Finding Happiness Alone, Regardless of Your Relationship Status.

It's a frequent misconception that being single equates to being by yourself. That's not the case, though. There are many methods to establish connections, even when you're not in a romantic relationship, including with yourself, your friends and family, your pets, nature, other hobbies, and more. No matter your relationship situation, you can still be happy even if you're single.

So, while there's nothing wrong with wanting to find a romantic partner, it's equally important to remember that you can be happy without one up until you find one. Below, mental health professionals provide their top advice on how to be happy alone to help you start each day—whether you're single, in a relationship, or not—with joy and happiness.

11 tips for how to be happy alone and single, according to experts

1. Set goals

Setting objectives for yourself and making steady progress toward reaching them is a terrific approach to concentrate on yourself, whether you're single, in a relationship, or in any other situation. These objectives may be personal, professional, monetary, or educational, according to Rachna Buxani-Mirpuri, LMHC, certified mental health counselor and proprietor of Buxani Counseling Care in Florida.

2. Prioritize your self-care

Self-care can take many different forms, but according to Buxani-Mirpuri, paying close attention to your diet, exercise, and meditation are all very worthwhile methods to look after your body, mind, and spirit. She advises making time each day for dental and skin care as well as other pursuits that make you happy and relieve stress. Understanding that our relationship with ourselves is the most significant one we will ever have is a crucial first step toward finding fulfillment in any circumstance. Rahcha Buxani-Mirpuri, LMHC

According to Buxani-Mirpuri, "the practice of self-love is vital for happiness." Understanding that our relationship with ourselves is the most significant one we will ever have is a crucial first step toward finding fulfillment in any circumstance.

3. Journal

Another method of self-care that can help you establish a space to process your thoughts and feelings is journaling. Buxani-Mirpuri concurs with Rachel Wright, LMFT, a psychotherapist who specializes in sexual health, relationships, and mental health, who suggests journaling every morning to begin your day with a gratitude list.

According to Buxani-Mirpuri, "feeling and expressing thankfulness for all that [we] have helps [us] to not focus on what [we] may be missing." "Mental health is tied to [our] perspective on situations, so viewing being single as a lovely gift of time when [we] can focus on what is important to [us] and accomplishing [our] goals will ensure that [we] feel differently about the situation.

4. Know your worth

Keep in mind that happiness doesn't have to be based on other people or things. Relationships, when they're strong, are fantastic and enrich our lives, but Buxani-Murpuri argues that this does not imply that your life is incomplete if you don't have any. "Knowing that you are a whole person whose self-esteem emerges from what you accomplish in your life and how you help to make a difference for the greater good rather than from any single connection in [your] life, [can help you] get perspective and manage circumstances," the author writes.

5. Get outside

According to research, being outside can be beneficial for our mental health. In light of this, Wright suggests going on a hike once a week or allocating specific time each week to take advantage of all that nature has to offer. Get outside, whether it is for a picnic, a stroll around the block, a trip to the beach, a swim in a lake, or just to stand with your bare feet on the ground to ground yourself.

6. Learn something new

You should make an effort to learn something new every day that you are living. Buxani-Mirpuri advises, "Get active in various hobbies that stimulate fun and learning; learn to dance, play a musical instrument, or paint."

7. Book a vacation

If you're single, you can still go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip by yourself to create memories. Buxani-Mirpuri argues that it would be better to eventually organize your ideal vacation while you're alone because you won't be constrained by anybody else's travel plans or objectives.

If long-distance travel isn't now feasible for you due to budgetary constraints or for other reasons, concentrate on cultivating a holiday attitude or taking a micro-vacation, which enables you to recharge without really boarding an aircraft.

8. Volunteer somewhere

There is no disputing the delight you will have from helping others, and you don't need a love relationship to make it happen. Buxani-Mirpuri advises volunteers to give their time in order to positively impact others. "Take the time to donate to a cause that you believe in. We all know the benefits of assisting those in need."

9. Find solace in spirituality

Leaning on your spirituality, according to Buxani-Mirpuri, can be quite beneficial when attempting to develop the ability to be happy by yourself. According to her, "practicing spirituality can assist people in developing an acceptance of circumstances and letting go of the desire to control that which is not within their control."

10. Build your support system

Being single does not necessarily imply being alone. According to Buxani-Mirpuri, "Your buddies make up your support system, and you are a part of theirs." "Take the time to cultivate these incredibly beneficial connections. Be surrounded by loved ones and friends who will improve your life and assist you in becoming the finest version of yourself.

11. Don’t be afraid to seek therapy

Buxani-Mirpuri argues that talking to a therapist is always advised for developing a realistic viewpoint. When dealing with feelings of loneliness or fear about the future, practicing mindfulness by being fully present in each moment is immensely beneficial.

Wright claims that attending weekly therapy sessions will help you get to know yourself and enable you to be more present in your own life, even if you don't feel particularly depressed or lonely.