. REALIZE THAT THERE’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING ALONE AND BEING LONELY
The first point is also the most important one: Being alone doesn’t equate to being lonely. Being alone means that the people who are close to you don’t happen to be around at a particular time, but it doesn’t mean that there’s no one who cares about you anymore. Your family and friends may not be with you right this moment, but they are still a part of your life. There are times when being alone can make you feel lonely, but always remember that the people who love you will not stop doing so just because you live somewhere else.
2. DON’T LET YOUR HAPPINESS DEPEND ON OTHER PEOPLE
How often have you thought ‘if X would do this, I’d be so much happier’? I know I have often enough. When you’re alone and don’t have a partner or very close friend whose actions can make you feel better, you’re especially susceptible to feeling unhappy. And the only way to prevent that from happening is to not rely on other people for your happiness. Happiness needs to come from within otherwise it will never be permanent. So start living for yourself, loving yourself and accepting yourself in every way possible and let your own light shine!
3. CULTIVATE YOUR INTERESTS
It’s amazing how much time you suddenly have, when you don’t have to count in other people’s plans. If there’s something you have always wanted to do, something you always wanted to learn, then now is the time to do it. Whether it’s writing a blog, learning a new language or mastering your camera, find something you’re passionate about and then just do it. Concentrating on learning something new can distract you when the blues come up and will give you something valuable to invest your time in.
4. GET TO KNOW YOURSELF
If you’re not constantly surrounded by other people, you will get to know yourself in ways you couldn’t imagine before. In my two short months in Norway, I have come to realize things about myself that I either didn’t know before or that had completely slipped my mind and my goals and aspirations for life have started to take a more concrete form. If you’re alone you’re inevitably going to spend a lot of time with yourself, so use that time wisely. I believe that personal growth is very important to becoming a happier person and taking the time to find out who you are and what moves you will aide you immensely in finding the right path for yourself.
5. REACH OUT TO OTHER PEOPLE
There’s nothing wrong with being alone, but don’t forget about forming new social contacts. I know it’s easier for some to reach out to other people than for others, but do your best to develop a new social circle. It can be as easy as striking up a conversation with someone in your class about homework or joining a sports club! But don’t just sit around and wait for other people to come to you – take charge and be the one that invites other people to do activities. Ask people to have coffee with you, go shopping or hike in the mountains. I know it can be terrifying if you’re shy and haven’t done so before, but the rewards can be incredible.