Why It’s Important to Start Enjoying Doing Things Alone

The following contribution is from another author.

Needless to say (and this is something that pretty much everyone can agree on) would be the fact that going out and about on your own can sometimes feel a bit awkward. Sure, not everything, such as walking in a park, exercising, or even gardening at home. But, out of a select few activities, everything else seems a tad awkward. 

You know, that weird moment when you’re standing in a queue at a café, glancing around and noticing that everyone else seems to be in pairs or groups, while you’re there, solo, with nothing but your thoughts and a flat white for company. It’s really weird, but society’s got this unspoken rule that doing things alone is somehow a bit sad, a bit lonely, and frankly, a bit tragic.

But honestly, doing things alone is pretty nice. For a lot of people they only start accepting this after a divorce, a death, or even just trying to flip their life, but you don’t need anything major to happen to you in order to just enjoy doing things alone.

The truth is, doing things alone—whether it’s going to a concert, grabbing a bite to eat, or even just strolling through the park—can be incredibly empowering. It’s not about isolating yourself from others or shunning social interactions; it’s about finding joy and contentment in your own company. So, with that all said, let’s dive into why it’s so important to enjoy doing things alone!

Independence Is a Superpower

So, for starters, learning to enjoy your own company is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. So you have to keep in mind that we live in a world that’s constantly connected, where everyone’s glued to their phones, and the idea of solitude is often met with a bit of fear. But here’s the thing: independence is a superpower. It’s the ability to be completely comfortable in your own skin to relish the freedom of making your own decisions without needing anyone else’s input.

When you enjoy doing things alone, you’re not relying on others to make you happy—you’re doing that all by yourself. You’re the captain of your own ship, steering it wherever you fancy without having to consult a crew. That kind of self-sufficiency builds confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of who you are as a person. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

It’s All About Perspective

There’s a certain stigma that surrounds doing things alone. For some reason, it’s seen as a bit of a downer, as if you’ve got no mates or nothing better to do. But really, it’s all about perspective. Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. It just means you’re comfortable enough to enjoy your own company, and that’s something worth celebrating. In a way, this could make you seem brave. Like, why wait to get someone to go with you to a restaurant if instead you can go alone, right?

So, just think of it this way: you get to experience life on your own terms. You’re not worried about whether someone else is having a good time or whether they’re ready to move on to the next activity. You’re free to take things at your own pace, savor the moment, and really tune into what you want. It’s like being on your own little adventure, where you’re the main character, and the story is all yours.

The Freedom to Be Yourself

One of the most underrated aspects of doing things alone is the freedom it gives you to just be yourself. Only you know who you are, and only you know what you like, right? When you’re out with others, there’s always a bit of a social dance—trying to make sure everyone’s happy, that you’re not stepping on anyone’s toes, and that you’re fitting in with the group. But when you’re alone, there’s none of that. You can be exactly who you are without worrying about what anyone else thinks.

Just think of video games for a moment. When you’re at home, you’re playing a game of chess on your laptop, or any game for that matter, and you just get to be yourself, right? You’re not interacting with anyone, so you get to be yourself, there’s no ques to read from anyone, and you just get to let loose. It feels nice getting to be able to do that, right?

It Helps with Redefining Social Norms

Ultimately, the idea that doing things alone is somehow less fulfilling or less fun is a social construct that we need to challenge. There’s no rulebook that says you need to have company to enjoy life’s pleasures. Actually, if you think about it, some of the most fulfilling experiences can come from those moments when you’re completely alone, just you and your thoughts, fully immersed in whatever it is you’re doing.