As most of you know I’m all about being busy and often share the exercise, nutrition and organizational life hacks I use to make the most of my time. What I don’t often talk about is my BIGGEST ‘hack’: don’t do it alone!

Support is essential to making it all work. Whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, you name it. Whoever you’re getting support from, cherish them! These are the people that help take your kids to school, walk your dog when you’re stuck at work or text you a ‘good luck today’ on the morning of a big meeting! These are the people that truly make your world turn.

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I’m giving honourable mentions to my partner, Gary. I’m extraordinarily lucky to have someone who is such a big supporter of my goals and ambitions. I know too well that I’m a handful. That’s why Gary has two hands ;).

That being said, I know I’m one of the lucky few who’ve found a partner they find pretty well perfect! Many of my girls nights are filled with updates from the single survivors on who they’ve met, how they’ve met them and a long discussion on whether or not they’re going to keep them around. Honestly, they sound exhausted and I don’t blame them. Finding the right partner or stumbling into “the one” is just about as easy as it sounds. Add that onto hectic schedules and much needed downtime, it really doesn’t leave you feeling like dating should be much of a priority.

Au contraire my single friends, you need to date. For your health… well at least your well-being.

Here are four reasons why dating is essential to your well-being:

1. Escape Expectations

You’re a lot of things to a lot of people: Boss, Employee, Mother, Sister, Daughter… the list is endless. Who you are when you’re on a date is exactly who you are. You don’t know your date overly well, they don’t have expectations from you, and you don’t have expectations from them. You’re just two people, taking a minute to see if something clicks. One sure way to increase the ‘click-ability’ on a date is to let the experts at e-harmony pair you up. It’s kind of like knowing your odds before placing a bet!

2. Get the Creative Juices Flowing

Sometimes it feels like you go home, car, office, gym and repeat for weeks on end. Going on a date gives you a chance to try a new coffee shop, do a new activity together (rock-climbing anyone?) or see the latest art exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Dates are opportunities to be creative! Sure you can take your date to your regular hangouts but you know people there and you might get caught up in that rather than giving your date the attention they deserve. Try something new. We’re in a city where we’re spoiled for choice, take advantage of it. If you’re on a budget, I was checking out the E-Harmony blog (not just for single folks!) and they have a great piece on budget dates here.

3. A Little Extra TLC

Maybe it’s me, but I’ve dialled back my ‘get ready’ routine into 20 minutes of well choreographed moves. Little dry shampoo, concealer, mascara, SPF and I’m out the door. I’m actually quite proud of it, but there’s something to be said about getting date night ready. You actually do your hair, try out a new look, maybe you have a playlist you put on or a quick yoga flow to calm your nerves. Rituals like this aren’t for everyday but they certainly feel good when we do! If you have a few days notice, I can’t recommend a session at Project Skin MD enough for that extra boost of confidence!

4. Feel like a Champ

One spectacular thing about a new date? All of your old stories, go-to jokes, trusty LBD (Thanks Fine Finds Boutique!) — it’s all new to them! They get to be awed by that witty story you know can get a crowd roaring. It’s a bit like having the answers to the test ahead of time. These are your most perfected moves and who knows, this could be the last time you use them!

Don’t date to ‘find the one’, date for you—because it’s a fun way to break up the norm and can actually be positive for your overall wellbeing! Enjoy the rituals of getting ready, feeling like a star as you regale them with your tales, try something new and most of all, be unapologetically you! Enjoy your time being single, your next first date can easily be your last!

Natalie xx

Images by Allison Kuhl 

Product Shots by Olivia Ann Photography

Thank you to E-Harmony for sponsoring this post. All comments and opinions are my own.