Self-care is everywhere. Many articles teach you how to be happy and more content with yourself. They are often about indulging yourself in a bath or a yoga class but rarely about what matters: standing by yourself and doing what you want. Here are what you need to know about the benefits of having alone time.
Standing by yourself
Many people are afraid of being alone and constantly seek others’ company. They are unable to plan any activity by themselves, so they often do not do things they really like if no one else is interested.
Doing things you enjoy by yourself is not sad. Being with good people is great, but occasionally (or regularly) treating yourself with me time doing your favorite activity none of your friends is into is great too.
Most people think going to a restaurant or movie theater by themselves is socially wrong, but it is not! There is nothing wrong with watching a recently released movie alone or enjoying a good meal at a party for one.
“I will look like I have no friends”
This old fear of solitude dates back to our school years when lonely kids were good targets for bullies… First, no one should be bullied. Having friends is great but being able to stand by ourselves without fearing what others may think is crucial to be happy. Moreover, those limiting thoughts are only in our heads as most people do not care who is dining alone and who is not.
Depriving yourself of activities you truly enjoy because no one wants to join is stupid. Life is too short to mind other people’s, let alone strangers’ opinions.
When knowing to appreciate solitude is crucial for your mental health
In some situations, knowing to stand by yourself will save you and keep you happy. Expats’ wives know how it feels to be in a foreign country when their husbands are at work and their kids are at school. The truth is, you won’t meet anyone sitting on your sofa at home. Going out even if you are alone is a good way to meet new people and eventually have friends. Or not. Go out, explore, and enjoy. If you meet people, it is great. If you meet no one, it is great too.
Activities to do by yourself in 2023
- Enjoy a meal at a restaurant your choose for the cuisine
For most people going to a restaurant is more about the social part than the food. This year, let’s focus on the taste and treat ourselves to a solo meal at a restaurant we really enjoy.
- Visit a museum
Visiting a museum or any exhibition alone is great because you can spend hours reading the explanation posters you are interested in and skip the ones you are not! No one will complain. Go to that exhibition your husband or best friend thinks it is lame. Loose track of time and enjoy.
- Go to the movies
Why is going to the movie a social activity as you just sit in the dark, zip it up, and watch the screen? Let’s say it out loud in 2023: we do not need any company to go to the movies! Grab the popcorn and enjoy that chick flick or scary movie your friends do not want to see!
- Taking a class
Have you always dreamed to learn how to sew? To fight? To cook? To paint? 2023 is your time. Sign up for a class and learn new skills. Taking a class is also a great way to meet new people with similar interests.