be enriched with historical understanding and personal stories he has to share.

Bring a book to your favourite café

Sure you can read at home, but on days like these, it’s probably better to bring that book out. In the company of strangers, a pot of tea and maybe some cake, a fresh environment can lighten up your mood and make you feel more productive. In the absence of distractions like your laptop, it will also be a good idea for you to put your phone aside and enjoy your book; be in the moment.

One of our favourite cafés to do some quiet reading is The Book Cafe situated along Martin Road, in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Clarke Quay yet comfortably nestled in a quiet corner. If you have no idea what you should read next, take a chance and pick a book from one of their many shelves to start! It helps that they serve quality food and good coffee as well.

Watch a movie

Instead of waiting for reviews to tell you how good a movie is, pick a weekday and head to the cinemas on your own. What we love about watching a movie on our own is that we are free to choose what we want to watch, and the idea of just watching a movie without being watched is very comforting. In the darkness of the theatre, amidst a light crowd, watching a movie alone also means concentrating on the movie and how it makes you feel without a care for anything else. As fans of movie marathons at home, we must emphasize that visiting the theatres for a movie really gives you a different feel.

For the geeks amongst us, don’t forget the shows at the Science Centre Omni Theatre where you’ll be teleported to witness the Aurora, or into the milky way to learn about Super Moons.  

For the adventurous ones

Who says that you cannot go on adventures alone? Below are 3 activities that we love to do alone when we want to experience something new on our own.

Go on a hike

Go on a hiking trail – go around the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, round the Dairy Farm, and further onto MacRitchie Reservoir if you can. You can look out for birds, snakes and other creatures along the way. Otherwise, refresh yourself with feel-good endorphins as you sweat your worries out, and reflect in the presence of nature.

It’s fun to go on hikes with friends, because you have people to talk to and share your discoveries. However, doing it alone can be a fantastic way to recharge yourself and most of all, to remind yourself of the happiness of spending some me-time. Take your time to figure out where you want to walk, see what you want to see. Stop and look around whenever you want to – that’s the pleasure of hiking on your own. In the presence of no one but yourself, you can heal.

Tip: We love architecture and sometimes would hike up Caldecott Hill to admire the class A bungalows that are designed beyond typical imagination.  

Sing your heart out

Who has the best voice? You. You can scream-sing a song, test out a song that you have been waiting to learn, and repeat it over and over again to practice. You don’t have to be songbirds to like singing, but not all of us are comfortable with singing around our friends, so if you have the opportunity to go singing alone, snatch it!

Plus, no more waiting for your turn - it will be productive karaoke time. Trust us, this is one therapeutic activity! (the hoarse voice afterwards is worth it)

Learn an unconventional skill

There are a thousand things we want to learn, but we don’t always have the time. But if we do, we can’t find a companion to be beginners with us. However, we think learning a skill is the best time to go solo! If it’s a place to learn, it’s a place to make mistakes. Learning a skill alone can be extremely liberating because you go at your own pace, and nobody that you care about is going to judge how well you’ve accomplished your tasks.

You can learn how to do latte art, or make your own candles, depending on where your passion and interest lies! You might even discover your new talent!

If you’re keen to learn more about self-care and plant-based workshops, watch this space for Super Farmers’ host of workshops at our new permanent space that is surrounded by greenery and serenity.

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We can’t wait to hear from you other suggestions that encourage me-time. Drop us a line with your lists at hello@super-farmers.com

 

 

Written by Ange Chua
Edited by Cynthea Lam

Ange Chua is an aspiring bird-watcher trying to fix her black thumbs. When she is not writing, you'd find her drinking tea out of teacups or reading in bed with her dog. She thinks her spirit animal is an alpaca.