Being Alone Doesn’t Have to Feel Lonely
The art of solitude is one that many people struggle with. If you are anything like me and thrive off of social interaction, being alone can be scary. It wasn’t until early last year that I learned to cherish my alone time rather than dread it. At the beginning of 2022, my mental health was at its absolute worst. I had undergone a significant life change and had experienced a sense of isolation that I had never dealt with before. Although the months that followed were lonely and sad, I learned to enjoy spending time with myself. The feeling of loneliness that once made me cry every night soon converted into me proudly announcing that I love being alone. I soon realized that this was a universal experience and was something many people struggle with. If you are struggling with this or would simply like to develop a better relationship with yourself, this article is for you.
Before diving in, let's first unpack the meaning of the two words. At first glance, the terms "being alone" and "being lonely" may seem interchangeable, but in reality, they represent states of being that can coexist but don't necessarily have to. Being alone refers to a physical state where an individual finds themselves in a situation or environment without the presence of others. Loneliness, on the other hand, is an emotional state characterized by a sense of isolation or disconnection from others. Here are a few helpful tips that can help you overcome feelings of loneliness.
1. Date Yourself
This may be uncomfortable for some people, but take the time out of your day to take yourself on a date. I was someone who hated going out alone, but now I love it! The key is to go to a place or do an activity you really enjoy. This can be dining at your favorite restaurant, going to a coffee shop, or even planning out a picnic for yourself. I would often go to my local movie theater to watch reruns of Harry Potter and other classic movies. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to go and do something you have been wanting to do without the need to coordinate with a friend.
2. Self Care, Self Care, Self Care!
Something that helped me fill up the time but also did wonders for my mental health was self-care. Self-care is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It provides a foundation for a balanced and fulfilling life. Take the time to journal out your thoughts, cook healthy meals, and exercise. Put a face mask on, light a candle, and turn on your favorite sitcom! When I started my self-care journey, it was simply to distract me from the intense feelings of loneliness. Now, I look forward to recharging and taking care of myself. Remember, self-care is a personal journey, and it's essential to tailor it to your individual needs and preferences. Listen to your body and your mind.
3. Engage in Activities You Enjoy
Dedicate time to hobbies, interests, or creative pursuits that bring you joy and fulfillment. It's an opportunity to tap into your passions, recharge your spirit, and find a sense of satisfaction in the act of doing what brings you happiness. Whether it's a hobby, a sport, or a creative pursuit, these moments of joy are essential for a happy, healthy life. Bake those scones you've been dying to make, build a Lego set, or follow a Bob Ross painting tutorial on YouTube. There are so many things you can do and so many activities you can dabble in. Because I love dogs and they bring me a sense of pure joy, I would often find myself volunteering at my local animal shelter.
Being alone brings you a chance to nourish your soul, explore your interests, and find contentment in your own company. Rather than dreading it, embrace solitude as a powerful tool for personal growth and inner fulfillment.
Strike Out
Anjali Kamath
Boca Raton
Anjali Kamath is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When she’s not belting her heart out on karaoke she’s either at the yoga studio or spending all her money. She’s a textbook Aries and a Diet Coke enthusiast. You can reach her at anjalikamath460@gmail.com
