- While living alone might seem intimidating, there are many benefits that can turn it into a rewarding experience.
- Some tips to enjoy living alone include making a routine, exploring a new hobby and keeping your home organized.
- Some safety precautions for living alone include installing a security camera and getting to know your neighbors.
Whether you just moved to a new city or are moving out for the first time, you may be in a situation where you’re considering living alone. While living alone can seem like an intimidating idea, it can also be a truly rewarding experience and a time to really get to know yourself.
Living alone can help you grow as a person and learn true independence, but it can also have its cons, especially when it comes to security or feelings of isolation. If you’re considering living alone, follow along for some important tips to make living alone the best experience possible.
Get To Know Yourself
Living alone can be one of the best times to get to know yourself on a deeper level. You may be at a time in your life where you’re living alone for the first time after growing up with family or roommates. With so many other people around and in your space, it’s common for your relationship with yourself to take a backseat.
Living by yourself is a great way to learn more about yourself and the things that make you happy. Whether that’s the activities you do in your free time, the meals you cook, or the shows you watch on TV — all the decisions are up to you and you only! Journalling is a great way to keep track of your thoughts and the things that make you happy, which will ultimately help you understand yourself on a deeper level.
Shutterstock/mimagephotographyMake the Home Feel Like You
Another tip to making your living alone experience the best it can be is to really invest in making your space feel like you. Since your space is only yours, you truly have free rein to select furniture and decorate to your own personal preferences without having to compromise with a partner, family or friends.
Turn your space into one that makes you feel relaxed, comfortable and the most at home. Add plants, art, decor or whatever pieces resonate most with you and your personal style.
Shutterstock/Prostock-studioStay Connected
While there are many positives to living alone, it can be a little isolating, especially if you’re used to living in a full house. One tip to take care of your mental health is to stay connected with others. Plan weekly get-togethers with friends or a weekly phone call with a family member.
These small moments of connection can do wonders for your overall well-being and can help you feel connected even when you’re living on your own.
Shutterstock/KingaConsider a Pet
Another option if you’re looking for companionship while living alone is to consider owning a pet. A pet can help mitigate feelings of loneliness and can help create a feeling of accountability to have someone that depends on you. Pets can also help provide feelings of connection and companionship.
If you’re not looking for the long-term commitment of a pet but still would enjoy having one around, you could consider fostering a pet. Many shelters offer programs that will allow you to temporarily provide a home for an animal in need.
Shutterstock/Milan Ilic PhotographerInstall a Safety System
If you’re worried about security or safety when it comes to living alone, you could consider adding a security system to your new place. Doorbells that record video have become increasingly popular recently and can add an extra layer of safety when you’re living alone.
The camera can allow you to monitor your doors if you hear a noise or if you want to check whose at the door before opening it. Aside from security cameras, be sure to use common sense and always use a peephole or check the doorbell camera before opening the door if someone is knocking.
Shutterstock/Fh PhotoDevelop a Routine
Living alone can provide you with a lot of freedom, but it also leaves more room to create unhealthy habits since you’re not accountable to anyone. It’s important to create routines and structures within your day that can help to boost your feelings of purpose and motivation.
A great way to create structure within your day is to have a morning and night ritual that you perform everyday. This will help you feel productive and accountable and can improve overall well-being as a result.
Shutterstock/Pranee ChaiyadamKeep Your Home Organized
A clean, organized space makes for a clear, positive mind. When you have no one to hold you accountable, sometimes cleaning and organizing can be put on the back burner. Many experts believe, however, that having a clutter-free, clean space is even more important when you live alone.
Having an organized space can make you feel that you have control over your environment and can boost feelings of calm and positivity. You could even go a step further and light a candle or open the window to let the breeze in to make your space feel fresh and calm.
Shutterstock/Pixel-ShotTry New Interests
You’ll find that you have more time to yourself when living alone, which makes it the ideal time to explore a new hobby or project. Now is the time to think about all the goals on your bucket list or activities you’ve always wanted to try. This time to yourself is the perfect opportunity for self-discovery. You may surprise yourself and find a new passion along the way!
Maybe you want to try painting, playing the guitar, knitting or learning a new sport. You could also start a project you’ve always wanted to try such as starting a blog, writing music or launching your own business.
Shutterstock/simona pilolla 2Prioritize Self-Care
Moments of self-care can be rare when living with others or when getting lost in the chaos of your life. When you live alone, you’ll find yourself with much more time to care for yourself in a deep way and do the things that make you happy.
Self-care means different things for everyone, but find the activities or moments that boost your mental health and make them a priority in your lifestyle. This could be going for a long walk in the evenings, practicing a skincare routine in the morning or writing down the things you’re grateful for at the end of the night.
Shutterstock/JLco Julia AmaralSpend Time in Nature
It’s important to spend time outdoors, especially if you’re someone who lives alone. It’s easy to hunker down at home when you aren’t accountable to anyone else, but there are so many benefits to spending time outdoors in nature.
Spending time outside not only gets you out of the house, but it can also help you relieve stress and feel more connected to the world. Take this time to be present and listen to the world around you. These moments spent outside can strengthen feelings of compassion to the planet and can help you feel less alone and more connected to the world.
Shutterstock/Dragana GordicLook for the Positives
It’s easy to let yourself fall into a negative headspace when living alone, which makes it even more important to practice gratitude. Looking for the positives in your situation can help you appreciate your life and all the things you have.
Living alone is a rare opportunity to help boost your creativity, lead to personal growth, allow you to focus on your passions and give you time to practice self-care and recharge. There may not be another time in your life where you have all this freedom, so be sure to appreciate your time living alone while you’re living it.
Shutterstock/fizkesGet To Know Your Neighbors
Living alone can be isolating, so it’s important to look for connection where you can. One easy way to do this is to introduce yourself to the neighbors when you move into your new place.
Knowing your neighbors can offer a lot of comfort, especially in situations where you may be worried about your security. Knowing your neighbors have your back can offer peace of mind in case you are ever in a situation of an emergency. It can also help you stay more connected to the community, even if it’s just saying a quick hello if you bump into each other while outside.
Shutterstock/Comeback Images
