Either way, the circumstance takes some getting used tobut the transition can definitely be worthwhile.
Living alone for the first time.
Your home is your refuge.
It should be a place where you feel safe and comfortable.
Maybe sharing your body wash with someone was always fine, but now it bothers you.
Spare them your unwarranted wrath, and spare yourself the unnecessary agony.
You could also be perfectly content with your housemates but are just ready to cultivate more independence.
Give yourself some time to sit with the decision if your situation allows.
No need to be hasty if you’re in healthy surroundings.
Benefits of living on your own.
When you share a place of residence with other adults, you often share expenses.
This is one of the most coveted advantages of having roommates or a live-in partner.
It’s much easier on your finances.
“you’re able to enjoy your own company and enjoy the company of others.
You have your own spaceand usually more of it.
You’re no longer confined to a bedroom for privacy and storage.
When you live alone, the entire place is your personal bubble.
it’s possible for you to do whatever you want, wherever you want.
You’re free to place items anywhere you choose and decorate to your heart’s content.
Want to put a craft table in the kitchen or an extra clothing rack in the living room?
The space is all yours.
It’s empowering.
You’re the boss of your domain.
All of your decisions are final.
When you live alone, you take on added responsibility.
This can be an ideal situation for life skill development and learning to trust yourself.
You get to know yourself better.
Living alone allows you to spend time with yourself that is absent of outside influence.
McCoy calls it “checking in with yourself.”
How to know if it’s not for you.
There are pros and cons to both solo occupancy and sharing your space with others.
Choose the living situation that best supports your well-being.
Even if you enjoy your newfound personal space and living alone overall, you may still get lonely sometimes.
You just don’t want it to consume you.
Here are some living-alone tips that will help keep loneliness from lingering:
Establish daily routines.
One of the first things McCoy suggests her clients learn when adjusting to living alone is effective time management.
Establishing routines for both time periods can help keep you occupied with healthy activities.
“Getting dressed can also boost your mood and help create a positive headspace to tackle the day.”
McCoy likesaromatherapyfor its soothing effects.
You could also journal or even practice anightly skin care routine.
Limit your time on social media.
Being mindful of how long you’re on social media is something McCoy emphasizes.
(Here’s more onhow social media affects relationships.)
Stay connected with loved ones.
That might be texting a good friend or video calling a family member.
Don’t allow the feeling to fester.
Just because you no longer live with roommates or loved ones doesn’t mean you should detach from them.
“Stay connected with people who bring you joy and support you.
This includes family and friends.”
Make new connections.
Whatever you enjoy doing, there are other people who enjoy doing it too.
Getting together with them can help curb loneliness.
The bottom line.
There’s adifference between loneliness and being alone.
Learnhow to cope with living aloneand what you gotta thrive in the environment.
Things likemaking your place feel like homeandindulging in self-carecan go a long way.
Soon, you probably won’t remember how you managed without your own space.
