Spending time alone doesn't have to feel lonely—in fact, it can be liberating. Michael Eason shares how to embrace one-on-one time with the most important person in your life; yourself
With February’s reputation as the month of love, it’s not uncommon for those without a partner or not in a relationship to feel a little excluded—especially on Valentine's Day. However, in the midst of this emphasis on “that special someone” in our lives, it’s important not to forget the most significant person in our lives: ourselves.
Here are three ways to treat ourselves with the same care and compassion that we would bestow upon a significant other.
View solitude as an opportunity for self-growth
While many people find it very difficult to be alone, in actuality this is all a matter of perspective. You can reframe time alone as an opportunity to engage in activities that are meaningful to you. For example, yoga or meditation, cooking, learning a new language or some form of art or craft. The opportunities for solo activities are truly endless-try a few and see if any bring you joy.
See also: The Loneliness Epidemic Is Real—Here's How To Fight It
Refocus on the relationships that matter
While you may or may not have a romantic partner at this moment, perhaps try looking into your larger family and/or social circle for relationships that could use a bit of nurturing. Start by enriching these existing relationships and then the positive interactions you receive will provide the burst of confidence needed to begin pursuing new relationships or friendships.
This ripple effect happens because friends may reflect positive qualities in ourselves that we might otherwise fail to recognise; sometimes we simply need others to hold up a proverbial mirror for us to truly see our own worth.