7 post-breakup activities in Des Moines

Breakups are tough. But this list of fun activities in Des Moines can help take your mind off the heartache. 

Breakups are tough, no matter the circumstances. But there’s no sense in sitting around in your own self-pity (at least not for too long!) Getting out and about, whether on your own or with a group of good friends, is sure to lift your spirits and offer up a healthy dose of fun.

if you live in Des Moines, here is a list of ideas to help keep you busy (in a good way) and not dwelling on your breakup. 

1. Enjoy a spa day

Self-care is a great place to start when you are dealing with heartache. A full-fledged spa day is the way to go. Call up a local spa to see about booking yourself for several services … a facial? A massage? Manicure and pedicure? All of the above?

Treat yourself to some time to relax, unwind, and take care of your physical and mental health. Locals recommend East Village Day Spa, Salon Spa W, and Hush. You could even relax in the salt lounge with a dry float at Inner Space!

2. Get enraged

There’s something very cathartic about breaking stuff. Luckily, at Smash Room Iowa in Urbandale, you can do just that. Take out all your frustration and aggression in a room full of things you can smash up and break by throwing them or using a sledgehammer, baseball bat, or crowbar. Add a car windshield or computer monitor for some extra smashing therapy.

Thirty minutes in this venting space starts at $80. 

3. Calm your mind

If rage isn’t the answer, consider something more calming. Take a walk around the galleries at the Des Moines Art Center, where you’ll be surprised and delighted by modern and contemporary works of art.

You can also visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where you’ll see beautiful green gardens growing any season of the year. Being among art and nature is proven to have calming effects on your mind and body. So consider spending some time in the galleries or wandering through the tropical escape that the botanical gardens can offer to take your mind off your relationship.

4. Eat well

Food nourishes the soul, so why not make a reservation at a few of Des Moines’s favorite eateries? Some locals who regularly dine solo suggested Eatery A, Americana, and El Bait Shop, as they have good bartenders who will strike up a conversation at the bar. Cheese Bar, W-Tao Sushi, Clyde’s Fine Diner, and Alba all got shoutouts, too.

At the end of the night, it’s important that you treat yourself to a scoop or two of ice cream from Black Cat Ice Cream.

If you feel like picking up a new hobby, you could even consider taking a cooking class, such as those offered by Cooking with Alessandra or Culinary Annex. 

5. Laugh it out

They say laughter is the best medicine. So, scoop up some tickets to a local comedy show.

The Funny Bone has comedy shows almost every night of the week. Or pop into Teehee’s Comedy Club, located downtown, to take a peek at their lineup. You might also want to check out the upcoming shows at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center to see what comedy acts are coming to town.

We can pretty much guarantee that a night of laughs will improve your mood tenfold. 

6. Get pics

New photo, who dis? Nothing gives you quite the same self-esteem boost as getting professional photos taken. While the new headshot will come in handy professionally, you could also snag a few fun photos to use on your new dating profile.

There are oodles of talented photographers around the Des Moines area. You can check with a friend for a recommendation, but these photographers come highly recommended by locals: Urban Couture Photography, Anna Jones Photography, Ryan Damman, and Jason Crocker Thomas Photography.

7. Meet singles

Speaking of dating, when you are ready to check out the local event scene for singles, there are options to consider. Date me dsm hosts in-person meet-up events all around the area to help singles connect with each other without the use of a screen. Smitten Singles also operates in the Des Moines area and offers a variety of in-person events each month, like speed dating and trivia.

When the timing is right for you, you are sure to at least have fun getting dressed up and chatting with friendly people. You never know when a new love interest may walk into your life!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.