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Journalism of Courage
In the modern world, living alone has somewhat become normalised. Be it a preference for living alone, need for financial independence, or a change in the status of a relationship; an individual can encounter this phase of life due to various circumstances that may or may not be in their control.
Living alone comes with its set of benefits and challenges, but, what’s worth considering is that it offers a huge opportunity for immense growth. In India, we have grown up in tight knit communities and families, so moving on to living by yourself can seem daunting. Dr Rati Singh, a family and child counsellor, gives her take on solo living, shares tips on how to transition to living independently and gradually own the single life:
Singh outlines several benefits that come with having a space to ourselves. “Not only are people who live alone more self-aware, as the trend and studies suggest, but they also have the time to experience true freedom and learn to navigate in the world alone.” People understand their likes and dislikes by getting a peak into their inner selves, she explains, this empowers them to be able to make better decisions later in life. “It also helps people watch out for themselves and establish the needful boundaries for betterment of themselves,” she says.
In order to ensure a smooth transformation to this lifestyle, she suggests first starting out with an arrangement where you can share space with others – such as a hostel – and then ease into more independent settings. “Another great tip is to embrace new hobbies to fill your time, and setting realistic expectations for yourself. Also, it is best to know that there is some sense of homesickness involved, as humans tend to miss their spaces of comfort,” Singh advises. Eventually, getting out of your comfort zone will help us “evolve” and be resilient. “Don’t give up when the going gets tough as it’s only better thereafter.”
Once you are settled into your new life, Singh encourages joining clubs and forums based on themes that interest you or volunteering for community services that can help build a sense of community and belonging in the new set up. She states, “If you enjoy grabbing coffee, just hanging out by a café can help you build some really strong connections. In the digital world, even online communities or social media can help you find like-minded people within your area.”
When living the single life, it is important to prioritise your own well-being above everything else. Singh stresses the value of sticking to a routine as well as engaging in a regular social interactions. Take the time out to learn new hobbies, join a yoga class, cook for yourself, meditate and integrate a skincare routine into your daily life. In the end, what truly matters is that you are happy no matter where you are. So, don’t forget to do things that will give you peace and seek help from others whenever the feeling of intense loneliness hits you.
