If you have a little money set aside to treat yourself, consider investing in an experience, like a vacation, instead of an object. The experience will leave you with great memories that you can look back on for the rest of your life, which will increase your happiness. Don’t feel like you always need to have someone with you to enjoy these experiences. As a single person, you can choose to have adventures with friends and family or alone.
If you don’t have the time to commit to ongoing volunteer work, there are plenty of short-term volunteer opportunities out there. Even a few hours of volunteering is meaningful.
Try taking an online class or developing a new hobby, like painting or sewing. Avoid watching too much television, as this can become a stand-in for social relationships.
Make sure your goals are things that you can accomplish on your own. Do not, for example, focus your goals around getting married. As you are setting goals for yourself, be sure they are things that you believe will genuinely help you feel fulfilled, not things that you feel are expected of you. Don’t be afraid to change your plan along the way, as long as you’re not giving up on something you still want. Aspirations change over time and that’s perfectly fine. Remind yourself of your goals when times get tough. Focusing on your end-goal can help you persevere.
This may sometimes require making a difficult or “less safe” choice, but remind yourself that you need to step outside of your comfort zone at times in order to achieve your goals.
Try setting small, very attainable goals for yourself and celebrating each time you meet one. Your reward can be anything you enjoy, from a day at the beach to a party with friends. When you achieve a larger goal, give yourself a bigger reward, like a great vacation.
If you find that you are so wrapped up in work that you are not enjoying life, you need to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. Working to achieve your goals should increase your happiness, not decrease it. Take this time to really dig deep into what makes you feel joy. Being your own best friend will only increase your potential for love. [7] X Expert Source Allison Broennimann, PhDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 14 December 2020.
You don’t have to be the most extroverted person to enjoy social relationships. Some people enjoy attending frequent parties with lots of people, while others prefer the company of a few close friends. Both are perfectly fine!
New friends can expand your horizons, which is always a good thing! Don’t be afraid to talk to people who are different than you and try new things.
Pets make people feel needed because they rely on their owners for basic care. Dogs in particular can add a lot of structure to a person’s life because they require regular walking. If you’re not willing to commit to owning a pet, offer to walk your neighbor’s dog or volunteer at a local animal shelter.
Try doing something relaxing, like meditating or getting a massage. This is a great way to unwind and show yourself some love. If you have physical or mental health problems, be sure to get the treatment you need. Ignoring your symptoms will only cause the problem to become worse, and may inhibit you from leading the happy life you deserve.
Social media makes it even easier to compare yourself to others. If you feel depressed after looking at your friends’ profiles, remind yourself that the pictures they post are just the image they want everyone else to see, and not necessarily what their lives are really like.
If you’re beating yourself up about your lack of a romantic relationship, remind yourself that there are many other things in your life that make you happy. Let yourself be open to the possibility of having a romantic relationship, but don’t stop focusing on your other pursuits. It’s okay if deep down, you really want to find love. Embrace that feeling—it will eventually help you find a healthier relationship. [13] X Expert Source Allison Broennimann, PhDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 14 December 2020.
If friends try to lead you down a path that does not match your values, find new friends who share your beliefs and accept you for who you are. Your career should not force you to abandon your values either. You may be faced with situations that challenge your moral compass, and these are the times to reassert who you are and what you believe in.
