Learning to enjoy being alone

Does the thought of doing something that would normally be a social activity on your own fill you with anxiety? Most of us feel happier doing things in groups and worry about what other people think if we’re spotted doing something on our own. But there are lots of proven benefits to doing things alone. I enjoy spending time alone, and there are things that my friends wouldn’t want to do that I have no problem doing on my own. These are a few things you could try out on your own, and you’ll reap the benefits!

A relaxing cinema trip alone

Going to the cinema is something I particularly love to do, and sometimes there are films that none of my friends want to see, so I have no problem going on my own. It is actually a very relaxing experience, and no-one really cares that you’re sat on your own. I find a lot of people do go to the cinema alone, so you won’t be the odd-one-out!

A posh dinner for one

Going for dinner alone is more challenging, because almost everyone else is with other people. You shouldn’t let this put you off heading to a restaurant solo, though. This could be the perfect opportunity to read the book you have been wanting to read for a while, write, or just look through your phone if you want to. Taking yourself on a dinner date can be a form of self-care. I would prefer to go to dinner with other people, but there is nothing wrong with doing this alone.

Studying without distractions

Working in coffee shops alone on blog posts, articles, or essays is something I love to do. I find this relaxing, and I love listening to music whilst working, which is more difficult when there are other people around. Through exam season, however, I find working with friends motivates me more and can be less tedious than sitting on your own for hours revising.

A not-so-lonely, vibrant day out

Days out alone are liberating. They allow you to learn more about yourself and what you like to do. It is freeing to be able to do whatever you want. Going to the zoo, going shopping, or sightseeing alone is fun, and going to museums and art galleries alone allows you to look around at your own pace and look at what interests you.

Driving without back-seat interjections

Driving alone made me a better driver, as I was not distracted by others and had to make decisions for myself and resolve situations on my own as there was no one there to ask.

An exhilarating solo trip

Solo travel is becoming more and more popular and I have experienced how freeing this can be. Having travelled around Tuscany alone last year, I was able to see and eat whatever I wanted, and this was an experience that greatly improved my confidence. You are pushed to make an effort to speak to people and have to move out of your comfort zone. This is not to say that I don’t enjoy travelling with other people. My philosophy is that if there is something you want to do, but no one else wants to join you, why not just do it?

People should push themselves out of their comfort zone a little more, and doing things on your own is a way of exploring this.

You may be thinking that all of this sounds easy in theory, but in practice it is fairly daunting, and I completely understand that. Most people don’t like doing things alone and that’s fine. Before university, I did most things alone, but spending so much time around people has made me much less likely to do everything on my own.

Everyone should try doing something new on their own, even if it is only something as small as going to the cinema. Moving outside your comfort zone is almost always a good idea.