If you constantly miss out on events and activities because no one is available to go with you, this is the blog post for you. These days everyone is busy, with work, school, and family obligations, it’s easy to understand that not everyone in your circle is going to be available at the same time. This poses a problem when things come up that you don’t want to miss; you want to go, but you don’t want to go alone. But, how much are you missing out on because no one is available? Here are some tips on how to start doing things solo and start enjoying your life no matter who is (or isn’t) by your side.
How to Start Doing Things Solo
If you’re ready to get out there and start having fun but are feeling anxious about doing things solo, starting small is your best bet. You don’t have to jump right to solo travel! Instead, try something low-pressure like taking in a movie by yourself. Once the lights are dimmed, no one will even notice (or care for that matter) that you’re sitting alone. Plus, you won’t have to worry that your friend is enjoying the film; you can relax and focus on the movie.
Coffee shops are great spots when you’re trying to learn how to start doing things solo as well. You can bring a book or journal, order your favorite beverage and just take your time. No one is going to question you, so don’t worry about it. Similarly, just running errands in your local area is a great way to start cherishing your alone time. You can visit the farmers market, head to a bookstore, or even browse through a fun boutique in the city.
The more often you do small things, the less intimidating it will feel doing things alone and you’ll soon start to realize that most people are so focused on themselves, that they don’t even notice that you’re living your best life alone.
Attend Social Events By Yourself
Small experiences are a great start, and once you’re comfortable doing those, you can start pushing yourself a bit more outside of your comfort zone. Now is a great time to begin incorporating more social activities and experiences.
Dining alone may seem stressful, but if you start with a casual spot with counter seating, you might feel a bit better at it. You can slowly work your way up to dinner at a fancy sit-down restaurant. Another great option is to attend a class by yourself. Whether you like yoga, painting instruction classes, or workshops, there’s always something to do, and going alone to a space where the focus is on the experience or activity rather than the individual, is a great warm-up.
Finally, consider a day trip to a town you’ve been meaning to visit. It’s easier to feel comfortable and less anxious when you know you’re not likely to run into anyone you know personally. So, head out of town for a day by yourself, walk around, visit shops and museums solo, and enjoy your own company. A day trip alone is a great way to slowly work up to solo travel, without the stress.
Time to Start Solo Travel
Once you’ve built up the confidence to do things alone, you may start to crave bigger adventures! The final step in learning how to start doing things solo is to travel by yourself! You’ve worked your way up to one of the biggest and most rewarding activities you can do alone, it’s time to enjoy yourself.
Take a staycation by booking a hotel or Airbnb near your home and spend the weekend exploring areas of the city you don’t typically get to see. Because it’s closer to home, you may feel more comfortable jumping in, and since it’s a shorter trip, it can be less overwhelming.
Group tours are also a great idea, whether near home or far away because again the focus is on the event or area rather than the individual. This is a great way to meet other travelers too without any obligations. Or, if you’d rather, book a solo-friendly trip. There are plenty of options like cities that offer safe public transportation and walkability, with a variety of things to do. Solo travel is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of travel.
Getting Over Fear of Doing Things Solo
Now of course so many things are easier said than done and its natural to feel nervous about doing things alone for the first time, but here are some important points to remember to help you get over that initial fear:
No one is paying as much attention to you as you think they are. Most people are worru more about themselves and how they appear to others, so technically we’re all in the same boat. Once we recognize this, it makes it easier to solo travel and even strike up conversations with others; we all probably feel a bit self-conscious at times no matter who we are.
Mindset is everything and if you change your perspective and stop thinking of it as a solo outing, but rather an empowering adventure, you’ll likely approach solo life much healthier. And finally, anything new at first is going to be uncomfortable. It’s important to push through that discomfort and realize that it won’t last, it’s just temporary and as you get used to doing things alone, you’ll get better at it, and may prefer it going forward.
The Freedom of Doing Things Solo
There’s a certain freedom that comes from doing things alone and being alone can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. Not having to worry about whether or not your partner is enjoying the movie or concert or happy with the food they selected at a restaurant is a liberating feeling. You’ll be able to savor your meal at your place, visit new places without a set itinerary or agenda, and simply enjoy moments for what they are.
When you stop waiting for someone else to join you and start embracing your own company, you gain a sense of freedom that no one can take away. So if you’ve been hesitating, waiting for the right moment or the right person to experience life with, it’s time to let that go. The best time to start is now. And the best company might be yourself. Now is the perfect time to experience what life has to offer.
