This can be the perfect time to enhance your life by getting a pet, any kind you want. You don’t have to worry about someone else’s allergies or the way they dislike cats because they’re “creepy.” Pets can be great company for those times when, inevitably, you’ll feel a teeny bit lonely. Plus, walking them is great exercise for you (provided you have a pet that walks) – and who knows, an afternoon at the dog park could lead to some great social experiences.
Live safely.
You’ll feel much better and less stressed about living alone if you know that you’re as safe as possible in your own home. Consider safety precautions such as deadbolts, peepholes and adequately sealed windows a crucial investment! Keep your answering machine message vague, rather than providing specific details such as, “I’ll be back on Tuesday.” And when you leave the house, yell a clear good-bye over your shoulder, even if you’re just talking to your houseplants. This may make you feel a bit on the dorky side, but intruders are less likely to break in if they think there may be someone else still in the house.
Keep your social connections.
Don’t isolate yourself just because you can. It’s important to maintain friendships and stay connected. Social connection has a major impact on your health and wellbeing! Throwing dinner parties or just having someone over for a few drinks can go a long way (and it’s a perfect excuse to keep your surroundings in tip-top shape when you may be otherwise tempted to let things slide). Get out and volunteer. Join a gym or an exercise class, thereby killing two birds – namely, physical fitness and social time – with one stone. Have other single-dwelling friends come for a sleepover like you had in junior high, complete with messy facials and karaoke. When you live by yourself, you learn to value and appreciate your friends more, since you get enough “you time” when you’re at home.