8 Ways People Who Live Alone Stay Genuinely Happy Without Ever Feeling Lonely
mimagephotography | CanvaIn many ways, moving out of the family home or college dorm and learning how to live alone is a rite of passage. Most of us look forward to the perks of living alone and having full control over our living situation. The big move brings about a sense of exhilaration along with ample freedom and space to do whatever it is that you please.
But as of 2021, it's not just recent graduates and the elderly who are living solo. Data from 2018 shows that the number of single-person households in the U.S nearly doubled over the last 50 years. This number is likely to continue growing.
Regardless of whether you’re alone by choice or not, there’s no denying the effects of living alone and feeling isolated. Census data showed that young adults who live alone reported higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Here are 8 ways people who live alone stay genuinely happy without ever feeling lonely:
1. People who live alone stay in touch with loved ones
As self-explanatory as it sounds, social isolation can lead to severe consequences for your mental health. If you’re dealing with depression, something as simple as reaching out to friends and family members can feel incredibly difficult.
But making sure you keep in contact with the people closest to you is a good way to stay on top of your mental health. And if you're on the other side of the spectrum, make sure to check in on those who are living alone!
2. They limit social media
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Take it from someone who’s been on an Instagram cleanse for almost a year now — it works wonders. When we’re alone and feeling disconnected from the rest of the world, seeing friends and influencers flaunting their social lives online never helps. If anything, it can make us feel irrelevant and pressured to keep up appearances.
Going offline may sound scary at first, but trust me. You’ll still find ways to keep in touch with everything that’s going on. Taking a step back to focus on your life instead of scrolling through someone else's is something you’ll wish you did earlier.
3. People who live alone spend time outside
Go out whenever you can. As cozy as your living space might be, being holed up in the same space for days or weeks on end will most certainly drive you nuts. Interacting with new people gives you a chance to practice being human again. Plus, spending time in nature can even provide cognitive benefits such as stress reduction and attention restoration.
"Of course, you'd love to steep yourself in the wildness of national parks, but it’s not always possible," spiritual healer Cyndera Quackenbush emphasized. "The beauty of nature is that it fills the void and grows in even the most unlikely places — cracks in the sidewalks and neighbors’ neglected yards. Do you know what’s growing in your yard? Your neighborhood? What’s that tree called that you see every day? You may have just met a new neighbor friend that you can say 'hi' to from now on."
4. They count their blessings
Studies have shown that practicing gratitude makes you happier. Writing down (or reminding yourself) of why living alone is great will help cultivate positive emotions and challenge negative thoughts. For instance, sleeping in without being disturbed by roommates or siblings is always something to be grateful for. Or maybe you’re thankful that you get to decorate your space to your heart’s content. The possibilities are endless.
5. People who live alone really get to know themselves
Who are you, really? It’s the basis of every existential human question for a good reason. Befriending yourself is quite possibly the best investment you can make in the long run. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or a relaxing bath, sitting with your thoughts and emotions can help you pinpoint issues that need your attention.
Ask yourself what contributes to your loneliness. What do you think would help? What is it you really need?
6. People who live alone often adopt furry friends
If the opportunity presents itself and you feel as though you’re ready to be a pet parent, why not adopt a new companion? The positive effects of animal companionship on depression and anxiety are nothing to scoff at. Not only that, but you’ll have a friend for life.
Couples counselor Lianne Avila explained, "The responsibilities that go with taking care of a pet may seem simple. But they remind you that you can take care of yourself. Does having a pet make you a better person? Yes, having a pet can make you a better person, mostly because it forces you to practice empathy. Having a pet can contribute to personal growth and development, potentially making you a better person."
7. People who live alone set a schedule
You don’t have to plan out your day by the minute, but giving yourself guidelines can help provide some much-needed structure. Sitting around with nothing to do feels like a dream when you’re overworked and stressed, but it can actually be detrimental when it’s all you’re doing day-to-day. That’s not to say you shouldn’t rest (you should), but finding ways to keep yourself busy will help distract you from negative, repetitive thought patterns.
8. They volunteer
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It’s a well-known fact that humans are social creatures. Spending time with others, particularly for a good cause, can be just the thing to combat loneliness. Not only will it give you the chance to make new friends and connect with others, but it’ll also help you feel good about how you're spending your time.
In our darkest hours, we’re often plagued by intrusive thoughts that feed our deepest fears and insecurities. It’s important to be patient with ourselves and validate our feelings. We all struggle from time to time, and that doesn’t nullify our worth.
Yona Dervishi is a freelance writer who covers topics about acceptance, wellness, news, and entertainment.
