Being alone does not have to mean being unhappy, just like finding peace in your own company doesn’t automatically mean giving up on finding a partner that adds to your happiness. Being on your own can be rewarding and when you find happiness on this path, it may surprise you at how many opportunities open up for you in many aspects of your life. If you’re struggling with being a solo entity, here are some tips to help you get there.
- Take social media breaks often. Social media can be detrimental to finding peace of mind, whether you’re single or in a relationship. It’s hard not to compare yourself to other people when their happiness is constantly in your face. The thing about social media is that people rarely share their imperfections, unhappiness, or difficulties on social media. It can seem like everyone but you is in a happy relationship when you see pictures of cute couples and adorable little families all the time. Take a step back.
- Take time for yourself each day. It’s difficult to figure out what you want from life or in which direction you want to go when you never have time for yourself. Even if you have a busy career or an active social life, stop everything and sit down and be with yourself. Think about what you’ve been doing and how it makes you feel. Daydream about the things you want to do. Consider the things you need in your life and the people you want to surround yourself with. It’s easier to make things happen when you have a clear picture of it in your mind.
- Enjoy date night. Just because you’re solo doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy date night. If you’re open to relationships, go out on dates with men and don’t put any pressure on it. Enjoy the conversation, food, and drinks. Know that if it doesn’t work out and you don’t click, it’s fine. If you’re committed to staying single, take yourself out on dates. Have a weekly date night where you try different restaurants or activities. You could even take yourself on little mini-vacations sometimes.
- Find a physical activity you love. No, not that kind of physical activity. You can find a sport that you can do solo like hiking, jogging, or swimming. You could also join a sports team. Getting physical boosts the happy hormones and helps your mental and emotional health too.
- Get sexy with yourself. Okay, now you can think about that kind of physical activity. Besides the fact that orgasms make you feel good and boost more of the happy hormones, masturbating is good for your self-image. Learn how to pleasure yourself and love your body. You can also think of it as an investment in your future relationships. When you know how to please yourself, it’s easier to guide someone else in pleasing you.
- Figure out your love language. There are five love languages: acts of service, physical touch, receiving gifts, words of affirmation, and quality time. There’s even a love language quiz you can do to help you figure it out. Why does this matter? Because when you know your love language, you can learn to provide for yourself and make yourself feel loved. You don’t need to have a partner to do it for you. For example, if you love language is physical touch, you can satisfy your needs with a fuzzy weighted blanket, petting a dog, or getting in touch with nature (water, trees, moss all satisfy the needs of those whose love language is physical touch).
- Practice gratefulness. It’s easy to overlook things that matter when you’re busy in your life. Thinking about the things you’re grateful for can bring you to a greater state of peace. You might just take a few minutes in the morning or evening to come up with three things you are grateful for or you could make it a more formal experience by using a gratefulness journal.
- Nurture relationships. Romantic relationships are not the only kind of relationship that can bring you peace. They may not even be the most important ones. If you’re alone, take this time to nurture friendship and family relationships. Spend time with those you love.
Being alone can be challenging for many of us. If you put as much effort into your relationship with yourself as you would a romantic relationship, though, you’ll learn that being alone can bring peace and fulfillment to your life. Living life solo can be enjoyable.