If the idea of doing certain things by yourself makes you anxious or downright terrifies you, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. However, the more you get comfortable being in your own company, the less daunting it is. In fact, you might find that you actually prefer to do some things solo. Here are just a few things you should try on your own.
- Cook meals for yourself. I used to find a lot of times that if I was eating alone, I ate unhealthy meals with absolutely no nutrients in them—I’m talking cereal for dinner, chips and salsa, pizza, or restaurant takeout, which add up quickly. It was hard to motivate myself to make an entire meal, wait for it to cook, and then clean if it’s just for me. If you find yourself in my former mindset, give cooking a meal solo a try. You’ll save money, feel better because you’re actually eating healthier meals, and it’s an important way to take care of yourself even if it takes a little more energy. Plus, if you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to cooking, there are endless recipes and videos online nowadays (and super easy, delicious beginner ones, as well).
- Join a club/group with people who have the same interests as you. I recently moved to a new city where I don’t know many people, and it’s been pretty difficult to meet new friends. I used MeetUp.org to find a cool writing club. I joined and went to one of their meetings. It was definitely intimidating and I almost chickened out of going, but I’m so glad I went, because I met a bunch of cool, new people I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet otherwise who all have an interest in common with me. It’s definitely worth your while.
- Go to the movies and see whatever movie you’ve been dying to see. You won’t have to debate about what movie to see or share your popcorn with anyone else, which is awesome. I know going to the movies alone seems a little awkward or lonely if you aren’t used to doing it, but think about it like this: when you go to the movies with someone else, you sit there in silence and watch the movie anyway! What difference does it make?
- Be lazy all day if you’ve been feeling stressed out and don’t feel guilty about it. It’s strange, I know, but I don’t feel bad about lounging around all Sunday with my BF. However, if it’s just me by myself, I feel lazy and like I’m wasting time when I could actually be getting things done. Well, treat yourself the same way you would whether you’re with your BF or not. If you need a day to just relax, binge watch your favorite shows and pig out, then go for it and don’t feel bad. You don’t have to justify taking a day off to relax from time to time.
- Be a tourist in your own city (or a neighboring city). If your friends are busy and you find yourself with no plans and a day off, be a tourist in the city you live in. Whether it’s been a while since you’ve seen some of the iconic “touristy” spots (or maybe you just never took the time to check them out), it can be fun to explore your city through the eyes of a visitor. If you were visiting a different city for a few days, you’d check out the cool places in it, whether you’re with people or not.
- Tour a brewery or vineyard. I love seeing where my beer or wine is actually coming from, and touring a brewery or a vineyard can be super interesting and fun! Plus, the beer/wine almost tastes better if you know the history of where it was created… not that I need any more of a reason to love either of them!
- Have a treat yo’ self day! You don’t need anyone else to have an amazing day of pampering yourself. You can do this from the comfort of your own home with a bubble bath, your favorite food, and your favorite TV show, or you can take it up a few notches and go all out. What’s your favorite way to treat yourself? Maybe it’s getting your hair colored, shopping, a massage, or a delicious meal at a restaurant. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
- Commit to a workout routine/class and hold yourself accountable. Sometimes it seems like it’s impossible to commit to a workout routine or actually attend those 5:30 a.m. spin classes without a friend to keep you accountable, but you need to be able to stick to a plan and stay dedicated to your goals even if you’re the only one involved in them. This is a perfect way to start practicing that dedication.
- Go out and grab a few happy hour drinks. Ever want to end a long work day with a margarita (or a few) but all of your friends are busy? Go out to your favorite spot, order a drink and don’t feel awkward about it! You might meet some interesting people or you might just get the chance to enjoy a delicious drink, unwind, and chill out. Either way, it’s sometimes fun and interesting to go and grab a drink or two by yourself (but not if you’re driving yourself home, of course).
