Tips to Being Your Own Best Friend.

Tips to Being Your Own Best Friend

There is a stark difference between being lonely and being alone. Loneliness is a negative feeling of isolation, sadness, and overall lack. But being alone does not have to be lonely- on the contrary! Alone time can be cultivated and made enjoyable and peaceful. You can turn the hours spent on your own into a time of recharge and growth, rather than waiting for the next ‘thing’ to happen.

Hopefully, these tips on how to make the most of your alone time will inspire your Me Time habits.

1. Shift the Narrative

As a society, we are conditioned to value socializing. Having friends and spending time with them is a sign you’re someone… well, worth having as a friend. I don’t mean to take away from the importance of friendships, just to note that wanting to spend time by yourself is perfectly normal and necessary. Most people are introverted to some degree or another, so the first step to embracing your alone time is letting go of the stigma attached to it.

2. Schedule the Time

For some people, the packed schedule of everyday commitments just doesn’t have enough space for quality me time. If that is the case, you can add it to the agenda, just like you would do for a lunch date with a friend. That way, you give your alone time a place of importance, and it is not just a filler between events. It is a conscious choice you are making for your own wellbeing.

3. Stay Away from Social Media

One of the biggest mood killers (and time-wasters), when you’re relaxing by yourself, is social media. Seeing what others are up to or checking emails might interrupt your peace of mind. If you have already made the time to enjoy your own company, you would do yourself a favor by putting your phone aside for a bit.

4. Get Creative

Being on your own is the perfect time to let your thoughts wander. We rarely have the capacity to think freely without any external interruptions. Give your thoughts and ideas an outlet by practicing your creative field of choice. It might be journaling, painting, cooking, playing an instrument, or even small house repairs. Being creative is one of the most satisfying feelings there is.