Living alone can be one of the most liberating experiences one can encounter. You’re responsible for yourself. You come and go as you please. You have your own space to do what you please. You get to know yourself on a more personal level. While these are a few benefits of living alone, everything has a downside. If you’re not careful, living by yourself can cause loneliness, boredom, or even depression. To create a balanced lifestyle, you have to establish habits that constitute a sense of harmony. If you live alone and you’re unsure of where to begin or where to continue devising healthy habits to cultivate a balanced life, check out the list below.
1. Create a Realistic Routine that includes Changing Your Routine
Whether living alone or with others, everyone must have a structured routine. Establishing a realistic routine means arranging your daily life to include everyday tasks and flexible goals. Your daily hygiene, eating, and work are a part of everyone’s day-to-day practices. As you move forward, plan to shake things up a bit. Add in new elements or goals to your schedule, but sure they’re realistic. What does that mean? Be sure they fit into your schedule and will add value to your day. Not only this, but know the type of person you are and what you like to do. For example, if you’re not a morning person, then it wouldn’t be realistic to set a goal for working out at five o’clock in the morning. If you’re adding new things into your daily routine, be sure they make your soul smile and that they are worthy of becoming a part of your schedule.
2. Maintain Healthy Relationships
Keep consistent contact with close friends and family who encourage your living alone. Emphasis is placed on encouraging your living alone because many believe it isn’t healthy. They may speak down upon it by putting negative thoughts and images in your mind. They may even use scare tactics to keep you from dwelling solo. These things can create an unnecessary space of vulnerability for you, and this is not what you need. As you maintain healthy relationships, be sure to do the following:
- Reach out to those you care about on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
- Leave room for them to reach out to you.
- Be sure the people in your life are healthful to you.
- Create boundaries that allow you to interact with those you love.
- It’s important to interact with people but make sure it doesn’t drain or put you in a negative state of mind.
Sustaining healthy relationships will help you combat feelings of loneliness and balance your overall health. Just be sure the relationships you’re involved with are people who are good for you.
3. Combat Feelings of Loneliness
Living alone is a huge step for anyone, and the reality is that it can get lonesome. If you feel yourself spiraling down the path of loneliness, combat it by doing the following:
Understand and acknowledge your feelings. Take some time to figure out why you’re lonely. Was it a recent movie you watched that brought about these feelings? Was it something someone said that triggered you? Did you talk to someone you’ve longed to see? Getting to the root of your feelings will help you navigate loneliness. Meditate on God’s Holy Word. Take some time each day to strengthen your mind with the Word of God. Read uplifting scriptures that will fill you with confidence and relinquish any anxiety you’re having about living alone. Here are a few scriptures to help you:
1. Isaiah 41:40
2. 1 Peter 5:7
Meditate on these words from God to fill your heart and spirit when loneliness comes upon you.
- Go for a refreshing prayer walk to gather your thoughts. Share your feelings of loneliness with God and ask Him to fill your days and heart with purpose and plans.
- Create spaces in your home that make you feel good. Rearrange furniture, clear out a space, or hang pieces of inspiring artwork. Giving areas in your home a new look will give you a sense of accomplishment and make you appreciate your home.
These are a few practical ways you can combat loneliness. However, if your feelings begin to overwhelm you, don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or seek professional help. Just because you live alone doesn’t mean you have to exist alone.
4. Shift Your Focus
Many people often dwell on why they live alone or the circumstances that led them to it. If you find yourself doing this, stop! Whether by choice or force, be grateful for the opportunity to live in peace and discover who you are. If you find yourself thinking about why you live alone, think about the benefits it brings and choose to dwell on the bright side of it.
5. Invite God into Each Space of Your Home
Take some time each day to pray and welcome God’s presence into your home. Ask for His grace, guidance, peace, and love to surround you and fill every corner of the home He’s blessed you with. You can also have praise and worship time throughout your day to give thanks to God for all He’s done. Whatever you decide, be sure it draws you nearer to God.
6. Have Unconventional and Traditional Gatherings at Your Home
Plan fun and exciting events at your home for friends and family. This will build stronger connections with those you love and allow people to share your space with you. You can host a Bible study, creative art sessions, cooking classes, or book clubs. No matter what you do, be sure it’s fun and fulfilling for everyone involved.
7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Keeping a healthy lifestyle while living alone can be a bit of a task. However, it can easily be done. Each week, take some time to plan out healthy meals and activities to keep you in shape in every aspect of your life. From mindfulness activities to going to the gym, make sure you’re being realistic with each goal and see it through. If you’re unsure of what activities you can do, take a look at the list below:
- Work out at home alone or with a partner
- Engage in mindfulness activities such as meditating, journaling, or deep breathing
- Prepare healthy meals
- Read uplifting books
- Be creative
As you plan your days be sure to include things that bring you joy and make your heart smile. Living alone is a blessing. It’s a season in your life where you can discover who you are as a person. It’s a time when you can become a better you for yourself and those around you. As you continue this journey, I pray that you develop healthy habits to make this adventure one you will never regret. It is also my prayer that you know that you are never alone. As long as God dwells in you and your home, you will always have someone who cares for you by your side.
Author Liz Lampkin is an experienced writer, teacher, and speaker. She is an advocate for singles who encourages them to live their best life God’s way. Follow her on Instagram @Liz_Lampkin.