How to Be Okay with Being Alone: Learning to Enjoy Your Own Company and Connecting with Nature

Introduction

At some point in life, everyone experiences feelings of loneliness and isolation. Whether it’s due to a breakup, the death of a loved one, or simply not having enough friends, it can be hard to be okay with being alone. The good news is that there are ways to learn how to cope with these feelings and embrace your own company.

But before we dive into how to do this, let’s define what it means to be alone. According to Dr. Lillian Glass, “being alone does not mean being unhappy. It means you have the courage to be independent—to do things for yourself and not wait for someone else to do them for you.” In other words, being alone is about learning to appreciate and enjoy your own company.

This can be a challenge for many people, especially in our increasingly connected world. Nowadays, it’s easy to fill our lives with distractions like TV, social media, and texting. All of this can make us feel like we need to constantly be around other people or engaging in activities to feel fulfilled. But if we don’t take the time to really get to know ourselves, we miss out on an important part of life.

Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company

The first step to being okay with being alone is to learn to enjoy your own company. This doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with other people, but it does mean making sure you take time for yourself too.

One way to do this is to make time for activities you enjoy. This could be anything from reading a book to listening to music to going for a walk. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that makes you happy and brings you joy. As psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen says, “Take pleasure in yourself, and the world will take pleasure in you.”

Another way to learn to enjoy your own company is to develop a better relationship with yourself. Start by becoming more aware of your thoughts and feelings. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, try to reframe them in a more positive light. You can also practice self-care by taking care of your body and mind. Doing things like exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy can help boost your mood and make you feel better about yourself.

Connect with Nature

Another way to be okay with being alone is to connect with nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental clarity, and even boost creativity. So why not take advantage of this?

Try going for walks, hikes, or camping trips. Spending time in nature can help you relax and clear your mind. Focus on your surroundings and take in the beauty of your environment. You may also find yourself feeling more connected to the world and less alone.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is another great way to be okay with being alone. It’s a practice of being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness. Taking even a few minutes each day to sit in silence and focus on your breath can help you feel more grounded and at peace.

You can also practice mindfulness in your daily activities. Instead of letting your mind wander, focus on the task at hand. Notice the sensations in your body, the smells in the air, and the sounds around you. By staying in the present moment, you can become more aware of yourself and your environment.

Find Purposeful Activities

Finding purposeful activities is another way to be okay with being alone. These are activities that bring meaning to your life and make you feel productive. They can include anything from volunteering to taking up a new hobby. Pursuing activities that make you feel good about yourself can help you stay motivated and focused.

These activities can also provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Joining clubs or groups related to your interests can give you a sense of community and help you meet new people. Even if you don’t make any close friends, it can still be a great way to socialize and feel less alone.

Reach Out to Others

Finally, don’t forget to reach out to others. Maintaining relationships with family and friends can help you feel less alone. Look for ways to stay connected, whether it’s through text messages, phone calls, or video chats. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with those close to you can help you feel supported and understood.

You can also look for ways to socialize. Join online communities or attend events related to your interests. Even if you don’t make any close friends, it can still be a great way to meet new people and feel less isolated.

Conclusion

Feeling lonely and isolated can be difficult for many. But by taking time to develop a better relationship with yourself, connecting with nature, practicing mindfulness, pursuing purposeful activities, and reaching out to others, you can learn to be okay with being alone. So take the time to explore who you are and embrace your own company.