We all have trouble being alone from time to time. Whether we're single, living alone, or simply having a tough time tolerating being by ourselves, it can be a challenge to feel happy if you're lonely. In this article, we'll walk you through a variety of useful strategies for staying positive and living your best life when you're on your own.

Here are 14 tips and tricks to help you feel happy even when you’re alone.

4

Limit your time on social media.

7

Explore your feelings in a journal.

  1. Writing down thoughts and feelings can help you make sense of them. Regular journaling can help you get to know yourself better through self-expression. You can also practice gratitude by keeping track of what you're grateful for in your journal. Take a few minutes each day make note of a few things.[7]
    EXPERT TIP
    Adam Dorsay, PsyD

    Adam Dorsay, PsyD

    Licensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker
    Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Jose, CA, and the co-creator of Project Reciprocity, an international program at Facebook's Headquarters, and a consultant with Digital Ocean’s Safety Team. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. Dr. Dorsay has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008.
    Adam Dorsay, PsyD
    Adam Dorsay, PsyD
    Licensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker

    Practicing gratitude can help you become happier, less depressed, and less anxious.

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9

Exercise more often.

10

Treat yourself like you’d treat a friend.

  1. Speak to yourself with kindness and compassion—you deserve that. Positive self-talk takes practice, but it's worth it. For example, if you find yourself thinking negative thoughts such as, "Nobody wants to spend time with me," change this thought to something more realistic like, "People love spending time with me, but sometimes they get busy and that's normal."[10]
    • If you feel like you aren’t doing a good job at work or school, tell yourself something a friend might say like, “Are you serious? You're great at your job!"
    • If you’re an introvert, keep in mind that that isn’t a flaw! It’s a completely natural and acceptable way to be.
11

Remind yourself that it's okay to be alone.

13

Focus on quality connections over quantity.

  1. Spend quality time with the people who are important to you. Focus on connecting and conversing with them instead of doing passive activities like watching television. If you feel secure about the connections in your life, you’re less likely to feel lonely when you’re at home or doing things by yourself.[13]
    • If it’s been a while, reach out and see how they’re doing! Make plans to catch up soon.
    • When you’re alone, focus on the positive memories you have with the people you love.
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14

Seek professional help if you’re struggling.

About This Article

Leah Morris
Co-authored by:
Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Leah Morris and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Leah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts. This article has been viewed 276,892 times.
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Co-authors: 28
Updated: January 17, 2023
Views: 276,892
Article SummaryX

To be happy even when you're alone, work on fun activities that you can do by yourself, like learning to play an instrument or paint landscapes. You can also engage in simple tasks, like going for walks or shopping by yourself, to slowly get used to enjoying things by yourself. Additionally, try solo exercises, like running, hiking, or biking, to boost your endorphins, which will make you feel more positive in general. If you start feeling down about yourself, remind yourself of the perks of being alone, like doing what you want without someone else's approval. To learn how to give yourself praise for a job well done, keep reading!

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