Navigating the complexities of relationships can be quite a challenge, especially in today’s busy world, where we often find ourselves juggling work, friendships, and family commitments. If you happen to be a single woman in your twenties, you’ve likely experienced moments of loneliness that can be downright heart-wrenching.
It’s not uncommon to gradually lose touch with schoolmates, while simultaneously finding yourself without a significant other to confide in. Perhaps you’re away from your family, leaving you with an overwhelming sense of solitude. In times like these, we often make the mistake of allowing the wrong people to enter our lives in an attempt to fill the void, even when we know we deserve better. In this article, we’ll explore the art of finding happiness and banishing loneliness for good.
Before anything else, let’s address the mindset. You’re not lonely; you’re simply single. Once you adopt this mindset, you open the door to activities and strategies that can alleviate the feeling of isolation.
We’re not lonely; we’re just living longer, marrying later, and refusing to leave the party before we’re really, really done.
Alice – How To Be Single
Embrace being single because you never know when it might come to an end!
Now, let’s dive into a list of things that can help navigate the single journey with grace and find happiness along the way.
1. Find A Routine
You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it actually works. The chaos of daily life can strip away your routine, leaving you feeling scattered. Missing alarms, rushing to catch trains, and grabbing a coffee on the go might sound familiar. Finding a routine that suits your lifestyle is essential for having that balance. Dedicate some time to yourself in the early hours of the day to meditate, journal, or savor a cup of coffee before the chaos of the day kicks in. This can add extra sense of peace into your life. Create daily, weekly, and monthly routines that work for you.
2. Self Care
Taking care of yourself is important. Make an effort to look and feel good, not for others, but for yourself. Ever had a day when a simple change, like putting on makeup or donning a stylish outfit, lifted your spirits? It’s not just in your head – when you look good, you release Oxytocin that make you feel happy and relaxed. So, make self-care a daily practice. If you’ve taken a long break from self care and simply don’t know where to start read Glow up in one day which is a step by step on how and where to start!
3. Work Life Balance
A successful career is important, but don’t overwork yourself. Learn to switch off after work and on weekends. This is your time to take care of your soul. So relax and pursue your hobbies, and don’t let work consume your life. Staying late some days or doing some extra hours on the weekend can seem harmless at first, but soon enough, it can turn into an obligation. Consider reading Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office by Lois P Frankel, you’ll be surprised by how much many of us, especially women do thinking we’re just “helping”.
4. Find A Hobby
Many of us ignore our hobbies or delay in perusing them hoping someday we’ll have some extra time to do them. Having a hobby, whether it’s blogging, painting, candle making, cooking, or practicing a sport, can provide relaxation and fulfilment. Dedicate time for activities that ignite your passion and make you creative. Getting lost in doing things we love can take our minds off things.
5. Get Active
Exercise is not just good for your physical health; it also boosts your mental health by releasing endorphins. Find an enjoyable workout routine that suits your lifestyle, whether it’s going to the gym, jogging, or doing yoga. Dedicate at least three times a week to physical activity. It can be difficult if you are new to it or getting into it after a long break. It’s important not to overwhelm yourself with undue pressure. Instead, take things one step at a time and enjoy the process.
6. Explore A Side Hustle
Engaging in a side hustle can be incredibly fulfilling and fill your time with purpose. It can also be another source of income. But it’s important to find something you enjoy, try different things until you find it. Consider options like blogging, trading, dropshipping, online marketing or online store for digital art or physical stuff to keep yourself occupied and earn some extra income.
7. Keep Your Options Open
If you’re dating, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I know sometimes it could be like a dream, when you feel like you’ve met your soulmate and you start thinking they’re the one… SLOW DOWN. Try dating different people and exploring your options to prevent attachment to the wrong person, because the disappointment that comes after can leaves you feeling lost and alone. Keep high standards and take your time to find the right match.
8. Spend Time With Friends And Family
Don’t underestimate the importance of spending quality time with friends and family. They are an integral part of your life, no matter your relationship status. Dedicate at least one day a week to making plans and enjoying activities with them.Some of my favourite things to do is bottomless brunches, a full on spa day, picnic day or trying out new restaurants.
9. Cut Ties With Toxic People
Having toxic people around can leave you questioning your sanity, increasing anxiety and lowering self-esteem. It doesn’t matter who the toxic people are, friends, family a boyfriend? Toxic is toxic! Try slowly removing them from your life. Don’t keep handing out second chances like free candy, only to find yourself stuck in an endless loop of disappointment because you’re too afraid to be alone. Remember it’s better to be single than trapped in an unhealthy relationship.
10. Try New Things
Bring excitement into your life by trying something new every now and then. Explore uncharted territories, take up new hobbies, try out new recipes, and embrace experiences you’ve always put off. Life is too short not to indulge in these adventures.
Remember, these strategies won’t magically dispel work overnight. It all starts with your mindset, and consistency is key. It takes approximately 21 days of continuous effort for a habit to form, so track your progress daily.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please share them in the comments below. Your journey to happiness and fulfilment is an ongoing one, and it’s one you don’t have to travel alone.