A night out can be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In fact, taking a break and heading out with friends can give people a sense of belonging and boost those feel-good neurotransmitters that keep us feeling happy.

According to a 2019 study found in PLOS One, an open access mega journal published by the Public Library of Science, social networks can influence health-related behaviors and have a positive impact on stress, attitude and self-assessed health perceptions.

Human connection is at the core of what most people need to live healthy, satisfying lives. Therefore, regular nights out can provide a chance to laugh, let off steam and connect with others.

Here are some ways to have memorable nights out with others:

Send invitations

It pays to give people ample notice of an upcoming evening out so they can plan their schedules accordingly. Waiting until the last minute to see if people want to hang can diminish turnout. Send a text around a week or two in advance to lock down the date and time. Better yet, make it a regular event, such as the last Thursday of each month.

Have an activity in mind

Certainly there are some friend groups that simply go on impromptu bar crawls and make magic along the way. But developing a general framework of what’s to transpire can help. Identify an activity and go with it, such as a themed club night to dress up and listen to some different music. There are many options for theme nights, including ’70s, ’80s or ’90s, as well as musical theater or movies, or specific genres of music.

Add a touch of adventure

Experiences with perceived risk or adversity can elevate the sense of enjoyment and camaraderie. Incorporating a bit of adventure into the night can bring about growth and make the experience worth talking about in the future. This may be a reason why escape rooms have grown in popularity. One idea is to explore a new city or town and let other tourists suggest places to visit. Don’t stay in one place too long so the adventure keeps evolving.

Don’t hype things up

Labeling a night as the “best night ever” or a “party to remember” can quickly tamp down the fun in a flash. It’s best to let the fun develop organically rather than putting a bunch of labels or expectations on the event.

Leave the driving to someone else

Adults may want to imbibe during a night out, and the safest way to avoid driving under the influence is to let a rideshare service or taxi transport participants where they need to go. Plus, cramming into a car together and heading to another destination can be part of the fun itself. According to Thought Catalog, a community storytelling outlet, driving can create stress and put a cap on the amount of fun you can have.

— Metro Editorial Services