As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), engaging in self-care is providing an adequate amount of attention to one’s overall wellness and being. When we are single, we have an endless amount of time to devote to our self-growth.
Spend time doing what you enjoy
Georganna Sedlar, Ph.D, from the University of Washington School of Medicine, suggests that investing your time into activities that bring you joy and that you are talented at will increase your feelings of happiness. She stresses that one should not partake in an activity with the hopes of meeting a potential soulmate. If that is the only desired outcome, it can leave you with more disappointment if things don’t work out in your favor.
Face the unknown/uncomfortable
Challenging yourself to try things outside your comfort zone can initially be intimidating, but it can help you to feel more comfortable doing things independently. You’ll realize that you can handle things by yourself, without relying on someone else. These experiences are often periods of our lives when we learn our greatest strengths and weaknesses.
Focus on friendships
Try to establish new friendships or rekindle past friendships that have grown distant over the years. Becoming more sociable will allow you to meet people with similar interests and expose you to unfamiliar past times.
Expand your knowledge
If your days of school have come to an end but you have a lingering thirst for knowledge, buy a new book or enroll in a course at your local community college on a subject you are interested in. Not only are these two options phenomenal distractions, but you are engaging in the process of self-growth.
Homewood Health, which offers mental health resources and services in Canada, provides a list of additional self-care activities to incorporate into your daily routine:
-Write in a journal
-Volunteer for a cause meaningful to you
-Meditate or listen to guided visualization
-Cuddle with your pets/animals
-Treat yourself to your favorite meal
-Listen to music
-Go for a walk outdoors
-Wear something that makes you feel confident
-Join a support group
Self-care is needed before you can care for the well-being of others. By focusing your energy on the positivity in your life, the negative aspects won’t appear as debilitating.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2014/04/corner.aspx
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/one-isnt-loneliest-number-self-care-singles
https://www.ucalgary.ca/wellbeing/files/wellbeing/self-care-starter-kit.pdf
