You just broke up with a long-term relationship. You just got divorced. Your parents and childhood friends live far away. Your best friend is getting married, moving away, or cheating on you. You have moved abroad.

What do all these cases have in common?

They challenge you to be alone for a while. For many people, the idea of ​​being alone for a period of time seems unbearable and thus, they resort to the wrong choices.

When you don’t like being alone, it’s easy to get into a bad relationship because you feel like it’ll be better than being alone—that’s what scares you. But, if you learn to cherish the moments when you are alone, the next relationship that will likely arise will surely be better than any other you would have settled for.

  • Work out

Good physical condition is the main key to happiness. Now that you have more free time, start eating right and exercising. When you feel good about your body and health, your self-confidence increases and you will definitely feel happier.

  • Do something you’ve always wanted to try – but hesitated

When you are alone, you can do whatever you want at any time. Go skydiving, start dance lessons, learn a new language, etc. This is your chance to realize some of the dreams you’ve left behind.

  • Traveled

I thought I wouldn’t like traveling alone, but it was fantastic. I can go where I want, how I want, and stay where I want. I eat when and where I like and I can take as many pictures as I want without disturbing anyone. Also, don’t forget that when you travel alone you can meet many new and interesting people.

  • Express yourself

Write, paint, take up photography, make something, decorate your room, etc. There is nothing more cathartic than expressing yourself in a creative way. In my own case, I started writing and became the author of several well-known books. In fact, a new book of mine is coming out in the next few months. It was a huge relief to be able to tell my story and share my experiences.

  • It’s your home now

Whether you live in a house, apartment or caravan, make this place your castle. The positive thing about living alone is that you can decorate, furnish and generally live in your space the way you want.

  • Eat alone

Enjoy a meal in any way that makes you happy. Sitting alone at a table is for food critics. I usually buy food (or cook myself) and find small, cute places to sit down to eat. When the weather is warm, there is nothing better than enjoying your meal as the sun sets or rises.

  • Network

Go to different events and meet new people. It is the best way to get in touch with new people, to discover what is happening in your city and also to find job opportunities. I almost never leave such an event without having gained something positive.

  • Socialize

When you are out, talk to others. Put down your cell phone and at least once a day, ask a friend how their day was. You will find that reaching out to other people and showing interest in them will make both them and you feel better.

  • Engage in charity

Giving help to those around you is the best way to deal with loneliness. Get out of your house and volunteer your help. Give some of your time to help someone else. As a single I started volunteering and it’s something that makes me feel fulfilled.

  • Be grateful

Gratitude is the number one key to happiness. You may be alone, but I promise you there is much to be thankful for. Write a list of all the things that make you grateful, starting with the phrase ‘I am alive’. My list has more than 50 things and I am constantly adding new ones – and I read it regularly.