By: Lexi Nass, LCSW

Is it possible that you are single during a time that you did not think you would be? Being in this stage can feel challenging; thinking that you would be somewhere on your journey but are finding that is not the case. Being single is not only important for self-growth and self-discovery, but it can also be a fulfilling and enlightening phase of life. It may not sound ideal but try to take advantage of having this time to prioritize YOU- your goals, passions, mental health, needs and ambitions. Can you embrace being single and enjoy the perks that come with being able to make decisions solely for yourself? If you think that you can use this time as an opportunity to focus on yourself, take a look at some of the below tips to help you and your growth:

Embrace your autonomy: Cherish your freedom and independence during this time. This is the time in your life you get to be selfish and make decisions solely for yourself. For example, consider the choices you get to make for yourself without having to consider someone else’s opinions. Do you want to spend your Friday night on your couch or take the town on a night out? Do you want to read a book and be in bed by 9PM or stay up all night binging reality TV? Another example is your routine- You get to decide what time you want to wake-up, how you want to spend your morning (maybe booking your favorite workout class), and then deciding how you want to spend your day. Having the flexibility to create a routine that works for you, around your own schedule, allows you the freedom to make spontaneous decisions without having to consider the preferences or schedules of a partner.

Focus on self-discovery: Use this time to explore your interests and passions. Learn what makes you feel good, what motivates you, and what drives you. Welcome new opportunities to learn more about yourself and learn to challenge yourself to be the best version of yourself. Have there been ideas of activities that you have wanted to try? Now can be the perfect time to give it a shot!

Pursue your goals: Whether it’s personal aspirations, your career, or your education, use this phase of life to focus on your ambitions and your dreams. Set personal goals for yourself and spend this time working towards them.

Try new experiences: This can be the time to step out of your comfort zone and do something that excites you. Create a bucket list for yourself with activities you’ve been thinking about, or focus one idea of something you always dreamed of doing. NYC offers so many unique experiences; whether it’s pickle ball, tennis, trivia nights, hiking trips, weekend trips, cooking classes, or a new workout class.

Travel somewhere on your bucket list: Whether it’s a solo trip, a girl’s trip, a family trip, or a group trip, book a trip somewhere you have always wanted to go. Try not to let the fear of being single stop you from going somewhere. Traveling is an amazing opportunity for self-discovery, to meet new people, to engage in cultural activities, and to create unforgettable memories.

Engage in self-care activities: Prioritizing your mental and physical health is so important. Book your favorite workout classes, cook yourself your favorite meal, meditate, read a book, or go on walks. Learning how to take care of yourself while prioritizing ways to reduce stress and make yourself feel good is so important.

Participate in social events: NYC offers many different social events and meetups based on many different interests. Explore and attend events that interest you. This is a great way to meet new people that share similar interests and passions. Take a look at the app “meet up”. You can find a group of like-minded people to meet up with and do an activity together!

Being single in NYC is one of the best opportunities to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, to try new things, explore new places, and create connections. This time in your life should be focused on really getting to know yourself and what makes you happy, because that is something no one else will be able to do for you unless you can do it for yourself. If you are someone that resonates with this, reach out to hello@upsidertherapy.com for support on navigating this time in your life.