Knowing how to enjoy your company can come with challenges, but how can you be truly comfortable in your own company and overcome anything that comes your way?
Well, enjoying your own company is not about isolating yourself from others. It’s more about creating a safe space and time to do my thing: set plans, mind my business, and reflect on the things that matter most to me.
The idea of spending time alone can seem daunting. Social media, WhatsApp messages, and constant connectivity often make time alone feel lonely. However, learning to enjoy your company is a valuable skill that can increase self-awareness, creativity, and emotional well-being.
This post shows how to start enjoying your company and find joy in it. I believe understanding why you enjoy your company is essential. Once you know the why, then you can look at the how. It will help you explore more and be creative. The changes you see can be more fulfilling and rewarding.
“Solitude is not the absence of company, but the moment when our soul is free to speak to us and help us decide what to do”
Paulo Coelho
How to Start Enjoying Your Own Company
1. Change Your Mindset
The first step towards enjoying your company is changing how you perceive solitude. Instead of seeing it as a negative or lonely experience, you should see it as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Solitude is not about being lonely; it’s about being alone and finding contentment in that state.
2. Create a Comfortable Environment
Your physical environment can significantly impact how you feel about spending time alone. Create a comfortable space. This could be a cozy corner of your home, a favorite chair, or even an outdoor spot where you feel at peace. Decorate your space with things that make you happy. It could be anything; if it makes you happy, that’s all that matters. Examples could be plants, artwork, or soft lighting. Having a clean area can make alone time more fun.
3. Develop a Routine
Having a routine can make your alone time feel more purposeful and structured. Include those activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Set aside specific times for solitude in your daily or weekly schedule. Whether it’s a morning coffee ritual, an evening walk, or weekend reading sessions, having a routine can make solitude a regular and anticipated part of your life.
4. Engage in Activities You Enjoy
One of the best ways to enjoy your company is to engage in activities that bring you joy. These could be reading, writing, painting, gardening, cooking, or any other hobby that you find fulfilling.
Make a list of activities you enjoy and pick one to do during your alone time. This will help you look forward to these moments and associate solitude with positive experiences.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for enjoying one’s own company. They help you stay present and focused, reduce anxiety, and promote inner peace. Start with short meditation sessions, focusing on your breath, or using guided meditation apps. Gradually increase the time spent as you become more comfortable.
6. Reflect and Journal
Journaling is a great way to process your emotions and thoughts. It allows you to reflect on your day, express gratitude, and set intentions for the future. Set aside a few minutes daily to write in a journal. Reflect on what you did, how you felt, and what you’re grateful for. This practice can enhance your self-awareness and appreciation for your own company.
7. Limit Digital Distractions
Constant digital distractions can make it hard to enjoy one’s company truly. Limiting your use of technology during alone time can help you stay present and connected with yourself. Establish tech-free zones or times in your day. For example, avoid using your phone during your morning routine or set a specific time in the evening to disconnect from social media.
8. Explore New Interests
You can try new activities as it can be an exciting way to spend time alone. Testing out new things can help you discover talents and passions like those you’ve always wanted to try. You can dedicate some of your alone time to exploring these interests.
9. Exercise and Take Care of Your Body
Physical activity is good for your health and a great way to enjoy time alone. Exercise can boost our mood and increase our energy levels. It also helps us feel more connected to our bodies. Find a form of exercise you enjoy: yoga, running, dancing, or hiking. Incorporate it into your routine to spend quality time with yourself.
10. Practice Self-Compassion
Being kind to ourselves is essential, especially when learning to enjoy your company. Self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness and understanding one would offer a friend. When negative thoughts arise, counter them with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you’re worthy of love and happiness.
Alone time is when I recharge and reflect”
Mandy Hale
There are common challenges that come with enjoying one’s company you may encounter and how you can overcome them.
1. Restlessness or Boredom
When you start spending time alone, you might feel restless or bored. This might be because you are not used to it or have never stayed alone. You can start practicing with short periods and slowly extend them as you become more comfortable. Make a list of activities you enjoy to avoid being bored.
2. Feeling lonely
It’s natural to feel lonely sometimes, even when actively trying to enjoy your own company. Acknowledge your feelings and understand that it’s okay to feel this way. We all have that day when we want to be alone with our thoughts and feelings. Connect with others when needed. Balance alone time with social interactions. Join social clubs, attend events, or volunteer to meet new people.
3. Negative Self-talk
Negative thoughts about being alone can hinder your ability to enjoy solitude. Recognize and challenge these thoughts. It is beneficial to practice mindfulness and positive affirmations. Whenever any negative thoughts arise, try to replace them with positive ones. It is also good to remind yourself of the benefits of having the time to yourself.
How to Start Enjoying Your Own Company
You’ll likely notice some benefits as you become more comfortable in your company.
1. It will increase your self-awareness. You’ll better understand your thoughts, feelings, and desires.
3. Regular alone time can reduce stress and anxiety, improving emotional health.
2. It will enhance creativity. Solitude can spark creativity and help come up with new ideas.
4. By being comfortable alone, you can enter relationships from a place of strength and independence, leading to healthier and more balanced connections.
On a lighter note
Enjoying your time alone takes practice, especially when you are not used to it. It’s about your mindset, comfort, routine, and joyful activities. With mindfulness and less tech, you can connect with yourself and find peace in spending time alone.
Remember, It’s about finding a balance and appreciating the time you spend with yourself. Embrace this journey, and you’ll discover that your own company can be one of your life’s most fulfilling and rewarding experiences.
What say you?
I’d love to hear from you. How do you stay comfortable in your own company?
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