There are two different types of people when it comes to being in relationships and being single. Some people are very happy being single, others really are not. For those who are not, life when single can feel very tough, especially if people around you are in couples. But being single can be a blessing, if you know how to and look for the positives. Here are our tips on how to enjoy single life and the benefits it can bring.
1 Build your relationship with yourself.
When we are with someone, our focus tends to fall on building our relationship with our significant other. But, when we are single we can spend our attention on ourselves. At times, we can be our own worst critics. Use this time to develop your inner voice to be less critical and to be more compassionate.
2 Enjoy having time to yourself.
This could be taking time to enjoy a hobby that you haven’t had time to engage in during a relationship, or it could be exploring a new side business or venture that you haven’t before. When single you will have more time than someone who is in a relationship. See this as a positive and do things that you enjoy while you can.
3 Set goals for yourself.
Being single gives us a chance to truly hold ourselves accountable, support ourselves, and make our own decisions and goals. Use this time to get clear on what you want to achieve, and that could be personal, financial, etc. Reflect on how far you’ve come every time you reach a new goal.
4 Spend time with your friends
Making new, single friends can boost your support system with people who can relate to your current circumstances. You may find that you make new friends while taking part in new hobbies or interests. Spending time with friends and socialising is important for our mental health. It is important to remember not to hide away from friends who are in couples. It is just as important to spend time with them as well. They will see how comfortable you are being single and may even help you find a partner when you feel ready!
5 Learn from your past.
Many people can be scarred from their previous relationships. You mustn’t allow your past to sabotage your future. So what should you do if your painful experiences are stopping you from trying again? You must try to do everything you can to stop thinking about your ex. That means unfollowing them on social media and putting an end to talking about them with your friends. This may seem like a big step and may feel drastic, but it will help you heal and move on.
6 Improve your fitness
You can be physically healthy by being fit both mentally and physically. Take care of your body by exercising regularly, eating healthy and by getting enough sleep.
You may want to start a new exercise program, do Zumba, or even console games that will allow you to work out with others in a fun way. Do things that will help you get into shape and feel good about your body.
7 Be Open-Minded to new things
So many new things can help make your life easier, more enjoyable, and most importantly, happier than ever before! Travel to new places and experience something you’ve never done before, something exciting like scuba diving, zip-lining, snorkelling, kayaking, and others. Get out of your comfort zone and step into the world where opportunities lie. It’s always better to try something new than to do the same thing over again. Don’t let fear stop you from trying or doing anything you want to do.
8 Remember Nothing is forever
It is easy to fall into the trap of wallowing and worrying that this is a situation that will last forever. That is not going to help you to feel happy or to enjoy being single at all. Remember, this is NOT going to last forever. It is a temporary situation that will pass. Try to focus on the positives of being single and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
All clinicians at Oxford CBT practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or are Psychologists, providing evidence-based interventions and support for a range of issues for both young people and adults. If you would like to book an appointment you can do so on our online booking portal. If you have a question please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01865 920077.
