The Beginner's Guide to Being Happy Alone

Before we get into the specifics of how to be happy alone, it's crucial to note that being alone doesn't have to imply loneliness. You may be alone and lonely at the same time, but the two don't necessarily have to go together.

Short-term tips to get you started

                                These pointers can assist you in getting started. They won't make your life better overnight, but they can help you become more at ease with being alone.

        Some of these could be just what you've been looking for. Others may be incomprehensible to you. They can be used as stepping stones. To fit your own lifestyle and personality, add to and shape them along the road.

1. Avoid comparing yourself to others

Avoid comparing your social life to anyone else's. This is easier said than done. It's not about how many friends you have or how often you go out socially that matters. It's all about what works best for you.

Remember, there's no way of knowing if someone with a large group of friends and a full social calendar is truly content.

2. Take a step back from social media

While social media isn't necessarily terrible or troublesome, take a step back if browsing through your accounts makes you feel alone and worried. That stream only tells part of the tale. By a long shot, no.

You have no way of knowing if those individuals are actually happy or simply pretending to be. In any case, it has nothing to do with you. So, take a big breath and consider the situation.

Make a trial run by removing yourself from social media for 48 hours. If it doesn't work, try setting a daily limit of 10 to 15 minutes and sticking to it.

3. Take a phone break

Is there a pattern here? The perception of being alone has surely evolved as a result of smartphones and social media.

Is anyone truly alone these days when they can pick up their phone and text or contact almost anyone? Or find out what your high school acquaintance is doing to without having to speak with them?

Turn your phone off and put it away for an hour the next time you're alone. Take advantage of this opportunity to reconnect with yourself and discover what it's like to be genuinely alone.

Don't know what to do with your time? Grab a pen and a piece of paper, and make a list of activities you could like doing the next time you're alone.

4. Carve out time to let your mind wander

Does the idea of doing nothing make you feel uneasy? That's probably because you haven't allowed yourself to just be for a long time.

Set a timer for 5 minutes and see what happens. That is all there is to it.

No for five minutes:

• television 
• music
• internet
• podcasts 
• books

Find a relaxing spot to sit or lie down. If you prefer, close your eyes, dim the lights, or gaze out the window. If that's too sedentary, do something repetitious like knitting, basketball dribbling, or dishwashing.

Allow your thoughts to roam – genuinely wander — and observe where they lead you. Don't give up if it doesn't go you too far at first. Your mind will adjust to this newfound freedom over time.

5. Take yourself on a date

Self-dates may sound trite, but they may be a useful tool for learning to be content on your own.

Don't know what to do? Assume you're attempting to impress a real date by showing them a nice time. What would you do with them? What would you like for them to see or do?

Take yourself out on that date now. It may seem strange at first, but chances are you'll encounter at least a few other people dining alone or buying a single movie ticket.

You don't have to go big if money is an issue. But keep in mind that paying for one is far less expensive than paying for two.

Is it still too intimidating? Start small by spending 10 minutes in a coffee shop. Be aware of your surroundings and take them in. Once you've gotten used to it, going out alone won't feel so strange.

6. Get physical

Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that make you feel good.

Start with only a few minutes a day, even if it's simply morning stretches, if you're new to exercising. Every day, increase your exercise by a minute or two. Try weight training, aerobics, or sports as your confidence grows.

Plus, if you're still hesitant to venture out on your own, coming to the gym alone might be a good place to start.

7. Spend time with nature

Another cliché, to be sure. However, honestly, go outside. Relax in your lawn, go for a walk in the park, or sit by the river. Nature's sights, sounds, and fragrances should be absorbed. Feel the wind in your hair and on your face.

According to studies, spending 30 minutes or more each week in nature can help with depressive symptoms and reduce blood pressure.

8. Lean into the perks of being alone

Living alone might make it difficult for some individuals to be happy. Sure, it's quiet, and no one is there to listen to your complaints after work or remind you to turn off the stove.

However, there are certain advantages to living alone (naked cleaning, anyone?). Make the most of the physical and emotional space that living alone provides:

Take up the entire room. Spend the day taking over the kitchen to prepare a delicious feast that you can eat for the following week.

Extend yourself. Trying to rekindle an old passion? Gather all of your supplies and lay them out on the floor to pick what you'll use for your next project. Don't think you'll be able to make a decision in a single day? It's no issue. Even if it's a week from now, leave it out until you're finished.

Have a dance-off. This is a rather self-explanatory one. Put on your favorite music and turn it up loudly if your neighbors let it. Dance as if no one is looking, because they aren't.

9. Volunteer

There are a plethora of opportunities to donate your time in the service of others. You may volunteer in person or from the comfort of your own home. Helping others can make you feel good in any case. It can also help you feel connected to people while still allowing you to spend time alone.

Look into volunteer opportunities in your area. Finding something that feels good to you is crucial. Make sure their requirements match what you're willing and able to provide.

It's totally normal to go on and try something else if the first thing you attempt doesn't work out.

Whenever the chance arises, perform a random act of kindness.

10. Acknowledge things you’re grateful for

Gratitude has been shown to increase sentiments of pleasure and hopefulness, according to research.

As you go about your day, it's easy to take things for granted. Take some time to think about what you're grateful for.

It isn't necessary for them to be amazing or mind-blowing. They might be as basic as your first cup of coffee in the morning or a song you listen to again and over because it relaxes you.

Make a mental or physical list of the things you admire in your life. When you're alone and feeling depressed, pull out this list to remind yourself of all your positive attributes.