It’s 1 o’clock in the morning, and you find yourself scrolling through instagram, unable to fall asleep. You can’t help but feel a sense of loneliness as newfound couples bombard your feed, and you think to yourself  “When will it be my turn?” Seeing your college bestie get engaged or your lab partner get a new partner may be discouraging as someone who has been single for what seems like forever. The truth is, we are all living life on different timelines, and the best thing to do is make the most of your season of singleness by embracing  the unique opportunities that you have as a single person! Here is a guide on how to embrace your singleness:

Focus on self-care

Let’s face it, nothing beats a night dedicated to spoiling yourself! There is just something about putting on your favorite face mask, drawing up a warm bath, and eating all of your favorite snacks while watching a classic rom-com. But that is not the only way to practice self-care. Having nights dedicated to relaxation is always good for the soul, but self-care encompasses other important daily practices that help better yourself. Self-care means doing practices that improve your health, well-being, and happiness. So, what else qualifies as self-care? First off, it’s important to ask yourself if your basic needs are met, such as if you have eaten today, drank enough water, or have gotten a good night’s rest. Once you can answer yes to all of these questions, it’s time to practice other forms of self-care. This may include doing your favorite exercises, doing practices that help with your mental health, talking to a loved one, or creating a space that is beneficial to your well-being. Taking the time to invest in your overall wellness and happiness is an essential part in enjoying your singleness, allowing you to dedicate more time to taking care of yourself.

Pursue passions that make you happy

What better way to spend your time as a single person than pursuing your passions. Now is a fantastic time to dive into your hobbies or career aspirations that give you something to look forward to. Let’s say you have always wanted to write stories, learn your favorite songs on an instrument, or even travel to new places; whatever it may be, take that extra time to do the things that make you feel alive. Tapping into your passions is healing to your soul. Even though that dream job you want may seem like it is so far out of reach, now is a great time to plan and work toward that. Your future self will thank you! Regardless of whether you are working on old or new passions, it is never a waste of time to spend on the things that make you happy.

Engage in the relationships that mean the most to you

Contrary to what you may think, you are not all alone. There are people in your life who care about you and support you whether you realize it or not. Just because you don’t have a romantic partner does not make the other relationships in your life any less valuable! If you struggle with loneliness, try to reach out to the people close to you. You can start by calling or facetiming a loved one once a day. If you prefer in-person interaction, ask your bestie to get coffee or take an old friend to lunch. Whatever you plan to do, make sure you incorporate some quality time with loved ones in your everyday schedule. Spending time with your family and friends can always brighten even the worst of days. After all, life is not meant to be done alone.

Try not to compare yourself to others and have self-compassion

Arguably, this is the most important advice you can hear as a single person. Seeing another couple get engaged on your Instagram feed for the third time this week may be discouraging. It can feel as if you are behind everyone else and that the possibility of meeting your soulmate will never happen. When you compare your situation with others, this can damage your self-esteem. Not only will this make you feel downhearted about being single, but this can also cause you to feel envious of others. We all have different storylines, and it’s important to recognize that you are not behind in life. Some people marry their high school sweetheart, some people get married in their 30s or 40s, and some people stay single their whole lives. And none of that is bad! You are worthy of love and kindness, so start off with being kind to yourself and falling in love with yourself. 

.

Written by: Ashley Alvarado, Photography: Kylie Dunlap, Design: Annette Guerra-Armendariz, Social Media: Sara Hartung