While some people live with either roommates or a significant other in their adult life, others decide to live on their own for a number of reasons, whether it be a bad breakup or moving to a new town. Though living alone can be uncomfortable and overwhelming at first, there are several ways to make the most of the living situation.
Are you currently living alone or about to? Feel uncomfortable about doing so and don’t know how to lead an independent life? Here are six ways to make the most out of living alone!
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1. Find Hobbies and Interests: Without having at least one or multiple roommates in your apartment to talk to you and keep you entertained, living alone can become boring fast. Balancing school or work can understandably take up most of your day, but for the times that you’re not busy between the two, consider finding new hobbies and interests to occupy your time. While Netflix is not a hobby, if that is an interest of yours that brings you joy then go for it! If you have been neglecting a hobby for years, living alone is the perfect time and place to allow it to flourish. Taking pictures, baking, cooking, doing crafts, making art, tending to plants, reading, etc. are all hobbies that can liven up your life and spice up a once monotonous routine.
2. Don’t Forget About Your Friends: While living alone, it can be easy to isolate yourself from friends and family. Not being in the immediate presence of your support system and rather living by yourself can make you feel alone and disconnected from those closest to you. Don’t forget about your friends and family! They are always rooting for you and wanting you to succeed, and sometimes, especially when living alone, you need that extra love and validation. If you’re feeling lonely, reach out to your support system. Invite your friend or friends over for a dinner/movie night. Have a housewarming party for the family. Maintain communication and connection with those you care about so you don’t get too much cabin fever.
3. Establish a Schedule for Yourself: With no one in your circle to hold you accountable for your everyday actions and behaviors, it can be easy to fall out of your normal routine and pick up some bad habits. While everyone experiences good and bad days, living alone can open up opportunities for you to slack around, not take care of yourself, and neglect your responsibilities. Help yourself stay on track by establishing a schedule for yourself, which could detail what meals to make, when to work out, how much water to drink, appointments and meetings, and work assignments. Doing so will keep you organized and give you a greater sense of control over your life.
4. Befriend Neighbors and Others in Your Building: Along with keeping your friends and family close, another great way to make the most of living alone is by befriending your neighbors and regulars in your building. Sure, it is hard to put yourself out there and start conversations with others, but once you start, it can definitely help you feel a part of the greater community that you live in. Knock on your neighbors’ doors and introduce yourself or leave a post-it note on their door to say hi. While it can seem like a small action, creating that connection with neighbors is beneficial to you for both networking and having meaningful relationships.
5. Create a Budget: The single, adult life is both terrifying and liberating at the same time. While there is a new set of responsibilities to take on, like bills and rent payments, there is also a freedom that comes from having your own money and spending it on what you want. With no one to keep you in line on any of your purchases, it can be easy to blow through your money on take-out food, subscription services, clothes and accessories, etc. While it isn’t fun, creating a budget is one of the best ways to make the most of living alone and help your present and future self. Make a spreadsheet detailing your weekly/monthly income and expenses, like groceries, gas, transportation, utilities, etc. to have control over your money.
6. Take Care of Your Mind and Body: Between school, work, and maintaining a decent social life, neglecting your mind and body can sometimes happen naturally. Take care of yourself by meditating or praying in the morning to start your day in the best way. Eat a balanced diet to help your body function properly, and don’t forget to have fun with treats along the way. Talk with a counselor or therapist if you are struggling with mental health. Unwind by listening to music or watching TV. There are so many ways to nurture your mind and body, just follow what works best for you and what feels good.
Living alone has its benefits and disadvantages, but there are so many ways to make the most of this kind of living situation. Between having the freedom to explore new hobbies to taking care of your mind and body, living on your own can be a great way to help you grow into the person you were meant to be.
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