7 tips to be happy even if you’re alone

Moving to a new location or grieving the loss of a loved one are examples of situations in which a person may feel alone. Loneliness, for whatever reason, can be detrimental to your mental health. The only way out of it is to try to remain happy. Yes, if a person tries to be calm, relaxed, and happy in all circumstances, he or she can manage emotional and mental health. You may wonder about ways to stay happy alone. Let’s figure it out together.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Satish Kumar CR, Consultant-Clinical Psychology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, to share some happiness hacks. Let’s know some tips on how to achieve happiness in your life by adopting a positive attitude.

If you simply want to spend some time alone with yourself, these tips will help you feel less lonely.

So, here are 7 ways to stay happy even when you’re alone:

1. Practice pranayama

Asanas and pranayama are physical exercises that can help you maintain a healthy mind and body. “They both help in improving flexibility and can improve immunity for the body and can bring positive effects and calmness to the mind,” says Dr Kumar. Indeed, pranayama has been shown to improve focus and concentration while also decreasing stress, which is a real enemy of happiness.

2. Self talk

Along with making yourself happy, self-talk has numerous mental and physical benefits. Channeling your inner voice allows you to better understand yourself and your needs. “Positive self-talk is about talking to yourself in an assertive way, giving positive or assertive self-statements,” says Dr Kumar. While doing this, you can tell yourself things like, “I am fine,” “I am doing really well,” “I am happy,” or “I will be fine.”

3. Eat dopamine-boosting foods

They say that good food is the foundation of true happiness. And we concur! Consuming foods that increase dopamine levels will make you happy and energised. Consume nuts, seeds, proteins such as soya, legumes, and beans, milk and dairy products, strawberries, and everyone’s favourite, chocolate and coffee, whenever you need a dose of happiness. These foods can increase serotonin and dopamine production in the body, making you feel happy.

4. Live in the present

“If you want to be happy, don’t dwell in the past, don’t worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present,” author Roy T. Bennett wrote. Yes, ladies, if you truly want to be happy alone, you must stop constantly thinking about and planning your future. You can do this by practising mindfulness.

“Mindfulness is about living in the present moment to the fullest in a non-judgmental way,” says Dr Kumar. We tend to live in the past most of the time, which can be depressing. Thinking about the future too much can cause anxiety and irritation. So, living in the present moment is a healthy mental practise.

5. Self love

Be your own version of a smile, ladies! Indulge in some self-love or self-compassion. Dr Kumar says, “It is about treating yourself with respect and love, because most of the time we criticize ourselves when something goes wrong, which is called self-criticism, and we give up, which is called self-defeating behavior.” Self-compassion entails being there for yourself and treating yourself well when something goes wrong, just as we would be there for and treat our loved ones when something went wrong with them.

6. Take some time off

Taking a break from your regular routine can help you gain clarity in your life. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, one of the most important things you need to get rid of the feeling of hurt and feel happy is time and space. Remember that failing to take breaks can lead to stress and depression later in life. So take a break and enjoy some alone time.

7. Work on your goals

Meaningful and goal-directed activities, such as practicing activities that make us happy without affecting our health, are the best way to achieve happiness in life. “Goal-directed activities can help you master activities that are in your control, and meaningful activities like volunteering, helping others, etc., can help you feel better and calm,” says Dr Kumar.

All of the above tips will not make you happy in one day. They will take some time to build positivity within yourself and bring happiness to your world. Try to follow these advices regularly and enjoy every phase of your life.