Focusing on self-care and enjoyable activities may help people to feel happy alone.
Some people may feel content on their own, while others may find it difficult to feel happy.
This article looks at tips for feeling better alone and seeking support.
Being alone is not the same as being lonely. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, people may spend plenty of time alone but feel content in their own company.
Loneliness is a subjective feeling in which people feel a lack of companionship. People may feel lonely while around others if they do not feel a sense of connection with the people around them.
The following tips may help people feel happier about being alone, increase their well-being, and lessen feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Take up a new hobby
To help
A new hobby may feel fun and enjoyable, and people may also connect with like-minded people.
Read about 5 hobbies that may improve health.
Volunteer
If people are feeling lonely, the
Volunteering may offer people the chance to connect with others and support a cause that feels meaningful to them. People can also volunteer online or at home if they are unable to access volunteer projects in person.
Prioritize self-care
People can focus on building a positive relationship with themselves and prioritizing self-care. This may include taking care of their mental and physical health and doing enjoyable, relaxing activities,
People may want to take time to reflect on their successes, goals, and what they want from life through journaling. People may want to plan things to look forward to and take themselves on dates, such as seeing an exhibition or film or planning a day out.
Find examples of self-care.
Take a break from social media
Social media may be a positive or negative factor in people feeling happy alone.
A 2019 study found that positive experiences on social media did not link to greater social isolation, whereas negative experiences did.
In some cases, people may find social media
If people are comparing themselves to others on social media, it may help to take a break. They can then observe whether they feel happier in their own company with reduced use.
Read about taking a break from social media.
Stay physically active
Getting regular exercise helps support physical health but may also help improve mental health. A large-scale
The study found that all types of exercise contributed to better mental health, so people can choose any activity they find enjoyable. The most beneficial types of exercise for mental health included:
- team sports
- cycling
- aerobic and gym workouts
Exercising for 45 minutes 3–5 times per week was the most beneficial duration for improved mental health.
A 2018 systematic review also noted a positive link between exercise and happiness. It suggested that as little as 10 minutes per day may help to increase happiness levels.
Read about the mental and physical health benefits of exercise.
Get outdoors
Getting outdoors in nature and green spaces may help improve well-being. A 2019 study found that people who spent
Nurture existing relationships
People may want to focus on strengthening their existing relationships to help them feel a greater sense of connection when spending time alone.
People could
Read about the health benefits of friendships.
Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude may help to support feelings of happiness. A 2018 study found that gratitude for meaningful past hopes which were now fulfilled led to significant increases in happiness and hope for the future.
People may want to jot down things they are grateful for in their day, such as a cup of coffee or time spent in nature, or previous hopes that are now fulfilled.
Talk with a healthcare professional
People can
Learn about how to overcome loneliness.
People may find the following sources helpful if they feel alone:
- Herd offers a range of support groups, including for loneliness.
- Anti-loneliness offers support groups for people experiencing loneliness with divorce or grief, as well as additional resources and counseling programs.
- Volunteer Match helps people find volunteering opportunities.
- Mental Health Is Health offers a range of tips and resources if people are feeling lonely.
- Meetup provides events and opportunities to meet like-minded people in person and online.
- The Lonely Hour is a podcast exploring themes of loneliness and solitude.
- Daily Strength offers a range of support groups and forums for people going through various experiences.
- Mental Health America provides advice for finding a counselor to talk with.
- Crisis Text Line allows people experiencing painful emotions a chance to talk with someone. They can text or WhatsApp to talk with a counselor.
Being alone is different from feeling lonely. If people are struggling to feel happy alone, focusing on self-care and positive activities may help make people feel better.
If people are feeling persistently lonely or having difficulty with their mental health, it is important to reach out to a healthcare professional.