According to Census data, over a quarter of US households were made up of one person in 2020. This means a record number of Americans of all ages are currently living alone. Although we mentally associate solo living with loneliness, there are lots of ways to enjoy your independence and cultivate happiness. Living alone can provide a great opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth as long as you embrace it. Here are 10 ways you can find contentment living on your own.
1. Create a Comfortable Living Space
2. Ditch The Screens
When you live on your own, it can be tempting to fill your time by watching TV and scrolling social media. However, studies have shown that people are more satisfied with their alone time when they forgo technology, which truly allows them to recharge their batteries. Instead of surfing the web, try to find a fulfilling tech-free hobby you can enjoy doing solo, such as knitting or cooking.
3. Adopt a Pet
Another perk of living alone is that you don’t have to ask anyone else for permission to adopt a pet. If you’re ready for the responsibility of being a pet owner, a dog or cat can provide lots of love and companionship.
Plus, getting a furry friend could help you get outside in nature and become more active, which is great for your health and overall wellbeing. You may even meet new friends on your daily walks or at the dog park.
4. Get Involved in Your Community
Speaking of making friends, one of the best ways to be happy living alone is to get involved in your community. Humans are social creatures, so we can’t spend all of our time soaking up solitude. We need a healthy balance of alone time and socialization to feel our best. Attending events in your area, volunteering, taking an educational class, or joining a hobby group can help you feel connected to your local community and stave off loneliness.
5. Practice Gratitude
Another key to being happy while living alone is to banish FOMO and practice gratitude for the positives in your life. Studies suggest that we need alone time for optimal wellbeing. So instead of feeling jealous of others in different circumstances, try to be grateful for the benefits of your solo living arrangement. Take this rare opportunity to relish your freedom, explore new hobbies, and engage in self-reflection.
6. Treat Yourself
We get so used to taking care of others that we often forget to show ourselves the same kindness. You may feel like it’s silly to cook a fancy meal and use nice china if you’re having dinner alone. But it’s important to find small moments of joy in the mundanity of daily life.
Save some of the nurturing energy you spend on family and friends and use it to spoil yourself a little. Host a solo spa night, bake yourself a special treat, or take yourself out to see a movie. You deserve it!
7. Stay Positive
When you’re alone with only your thoughts to keep you company, it can be easy for negative self-talk to creep in. But to be happy living alone, you have to try and stay positive. If self-critical thoughts pop up, counter them by listing all your positive character traits. Eventually you may be able to retrain your brain to see yourself and the world through a more positive lens.
However, living alone can be challenging. So don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist for professional support if your mental health is flagging.
8. Work On Self-Improvement
Living alone is a great time to focus on self-improvement. You can fully dedicate yourself to your goals without kids, roommates, or a partner around to distract you. Whether you want to get better at playing the flute or advance your career, start taking small steps towards your ambitions, such as enrolling in an online class.
9. Practice Self-Care
Practicing self-care isn’t just about indulging your desire for cookies and wine after a long day. It also involves doing hard stuff that you know is good for you, such as exercising, eating healthy, and meditating or journaling.
Taking proper care of your mind and body will boost your overall wellbeing and help you be a more engaged employee, friend, and family member. You’ll also have a much better time living alone if you actually take care of yourself. Living an unhealthy bachelor lifestyle with takeout boxes strewn everywhere can be fun at first, but gets old fast!
10. Reach Out For Emotional Support
As the saying goes, no one is an island. If you start to feel lonely or overwhelmed by life’s challenges, it’s a good idea to reach out to friends, family, or even a therapist for emotional support and guidance.
It’s Possible To Thrive While Living Alone
By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can cultivate happiness and fulfillment while living on your own. Remember that happiness is a journey, and it’s okay to seek support and make adjustments along the way as you continue to grow and evolve.
Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.