Living alone, as many have been doing during the lockdown, has its pros and cons. It can be one of the your most rewarding experiences, helping you develop a strong sense of independence and learning how to fully enjoy your own company. Know thyself! Living alone doesn’t mean being lonely, (perish the thought) so here are some tips Living Alone: 5 Ways You Can Positively Embrace It!
1. Add Some Structure
Following a regular, structured routine can help boost purpose, reduce feelings of loneliness, by keeping yourself busy. This doesn’t mean filling your schedule with work – it’s important to make time for fun too!
Having regular plans with friends and family can also be super helpful from a life-perspective standpoint. A routine provides a sense of control, leading to improved focus and motivation, and can be particularly beneficial in reducing stress.
Of course, your daily schedule doesn’t have to be completely stacked, but it can be helpful to have certain things like regular house cleaning times, planned meals, and a similar wake-up time and bedtime each day.
2. Try New Things
Living alone can be the perfect time for self-discovery, getting to know yourself better, and exploring new interests. Maybe you’ll find yourself skilled at playing an instrument, or that you’re a culinary pro in the kitchen. Trying new things can expand your perspective, and help you figure out what you truly enjoy doing.
3. Practice Self-Care
It can be easy for good habits to slip when living alone, so it may be a good idea to develop self-care practices which can improve your emotional and physical well-being. Meditation is a great way to start the day, going into each morning with a sense of calmness and focus.
Finding the time for regular exercise throughout the week can get those endorphins going, leaving you feeling great. Taking an incense-bath, or enjoying your favourite Netflix show are also great forms of self-care that can leave you feeling good.
4. Spend Time in Nature / Get Outside
Spending time outside gets you out of the house, and is great for feeling more connected to the world. Going for walks is an ideal way to get some fresh air and keeps you active, and has also been proven to relieve stress.
5. Reach Out to Friends
While enjoying living alone, there may be still be moments where you long for human interaction – it’s important to have a support system that we can reach out to. Whether that be calling or texting a friend, or arranging to meet for a coffee, setting aside moments to spend meaningful time with people you care about and who care about you are important for a fulfilling social life.
Have you lived alone? What do you like and dislike about it? Maybe you’ve ‘found yourself’ for the first time in your life? What did you learn? Let us know in the comments below, and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
