How to be happy alone: 13 tips for embracing solitude
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what it means to be alone vs. lonely and when to get help for loneliness. Plus, how to be happy while you're alone with 13 tips for embracing solitude.
There’s a big difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Being alone, or spending time with yourself, is simply not being in the company of others, which may or may not be by choice. Loneliness, on the other hand, is an emotional feeling of being disconnected, unsupported, or isolated.
There are a lot of perks to being alone, including new opportunities for reflection, relaxation, and personal development. Appreciating the value of spending time alone can help you develop a strong sense of self and lead to increased creativity, productivity, and emotional wellbeing.
Being alone vs. loneliness
Being alone and experiencing loneliness aren’t necessarily linked. Being alone refers to the physical state of not being in the presence of other people, but loneliness can occur in any situation, even if you are with others. It can bring a sense of isolation or not being understood by those around you. When your social needs aren’t being met, it can cause sadness or anxiety. Loneliness isn’t about the quantity of your social interactions, but the quality and meaningfulness of those interactions.
Being alone doesn't automatically lead to negative feelings. In fact, alone time can be a positive, enriching experience, providing:
Opportunity for self-reflection, relaxation, and independence
A chance to enjoy favorite activities without distraction
Time to focus on personal growth and self-discovery
A way to unwind in peace
Recognizing the difference between choosing to be alone and feeling lonely can help you build a healthy relationship with yourself. However, if you do feel lonely, acknowledging these feelings can be the first step toward seeking more meaningful connections or addressing any underlying issues.
How to be happy alone: 13 tips to enjoy your own company
By using strategies for embracing solitude, you can transform alone time into a rewarding, enriching experience for personal growth and self-discovery. These tips can help you learn to be happy alone which will contribute to your overall wellbeing.
1. Set personal goals
Define what you want to achieve, whether it's related to your career, personal growth, fitness, or hobbies. Setting goals can give you a sense of purpose, making your alone time more productive and fulfilling.
💙 Learn about the importance of discovering The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals from Jay Shetty.
2. Develop a hobby
Activities you love can enrich your life and also boost your mood and self-esteem. No matter what you’re into, your hobbies can provide you with joy and a sense of accomplishment.
💙 Gain inspiration from Elizabeth Segran as she reflects on The Power of Hobbies.
3. Practice mindfulness
Use practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to stay present and fully engaged in the current moment. Mindfulness can help you reduce stress, enhance emotional wellbeing, and deepen your appreciation for alone time.
💙 Our Mindfulness for Beginners series is a great place to start if you’re interested in starting a practicel.
4. Create a comfortable living space
Decorate your home to reflect your tastes and interests to help make alone time something to look forward to. A space that feels like a sanctuary can significantly enhance your comfort and peace of mind.
5. Learn a new skill
Using your alone time to learn something new can be incredibly rewarding. Explore a new language, a musical instrument, or a digital skill to boost your confidence and open up new possibilities.
💙 Once you master a new skill, don’t be afraid to Share Your Skills with others.
6. Stay physically active
Physical activity can benefit your health and your mental wellbeing. Find an exercise you enjoy to help improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
💙 Even some Mindful Movement in the mornings can be beneficial.
7. Connect with nature
Nature’s calming effect can help reduce stress. A walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting outside can be a wonderful way to enjoy some alone time.
💙 If you can’t make it outside, listening to calming nature sounds, like Water Falling, can be soothing.
8. Enjoy a good book
Reading can transport you to another world, provide new insights, and stimulate your imagination. Visit your local library or bookshop to discover new authors and engage with new ideas.
9. Write in a journal
Process your thoughts and feelings, gain clarity, and reflect on your experiences through journaling. It can help you understand yourself better and appreciate your personal journey.
10. Explore your creativity
Alone time can bring the perfect opportunity to express yourself creatively. Writing, painting, or making music can enhance your happiness and self-discovery.
💙 Hear from iconic street artist Shepard Fairey on how to Harness Creativity.
11. Take a break from social media
Reduce your time on social media to help decrease feelings of comparison and inadequacy. Instead, use your alone time to engage in fulfilling activities that enhance your sense of self-worth.
💙 If you need help breaking your social media habits, our Social Media & Screen Addiction masterclass can help.
12. Volunteer your time
Helping others can provide purpose and connection, even when you're alone, and can be highly rewarding. Volunteer in your community to make a positive impact while focusing on the wellbeing of others.
13. Plan solo adventures
Traveling alone or exploring new places locally can offer a sense of freedom and adventure. Plan a trip to discover new things about the world and yourself.
💙 Build up your Courage to help you take the leap.
When to get help for loneliness: 6 ways to find support
While embracing alone time can be beneficial, there are signs that might indicate you need to reach out for social interaction or professional help to address feelings of loneliness.
Persistent, rather than fleeting, loneliness
Loneliness that impacts your daily activities or overall functioning
Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression
Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or motivation
Withdrawing from activities you usually enjoy or feeling disconnected from people around you
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to improve your mental health and build meaningful connections.
1. Community groups and clubs: Engage with community groups or clubs for a sense of belonging and to meet people with similar interests. A book club, a fitness class, or a hobby group can be a chance to build new relationships.
2. Apps for social connection: Use an app designed to help people connect. These can introduce you to local events or groups that align with your interests, so you can build new connections.
3. Virtual workshops and classes: Participate in online classes or workshops to help you learn new skills and connect you with a community that shares your passions.
4. Peer support lines: If you need someone to talk to, try a peer support line, which can offer a listening ear and understanding from people who may have had similar experiences. Call for comfort, advice, and connection when you need it most.
5. Mental health support groups: For those experiencing loneliness, depression, or other mental health challenges, support groups can offer a space to share experiences and feelings with others who understand. Whether in-person or online, reach out to these groups for support and empathy.
6. Counseling services: Sometimes, professional help can be the most effective way to address feelings of loneliness. Counselors or therapists can offer personalized strategies to cope with your feelings, improve social skills, and build healthier social habits. Choose in-person or online sessions for the support you need.
How to be happy alone FAQs
How can I be alone without being lonely?
Being alone without feeling lonely involves engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, even without others around.
Think about what you enjoy doing most when you're by yourself — perhaps reading, gardening, or cooking makes you feel good. It can be any activity that makes you feel happy and engaged.
Maintain a positive mindset about solitude, viewing it as an opportunity for self-care and personal growth.
Practice gratitude for the moments of peace and quiet to help shift your perspective on being alone.
Use solitude to recharge and reflect to gain valuable insights into your thoughts and feelings.
How can I start enjoying my own company?
Enjoying your own company can start with self-acceptance and recognizing your worth. Spend time doing activities you love and that make you feel good about yourself, like finding a new hobby, diving into a book, or indulging in your favorite movie or music. Find joy in the things you do alone to help boost your self-esteem and independence.
Consider setting personal challenges or goals to achieve during your alone time, as this can provide a sense of accomplishment. Over time, you may find that you look forward to these moments with yourself, appreciating the freedom and peace they bring.
Can being alone too much affect my mental health?
Spending too much time alone can impact your mental health, particularly if it leads to feelings of isolation or loneliness. While solitude can be beneficial for reflection and relaxation, too much time without meaningful social interactions can lead to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from others.
Strike a balance between enjoying alone time and engaging in social activities. And if you notice signs of sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, or a persistent feeling of isolation, reach out for social interaction or professional help.
What are some signs that my alone time is turning into unhealthy isolation?
Signs that your alone time may be turning into unhealthy isolation can be tricky to recognize. Look out for indicators that might show it’s time to reconnect with others or seek support.
Constantly feeling sad or anxious when alone
Avoiding social interactions even when opportunities arise
A persistent sense of loneliness or disconnection
Withdrawing from relationships
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
A deep sense of emptiness
How do I balance my need for solitude with maintaining social connections?
Balancing the need for solitude with maintaining social connections involves recognizing and honoring your personal needs, while also making an effort to engage with others.
Set aside dedicated time for yourself to enjoy solitude and engage in self-reflection or personal hobbies, but also make an effort to schedule social activities, like meeting a friend for coffee, joining a club or group, or participating in community events. Striking a balance can help you enjoy the benefits of solitude, while also nurturing your relationships and connections with others.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
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