If you want to be happy alone, say goodbye to these 10 habits

Ever thought about how to be happy when you’re alone?

It’s not all about what you do, but also about what you don’t do.

Believe it or not, there are habits that could be stopping you from enjoying your own company.

Let’s go through 10 habits to ditch if you want to be happy alone.

1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

You know that sneaky little voice in your head that says, “Look at them, they’re having so much fun. Why can’t I be like that?” Well, it’s time to hit the mute button on it.

Comparing yourself to others is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just doesn’t work.

Everyone is unique and moves at their own pace in life.

When you’re alone, focus on your journey, your growth, and your happiness.

The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

When you find yourself scrolling through your social media feeds feeling envious, take a step back and remind yourself of your worth. You’re doing just fine. 

2. Ditch the Negative Self-Talk

We all have that little critic inside us. The one that loves to point out our flaws and mistakes. “You’re not good enough”, “You can’t do this alone”, “You’re going to fail”. Sound familiar? Well, it’s time to show that critic the door.

Negative self-talk can seriously dampen your spirits and hinder your journey to finding happiness alone.

Instead of feeding yourself these negative thoughts, replace them with positive affirmations. Tell yourself, “I am enough”, “I can do this”, “I will succeed”.

Your thoughts have power. Make sure they’re cheering you on, not dragging you down.

3. Quit Overthinking

I remember a time when I was constantly overthinking everything. “What if this doesn’t work out?”, “What if I’m making a mistake?”, “What will people think?”.

These thoughts were always buzzing in my mind, robbing me of my peace and happiness.

Overthinking is like being stuck in a loop. The more you think, the more problems you create in your head.

And guess what? Most of these problems don’t even exist!

One day, I decided I had enough. I started practicing mindfulness and meditation. Every time I found myself falling into the overthinking trap, I would take a deep breath and bring my focus back to the present moment.

It wasn’t easy, but with time, I noticed a significant change. My mind was calmer, and I was happier.

If you’re an overthinker like I was, give mindfulness a try. You might be surprised at how much it can help! 

4. Stop Procrastinating

Procrastination is a happiness-killer, especially when you’re alone. It keeps you from achieving your goals, which can lead to frustration and regret.

Instead of putting things off, try breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable parts. Take one step at a time and before you know it, you’ll have climbed the whole mountain.

Progress leads to happiness. Kick procrastination to the curb and start doing. 

5. Let Go of Past Hurts

We’ve all been hurt before. It’s part of being human.

But holding on to past hurts and disappointments can cast a long, dark shadow over your present happiness, especially when you’re alone.

Imagine your heart as a garden. Past hurts are like weeds that can suffocate your flowers of happiness. It’s time to pull those weeds out.

Forgiving isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary for your own peace and happiness.

It doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or saying that it was okay. It means choosing to free yourself from the weight of resentment and pain.

Take a deep breath and open your heart to forgiveness. Let go and make room for new joys and experiences.

You’re not doing it for them, you’re doing it for you. Because you deserve to be happy, alone or otherwise.

6. Avoid Being Too Hard on Yourself

I confess, I used to be my own worst critic. Anytime I made a mistake or failed at something, I would beat myself up about it. “You should’ve done better”, “How could you mess up like that?”, “You’re such a failure”.

These harsh words would echo in my mind, pulling me down into a spiral of unhappiness.

Then one day, I realized something important – I am human and humans make mistakes. Mistakes aren’t failures, they’re lessons. They’re stepping stones on the path of growth.

So, I started being kinder to myself. Instead of harsh criticism, I offered myself understanding and patience. And let me tell you, it made a world of difference. I felt happier, lighter, and more at peace with myself.

If you’re like how I was, always being hard on yourself, try showing yourself some kindness.

Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you’d offer to a friend. 

7. Stop Ignoring Your Needs

We’ve all done it – put everyone else’s needs before our own, ignored our feelings, pushed our desires to the backburner.

We tell ourselves it’s okay, that we’re being selfless. But the truth? It’s not okay.

Ignoring your needs is like trying to fill everyone else’s cup while yours is empty. It leaves you drained, unhappy, and yes – alone even when surrounded by people.

When you’re by yourself, it’s the perfect time to tune into your needs. Listen to your heart, your body, your soul.

What are they asking for? A good rest? Healthy food? A jog in the park? A good cry? Whatever it is, give yourself permission to fulfill these needs.

Remember, you matter too. Your feelings matter. Your needs matter. And fulfilling them isn’t selfish, it’s self-care. And trust me, self-care and happiness go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly!

8. Quit the Habit of Excessive Screen Time

In this digital age, it’s so easy to get lost in the world of screens – be it your phone, tablet, or TV.

When you’re alone, it’s tempting to fill the silence with the noise of television or the buzz of social media.

But this often leaves you feeling more alone and less satisfied.

Instead, why not use this alone time to engage in activities that nourish your soul and bring you joy?

Like reading a good book, painting, gardening, cooking your favorite meal or simply enjoying nature.

Your alone time is precious. Don’t let screens steal it away from you. Use it to connect with yourself and find happiness in your own company.

9. Stop Worrying About the Future

I’ll admit, I’ve spent countless nights lying awake, worrying about what the future holds. “Will I be successful?”, “Will I find love?”, “What if things don’t work out?”.

These questions haunted me, stealing away my peace and happiness.

But then I realized something – worrying about the future doesn’t change it. All it does is rob you of your present joy.

So, I made a conscious decision to stop worrying and start living. Now, whenever I find myself spiraling into worry, I remind myself to stay in the present. To enjoy the here and now.

If you, like me, find yourself worrying about the future when you’re alone, take a deep breath and bring yourself back to the present moment.

The future isn’t guaranteed but the present is here – make it count.

10. Stop Ignoring Your Dreams

How many of us have tucked our dreams away in a hidden corner of our heart, telling ourselves “maybe someday”? The truth is, that “someday” might never come if we don’t take action.

Ignoring your dreams is like ignoring a part of who you are. It’s like telling yourself, “you’re not worthy” or “you’re not capable”. And let me tell you – that’s far from the truth.

Your dreams matter. You matter. And you are capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to.

So, when you’re alone, instead of pushing your dreams aside, embrace them. Make a plan, set small goals and start taking steps towards your dreams.

Nothing brings more happiness than seeing your dreams come to life. So, dust off those dreams and give them the attention they deserve.

And there you have it – 10 habits to say goodbye to if you want to be happy alone. It won’t be easy and it won’t happen overnight, but trust me, it will be worth it. Because you deserve to be happy, in your own company and beyond!