It’s Dead Week. With the major stress epidemic around campus this time of year, who has the energy to date? What we all really need is some personal time to relax: a cheap date for one.
Sure, it sounds silly now, but you’ll surely see it differently once you’ve experienced it. Your “date for one” can be as cheap or as expensive as you’d like. Of course, because the focus of this column is budget-friendly, we’ll start with ideas that won’t put you in the poorhouse.
First of all, it’s amazing how valuable a bathtub is for relaxation. By now, you should know how to bathe, so I don’t have to fill you in on the details. But be creative: Try new scents of bubble baths, oils or crystals. Ladies, now’s your chance to use those generic bath and body gifts you received when your friends didn’t know what to get you. Or perhaps you can stock up on bath products and use what’s left after your “date for one” for holiday stocking stuffers. Regardless, it doesn’t matter what you put in your bath, as long as it suits you.
But don’t forget the candles. You can’t underestimate the power of mood lighting. The same romantic candle light that can woo a date will help you relax on your own. If you have them, try aromatherapy candles or any other sensual scents you’ve got around the house.
And what about the wine? As long as you don’t drink enough to become inebriated, wine can be a great relaxation tool. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. Travis Geny, the wine columnist for Pulse, knows some great deals around town where you can find a bottle of quality wine for only $3. See his column today on page 6B.
When you’re done with your bath, if you’re not so relaxed that you’re ready for bed, just take some time for yourself. Curl up in some comfortable clothes and read a book or watch a video.
Although, if a video is what you’re up for, check out the exercise tapes at your nearest rental outlet, and you’ll probably find yoga videos.
Donna O’Neil, the yoga coordinator at Four Winds Center, at 1840 Willamette St., said yoga is the ultimate form of relaxation, “learning how to release tension and learning to withdraw your senses.”

But if sitting in front of a television screen doesn’t do it for you, there are some drop-in yoga classes you might want to try. Four Winds Center, which offers an introductory yoga class, is one option. A $15 registration fee includes the introductory class and an extra regular class, such as beginning yoga, which is next scheduled for today at 6:30 p.m.
Of course, if you really want to splurge, experience the epitome of relaxation: a massage. Don’t expect to easily find a good deal on a massage; they’re usually pretty expensive. However, some places, such as Eugene Downtown Massage Therapy, offer student discounts. Actually, many places that don’t advertise student specials will often cut you a deal if you request it. But don’t figure on saving more than $5 or so. Expect to pay at least $20 for a half-hour massage and at least $30 for an hour massage. But you’ll really have to shop around to get deals like these.
This is a starting point for you to create your own relaxing “date for one.” But if you still think a date requires a partner, here’s an idea for you and that special person to relax together: a hot tub.
Most college students don’t own hot tubs, but there is an alternative. Rent one. There are a few local business that rent private spas by the hour. Of course, most people are a bit wary of anything that rents by the hour. Perhaps it’s a valid suspicion, but just ignore it and have a good time. An hour of pure relaxation can’t be all that bad, especially when it’s with somebody special. Onsen, at 1883 Garden Ave., charges $16 an hour for two people, and Springfield Spas charges $11 to $15 an hour for two people, depending on the time and day. And maybe afterward, you’ll have a few bucks left to spend on a cheap bottle of wine.
Whether it’s a “date for one” or a romantic rendezvous, it won’t hurt to take some time out to make yourself feel good. Don’t let Dead Week get the best of you. Just relax.