Being by yourself is a great way to grow as a person, reflect on current events in your life, and develop a strong sense of self. The thought of doing things alone can seem terrifying, but here are some things to try on your own:
Eating lunch.
Taking a seat a table without any friends by my side made me really anxious, but after taking a breath and realizing that no one was looking at me or seemed to care about the fact that I was alone, I began to relax.
Eating on your own is an excellent opportunity to try a mindful eating exercise. To eat mindfully, you must try to focus on your meal with minimal distractions. No phone, computer, books, or conversation will distract you at table for one! Mindful eating can lead you to healthier choices and prevent over-eating.
If that doesn’t seem like something of interest to you, people watch, catch up on some homework, or do a little light reading for fun! Whatever you do, take the time to enjoy some quiet quality time with your own mind.
Go to a museum/poetry reading/theatre production.
Going to a cultural event on your own allows you to take in the experience at your own pace. With friends, you may feel pressured to move past a piece quickly, or you feel differently about a particular aspect of a performance. Without other people’s judgments entering your thoughts, you can accept everything you see and hear with an open mind. You may even make some new friends who share similar interests!
Go for a walk.
This option is probably the least intimidating, but is the perfect chance to reflect. Feel the breeze on your skin, take in the changing leaves, or the setting sun. Think about the positive things in your life. Think about how you can change the negative things in your life. Take a step back and organize your thoughts, and prioritize your busy schedule. A little fresh air can give you a whole new perspective.
Go shopping.
For groceries, clothes, books, or anything else you can think of needing. This can be another activity in mindfulness, and help you stop unnecessary spending! Take the time to think about what you want to splurge on, and the things that you can save on, or purchase later. Listen to your own opinions, and trust them without going to friends for advice on silly things like the sweater you’re considering.
Once you start spending some time alone, you may find a new or improved sense of independence. If you want to try a new coffeehouse, or see a show or movie your friends do not seem interested in, you don’t have to wait around or try to convince them – you can just try it on your own!
You may stop asking everyone’s opinions on your life choices and begin to trust your own instincts. You may find yourself wandering around a bookstore or gallery, discovering new interests. Your stress levels may decrease as you take some quiet time to meditate, reflect, regroup, or be thankful for the opportunities you have been given. Your confidence may blossom & you may discover just how much you can love yourself.
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If you liked this post, you might like these too: Why Spending Time Alone Is a Good Thing or What Being Alone Taught Me About Happiness
About the Author
Gina graduated from Rutgers University last year with her BS in Nutrition, and will be returning to school in the fall to pursue a Masters Degree in Public Health. She is passionate about making healthy choices easy and accessible, sneaking feminist ideology into almost any conversation, and finding shoes on clearance. Eventually, she would love to work for a cooperative extension, help build healthier communities, and keep on writing!