Now that all the craziness of that holiday has died down, it's time to have a frank conversation about the single life.  There’s so much focus in the world on being with someone, or finding your “soulmate”. There are countless songs, movies, and TV shows about finding “the one”. Maybe your family members or friends are even talking about it nonstop.

But if you’re single, maybe it’s time to stop focusing on marking time or waiting on the perfect person.

Instead, why not make the most of being on your own?

You can find a lot of joy in being single if you approach it the right way. Life can be incredibly fulfilling, you can learn a lot about your truest self, and you won’t feel like something is missing, because your focus will be on building a life worth living.

Still, that can sometimes be easier said than done, especially if you’re used to being in a relationship or immersing yourself in the dating pool. So, how can you make the most of the single life?

Date Yourself

Okay, you don’t need to buy yourself flowers and chocolates (though that’s never a bad idea!). But one of the best ways to embrace being on your own is to be active in trying new things.

Take a class, start a side hustle, or join a club. Try things that you typically wouldn’t do on your own. Not only is it a great way to develop new friendships, but you’ll learn more about your interests and skills. You might end up finding a new hobby that completely changes your life.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to go out on your own. Sit in a coffee shop with your favorite drink and a treat. Take yourself out to dinner. See a movie by yourself. It might seem strange, at first. But, when you’re comfortable with yourself and doing things alone, you’ll develop a deeper sense of who you truly are and what matters to you.

Spend Time With Single Friends

If you have other single friends or family members in your life, get together with them! Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to be alone all of the time.

By spending time with other single friends, there’s no pressure to talk about relationships or finding the perfect person. It’s a great way to live in the moment while focusing on your strong friendships.

Set Goals for Yourself

If you’re single for the first time in a while, it could be a perfect time to focus on your growth.

Set goals for yourself, and use this chapter of your life to work toward them. Maybe you want to switch careers or work toward a big promotion. Maybe you want to learn something new or move to a different location. Whatever you’re passionate about, now is the time to focus on bringing those passions to life and achieving your dreams.

Doing so will remind you of just how strong you are, and give you more confidence about being on your own. Sometimes, being in a relationship can overshadow that confidence, even if you don’t realize it at the time.

Make Time for Self-Care

Most importantly, take care of yourself every day. Self-care, in any form, can be a daily reminder of just how important your well-being is. Whether your self-care looks like a warm bath, a good book, or a going skateboarding in the park, find different avenues to reduce your stress and promote your mental and physical health. Whether you ever decide to be in a relationship or not, being kind to yourself and understanding your needs will make it easier to remain independent and content.

Keep these tips in mind to make the most of being on your own and to build a life that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment. In a society that tends to put too much focus on pairing up, you can find comfort and contentment in your singleness by embracing it, rather than avoiding it. If you're at the point in your single life that you've decided to focus on deeper self-reflection and self-exploration, consider scheduling a session with a therapist. This is the perfect time to learn about unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be impacting you and work on developing a more adaptive approach to your life.

About: Chanderbhan Psychological Services is a therapy practice located in Laredo, Texas. We help individuals and couples who are struggling in different areas of their lives gain the clarity they need to grow and change. We also offer video counseling services to individuals located in the wider State of Texas. To read blogs on mental health and relationships, visit our website