I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel pressure from society to always be around others. It’s easy to feel like flying solo means you’re some kind of lonely weirdo — but trust me, learning to enjoy hanging with yourself has been life-changing for me.
Spending quality one-on-one time with yourself has so many bonuses! When you become your own BFF, your self-love, confidence, creativity, and overall contentment grow significantly. I used to think I needed constant social stimulation, but embracing my solo side has made me happier and less dependent on others for my happiness.
Now, before you think I’m anti-people and advising you to become a hermit, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Human connection is vital and amazing, too. This is more about achieving balance and feeling comfy just chilling with yourself as well.
In this post, I’ll share tips that I used to become my own best friend.
Table of Contents
The Perks of Loving Your Own Company
First, flying solo gives you more chances for self-reflection and soul-searching. Without the distractions of other people, you can have conversations with yourself to explore your inner world on a deeper level.
Another benefit of becoming your own best friend is having the freedom to do activities you genuinely enjoy without worrying about what Isha, Chad, or anyone else might think. So, read trashy romance novels, browse dank memes, or try that viral TikTok dance—you do you! It’s liberating.
Loving your own company also builds your confidence and self-sufficiency. You realize you don’t need to be attached at the hip to others 24/7. You become independent!
And finally, solo time allows you to recharge your mental batteries. After a lot of social stimulation, some quality me-time to reset is crucial for feeling balanced and avoiding burnout. By giving your mind a breather, you show up even better for the people you love.
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How to Be Your Own Best Friend
Actively Appreciate Your Fabulous Qualities
Make it a habit to identify and appreciate your wonderful qualities. What personal traits, talents, or accomplishments make you beam with pride? Perhaps you have a creative flair, adventurous spirit, excellent listening skills, or determination when working towards goals.
Intentionally acknowledge the remarkable attributes that make you uniquely you by speaking them aloud or writing them down. Let the positive self-talk soak in so you truly take ownership of the amazing person you are.
Reflect often on your shining moments and abilities. Recognize that you are whole and valuable with or without external validation. As you regularly celebrate intrinsic pieces of your magnificence, your self-love will bloom.
Quiet Negative Self-Talk
We all have an inner critic that can sometimes get loud with negative self-talk. When she starts spewing lies like, “You’re not good enough,” or “You don’t have what it takes,” be prepared to counter this with empowering affirmations.
Interrupt the self-criticism by deliberately replacing it with positive truths about yourself. For example, if you feel insecure about your creative talents, redirect with affirmations like “I am wildly creative in my own unique way” or “I courageously express myself through art.”
Repeating these uplifting messages creates new neural pathways and will build self-confidence over time.
Related Post: How to Enjoy Your Own Company and Why It’s So Important
Immerse Yourself in Passion Projects
What hobbies make you lose track of time because you enjoy them so thoroughly? Identify one or two hobby areas that ignite your passion — whether that’s painting, coding, gardening, songwriting, or something else that taps your talents and curiosity.
Carve out solo time to fully immerse yourself in these activities that make your spirit soar. And avoid distractions and outside opinions so you can delve deeply into the work.
Not only will you create something meaningful, but you’ll reach an incredible state of flow. Hours will pass blissfully while you advance skills or express yourself through passionate projects.
Plus, you’ll steadily build confidence in your abilities when you focus solely on endeavors that light you up.
Tips for Learning to Love Alone Time
1. Explore Solo Hobbies That Captivate You
Use your alone time to tap into hobbies that you find enjoyable. For example, reading novels, writing stories or poetry, crafting beautiful objects, or doing challenging puzzles are all great solo activities.
Pick projects based on your unique interests and talents. Then, fully immerse yourself without worrying about what others think.
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2. Plan Special Solo Dates
Deliberately plan solo dates doing activities that bring you joy, entertainment, or cultural enrichment. For example, seeing a thought-provoking film, wandering through art museums, or people-watching at a café over coffee can make for great solo experiences.
The key is choosing destinations you find intriguing. These don’t have to be expensive outings, either!
Related Post: 66 Beautiful Self-Love Affirmations to Boost Your Self-Worth and Confidence
3. Start Slow If Being Alone Feels Uncomfortable
If spending time alone feels awkward or vulnerable at first, that’s understandable! Start small with brief 5-10 minute sessions and increase from there. So, whether reading, stretching, or sipping tea, keep it simple.
Focus on the activity rather than any discomfort. Over time, longer periods of fruitful alone time will start to feel pleasant.
4. Have a Heart-to-Heart Through Journaling
One powerful way to embrace solo time is having in-depth conversations with yourself through journaling. Grab a pen and paper and explore your inner landscape, thought patterns, experiences, and belief systems.
Journaling allows self-expression without judgment or interruption, leading to profound personal insights, heightened self-awareness, and emotional healing.
5. Engage in Self-Care
Make your alone time feel extra special by adding indulgent treats or self-care rituals to your weekly routine. Prepare your favorite snack or meal, treat yourself to a facial mask session or a bubbly bath, or get cozy with blankets and candles.
These thoughtful, small pleasures make alone time feel celebratory. And you deserve to feel pampered, relaxed, and acknowledged!
Related Post: 11 Ways to Nurture the Relationship You Have with Yourself
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best place you can be is with your most authentic self, wholly accepting yourself exactly as you are.
Becoming my own best friend changed every aspect of my life positively. I forged better relationships, grew closer to my family, found a career path that I genuinely loved, and lowered my anxiety levels significantly. And I want the same for you!
Let me know your thoughts on this post below!