As wonderful and amazing as it seems living alone at 21 isn't always all its cracked up to be. I struggle with being alone. Not much beats going home after a long day at work, tossing my bra wherever I want, and passing out on the couch, but sometimes it gets lonely. Sometimes I feel that if I don't always have someone home with me, then I shouldn't be home either. This is something I've really had to learn to cope with. For those of you who might be struggling with some of the same struggles I face, here are a few tips to help overcome that anxiety.
1. Watch a lot of Netflix
Nights home alone can drag on and on, one thing I've learned to embrace is that it's okay to watch six episodes of Friends before taking a shower and going to bed.
2. Keep the music playing throughout your house
Silence kills me. I absolutely hate sitting around in absolute silence. It's uncomfortable and makes the usually unheard noises throughout the house sound loud, and obnoxious. Keeping Pandora running on the TV, or music playing through a speaker as I shower helps me relax and enjoy my time alone.
3. Pick a favorite room
I spend most of my time in my living room, and not much time anywhere else. Though once I decide to lay down in bed I grab my blanket, check that all the doors are locked, and shut myself in my room. That may come across as strange but there is something comforting about confining myself, my phone, and TV to one room. I think that may partially have something to do with the fact most of our lives we consider one room in a house as "our own".
4. Start a hobby
Start doing something you love during that free time; this hobby can be anything. It can range from building Lego towers like when you were a child, to simply singing karaoke versions of hit song at the top of your lungs. This time is for you, embrace it.
5. Write, read, or do that homework you've been putting off all week
As a young, college student, I've learned that sometimes we put things off to spend time with friends. This alone time is a great opportunity to just sit down and get things done. Read a book to fuel your imagination, or join a family like Odyssey to just write all of your thoughts out. Complete the assignments you kept putting off. This time is time for you to do what you choose to do. Utilize it.
Whether it is relaxing, jamming, or utilizing that time alone it is valuable. Don't let it put you down or make you feel alone. Instead use it to help you understand yourself better and get things done you might not have otherwise completed. Living alone at 21 is amazing, fun, and something to be both thankful for and proud of. Kick off your shoes and get comfortable, being alone is time for you to simply do whatever it is you want to do.
