We all aspire to be happy, especially when we’re single. But are we?
Honestly, it doesn’t always seem that way.
You put effort into maintaining your independence, trying to enjoy your own company, yet what do you get in return?
Right on…loneliness and habits that don’t serve your happiness.
Sometimes, it feels like you’re caught in a cycle, like you’re stuck in a rut of bad habits that are just dragging you down.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Many of us are guilty of harboring habits that hinder our happiness when we’re single.
But here’s the thing: It might not be as bad as you think. You might actually be happier than you think. The signs aren’t always clear.
Today, let’s delve into the habits you need to ditch if you want to be happier while single.
Fair warning: Some of this might hit close to home.
So, before we dive in, know this: My aim isn’t to make you feel bad about being single. If anything, it’s about making the most of it.
Consider this a friendly reminder of those habits you need to say goodbye to.
1) Let go of the ‘perfect relationship’ illusion
I used to be that person, you know. The one who watched romantic comedies and dreamed of the perfect relationship. The one who thought being single was just a phase before I found ‘the one’.
But the truth is, that “perfect” relationship is a total illusion!
It took me a while to realize that my happiness shouldn’t hinge on finding a partner. I had to let go of this romanticized idea and start focusing on myself. I learned to enjoy my own company, pursue my interests, and build a life that made me happy.
Trust me, once you let go of this illusion, you’ll feel a significant shift.
Your happiness won’t be tied to another person, but rather, it will come from within you!
2) Quit comparing yourself to others
I remember scrolling through social media, seeing posts of couples looking blissfully happy.
And it stung!
I’d compare my single status to their coupled-up pictures and feel a pang of loneliness.
But then I caught myself. Why was I comparing my reality to their highlight reel? It’s not fair. Not everyone’s life is as picture-perfect as they make it out to be on social media.
Once I stopped comparing, I started appreciating my own journey. I began to value my independence and the freedom that came with being single.
Remember, everyone’s path is unique. Embrace yours and stop comparing it to others. You’ll find it makes a world of difference in your happiness.
3) Stop neglecting your health
When you’re single, it’s easy to fall into the trap of neglecting your health. You might think, “Who’s there to notice if I skip a workout or indulge in junk food?”
But you should take care of your health and yourself regardless of your relationship status, it should come from the act of self-love not just for anyone else.
Taking care of your physical health has a direct impact on your mental well-being. Regular exercise releases endorphins, known as ‘happy hormones‘, and a balanced diet can greatly improve your mood.
So, if you want to be happier while single, make your health a priority. You’re doing it for your own good!
4) Don’t isolate yourself
Being single does not mean being alone. Human beings are social creatures and we thrive on connections with others. While it’s important to enjoy your own company, it’s equally important to maintain your relationships with family and friends.
These relationships are the threads that weave the fabric of your life. They offer support, love, and companionship. They’re the ones who will be there for you, celebrating your victories and comforting you in your defeats.
So reach out, and spend quality time with the people who matter to you. You’ll find that their company can fill your life with joy and contentment, making your single life much happier than you ever thought possible.
5) Learn to love yourself first
This one hit me hard. I realized that I was looking for love and validation from others when what I really needed was to love and validate myself.
I used to be my own harshest critic, always picking at my flaws and never truly happy with who I was. It was a never-ending cycle of self-doubt and low self-esteem.
But then, one day, I decided enough was enough. I started on a journey of self-love and acceptance. I began to appreciate my strengths, acknowledge my weaknesses, and most importantly, accept myself as I am.
And let me tell you, it’s been the most liberating experience. Learning to love myself has not only made me happier in my single life but also paved the way for healthier relationships in the future.
So remember, you’re enough just as you are!
Love yourself first and everything else will fall into place.
6) Stop living in the past
It’s easy to get caught in the web of past relationships and ‘what-ifs’. You may find yourself dwelling on past mistakes or romanticizing former relationships. But living in the past only robs you of the joy in the present.
The past is in the past, your past doesn’t define you, it only shapes you. Learn from it, grow from it, but don’t let it hold you back. Embrace the present and look forward to the future.
Your single life is a blank canvas, and you have the paintbrush. It’s up to you to decide what to paint on the canvas.
7) Break away from negative thinking
Negative thinking can be a real happiness killer. I’ve been there, trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and pessimism. It’s like being stuck in a dark tunnel with no light at the end.
But here’s what I learned: Our mind believes what we tell it. If we feed it negativity, it breeds unhappiness. But if we feed it positivity, it fosters happiness.
Start by catching your negative thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations.
It’s not an overnight change, but with consistency, you’ll notice a significant shift in your mindset and overall happiness!
8) Say goodbye to unrealistic expectations
Did you know that one of the leading causes of unhappiness is unmet expectations? When we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves, especially about our single life, it can lead to disappointment and frustration.
It’s important to set goals and have standards, but it’s equally important to keep them realistic and attainable.
Remember, being single is not a race or competition. It’s your individual journey to happiness! Enjoy the journey, embrace it, and be fulfilled from within, and one day, you’ll attract someone with the same mind to share the journey with you.
9) Don’t be afraid to seek help
Lastly, if you’re struggling with being single and it’s affecting your happiness, don’t be afraid to seek help. Speak to a trusted friend or family member, or consider seeking professional help.
There’s no shame in admitting you’re not okay. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t have to navigate your single life alone.
Conclusion: It’s all about self-love
In conclusion, being single offers a golden opportunity to focus on yourself and your happiness.
By saying goodbye to the mentioned habits, you can cultivate a happier and healthier single life. Being a happy single isn’t about waiting for happiness to come along with the ‘right’ person, but creating that happiness for yourself right now!
Love yourself first, and when the “right” one comes along, you are ready to build a healthy and stable relationship with them!
Enjoy your single life! (you might miss it in the future)
