Personally, being alone is one of my favorite things to do. But one of my least favorite things is when it’s not on my terms, as odd as that may sound. When I want to be alone, I enjoy it. When I don’t plan to be alone, I feel empty. But unfortunately, plans will fall through, and there will be times when I will involuntarily be lonely, and I can’t just sit in the corner and be sad. So the only way to fix that is to learn to adjust. They say, “the only way out is through.”
Here is a mix of my and my friends’ ideas on what to do when you find yourself alone.
1. Do something you don’t usually have time for…
I wish I had more time to journal my thoughts and details about my day. Something about writing and being able to record what is happening in the current moment is very grounding. Since my first day of middle school, I have kept a journal, and I love going back to read old entries in my free time. I stopped towards the end of my junior year due to not having enough time on my hands, but if I had the opportunity to be alone more often, I would’ve never stopped. You won’t unless you try.
2. Sing and dance!
My dad always says that he’s terrible at singing, but he enjoys doing it because it’s relaxing, a sentiment with which I fully agree. Whether you’re good or bad at it, sing your heart out! Dancing is a good form of being in the moment and it wakes up feminine energy.
3. Work-out…
It’s been scientifically proven that exercising improves not only physical health but also emotional and mental health. It doesn’t have to be a heavy workout like cardio or 150-pound weights. Working out could simply be yoga or meditation.
4. Listen to music…
Discover new music and genres you’ve never heard of, or listen to music that makes you feel good. Don’t be ashamed if you want to hear the same song repeatedly. My current song on an infinite loop is “Angels Like You” by Miley Cyrus.
5. Watch shows…
Finish that show you just started, or if you need some recommendations, here are some underrated shows my friends, family, and I have enjoyed:
-Reality Shows: Stacey and Darcey, 90 Day Fiance, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Love Is Blind, Love Island, Too Hot to Handle, The Ultimatum
-Wholesome Drama: Sweet Magnolias, Ginny & Georgia, Anne With an “E”
-Activist Drama: Good Trouble, A Million Little Things
-History Drama/Thriller: Yellowstone, 1883, 11.22.63
-Family Drama: The Fosters, Bridgerton, Dynasty, Manifest
6. Go for A walk…
Enjoy the crisp morning air and let the sun kiss your cheek. Sunbathing is one of my favorite things to do with friends. It feels cozy and relaxing and gives you vitamin D. One of my best friends says, “Something about feeling the heat on my skin makes me feel happy that I exist.” So remember to wear sunscreen no matter your skin color; you need it!
7. Do things around the house…
Take care of some plants, water and talk to them, throw some coffee grounds into their pots for a bit of fertilizer. Do some DIY projects, draw/paint something you’ve wanted to paint for a while, or redecorate a room in your house. Try a new recipe from the food you’ve been craving or a pastry that sounds appetizing.
8. Have a picnic date by yourself…
Take a picnic blanket, pick up your favorite snacks and a drink and watch the sunset on a grass field or by the beach or mountains! Whatever element of earth you’re nearby.
9. Sleep…
A great majority of us are sleep-deprived, and we could all catch up on a bit of rest. Maybe sleep in or take a nice nap by a window with some warm blankets or go to bed early! Your body will thank you.
10. Adventure to a new place you’ve never been before…
You don’t have to drive; take the train, trolley, bus, or bike to shrink your carbon footprint. Just always let at least one person know of your exact location in case of an emergency.
Spend time with yourself, soul search, and self-love.