No matter your relationship status, here are 12 expert tips on how to be…

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No matter your relationship status, here are 12 expert tips on how to be happy alone.

It’s a frequent misconception that being single equates to being alone. That, however, is not the case.

Even if you’re not romantically involved, there are a plethora of ways to connect—with yourself, your friends and family, your pets, nature, numerous interests, and so on. Furthermore, regardless of your relationship state, you can be happy even if you are single.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to meet a love partner, it’s equally important to remember that it’s entirely possible to be happy without one until you do.

To fill your days with joy and happiness, whether you’re single, in a relationship, or otherwise, mental health experts give their favorite recommendations for how to be happy alone below.

12 tips for how to be happy alone and single, according to experts

1. Set goals

Setting goals for yourself and working toward them is a terrific approach to focus on yourself, whether you’re single, in a romantic relationship, or otherwise. “These goals might be personal, career-related, financial, or educational,” explains Rachna Buxani-Mirpuri, LMHC, LMHC, owner of Buxani Counseling Care in Florida.

2. Prioritize your self-care

Self-care can take many forms, but according to Buxani-Mirpuri, paying special attention to movement, nutrition, and meditation are all excellent methods to care for your body, mind, and spirit.

She also recommends devoting time each day to oral hygiene, skincare, and other hobbies that bring your mind calm and joy.

“Realizing that the most important relationship [we] will ever have is the one with [ourselves] is an important step to achieving contentment in any situation.” —Rachna Buxani-Mirpuri, LMHC

“Practicing self-love is necessary for happiness,” says Buxani-Mirpuri. “Recognizing that the most essential relationship [we] will ever have is with [ourselves] is a critical step toward reaching contentment in any scenario.”

3. Journal

Another kind of self-care that can help you unload and process your ideas and feelings is journaling. Rachel Wright, LMFT, a psychotherapist who specializes in sexual health, relationships, and mental health, advocates writing a gratitude list in your diary every morning, and Buxani-Mirpuri agrees.

“Experiencing and expressing thankfulness for all that [we] have helped [us] not to focus on what we might be missing,” adds Buxani-Mirpuri.

“Being single as a beautiful gift of time when [we] can focus on what is important to [us] and achieve [our] goals can ensure that [we] feel differently about the situation.” “Mental health is linked to [our] perspective on situations, so looking at being single as a beautiful gift of time when [we] can focus on what is important to [us] and achieving [our] goals can ensure that [we] feel differently about the situation.”

4. Know your worth

Remember that happiness does not have to be dependent on anyone or anything outside of yourself. “When relationships are healthy, they are lovely and enrich [our lives], but their absence does not mean [your] life is incomplete,” explains Buxani-Murpuri.

“Knowing that [you are] a full person whose self-esteem is derived from what you accomplish in [your] life and how you contribute to making a difference for the greater good, rather than from any single connection in [your] life, [can help you] get perspective and manage circumstances.”

5. Embrace (and enjoy) solo sex

While you may not have as much access to a sexual partner when you’re single, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Even if you’re not single, Wright recommends concentrating on your sexual relationship with yourself. “Masturbate every other day,” she advises, stressing that it not only feels nice but also helps with mental wellness.

6. Get outside

Spending time outside has been shown to be beneficial to our mental health in studies. With this in mind, Wright suggests going on a weekly hike or dedicating time each week to enjoy everything that nature has to offer.

Get out there, whether it’s for a picnic, a walk around the block, a trip to the beach, a swim in a lake, or simply standing with your bare feet planted in the grass to ground yourself.

7. Learn something new

You can learn something new as long as you’re living, and you should make an effort to do so. Buxani-Mirpuri advises, “Get active in various hobbies that stimulate fun and learning; learn to dance, play a musical instrument, or paint.”

8. Book a vacation

Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you can’t go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to create lasting memories. That’s why, according to Buxani-Mirpuri, being alone—when you don’t have to worry about another person’s schedule or priorities for the trip—might be the greatest time to arrange your dream vacation.

If far-flung travel isn’t in the cards for you right now due to budgetary constraints or other factors, focus on adopting a vacation mindset or taking a micro-holiday, which allows you to recharge without actually boarding a plane.

9. Volunteer somewhere

There’s no disputing the satisfaction you’ll experience when you help others, and you don’t need a love partner to make it happen. Buxani-Mirpuri advises, “Volunteer your time to make a difference in the lives of others.” “We all know the benefits of assisting others in need, therefore give to a cause that you believe in.”

10. Find solace in spirituality

When it comes to learning how to be happy alone, Buxani-Mirpuri believes that drawing on your spirituality can be really beneficial. “Practicing spirituality can help people accept events and let go of the impulse to control things they don’t have control over,” she says.

11. Build your support system

Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Buxani-Mirpuri states, “Your friends create your support system, and you are a part of theirs.” “Take the time to nurture these really important relationships. Surround yourself with family and friends who will enrich your life and assist you in becoming your greatest self.”

12. Don’t be afraid to seek therapy

“It’s always a good idea to go to a therapist to help build a realistic viewpoint,” Buxani-Mirpuri says. “Practicing mindfulness by living in the present moment and fully experiencing each moment is tremendously beneficial in dealing with feelings of loneliness or anxiety about the future.”

Even if you don’t feel sad or lonely, Wright claims that going to weekly therapy can help you learn more about yourself and be more present in your own life.

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