The Beauty of Spending Time Alone

I don't know why - but I've always found comfort in doing things on my own. Whether it's popping out for a coffee, doing some shopping, or exploring somewhere new, there is something quite tranquil in being in my own company. As we are thrown into the new year, I like to set my goals for myself, and 2025 appeals to me as the year I’d like to enjoy my own space, and learn to love myself that little bit more. 

To start big: I'd love to take a solo trip some day. Pack my bags, hop on a plane, and explore somewhere totally new, immerse in some nature, drink some coffee, and do things I would want to do. I actually felt inspired by a recent video I watched, in which a girl (not unlike myself) took herself on a solo weekend away to the Swiss alps. At first, my response was the typical ‘oh this looks so great’ and ‘I’d love to do this one day’ but then the realisation hit me that someday, I actually could do this. And the more I thought about it, the more I felt drawn to the idea of a solitary trip abroad. I’d imagine myself taking it slow and doing things at my own pace - perhaps wandering around a gallery or a museum or taking in some natural scenery. I’d find that spot I love - in a cafe in a busy European city, or by a huge, clear lake - and spend the day there, in my own company. With a book in hand, I can just picture myself revelling in the beauty and enjoying some moments to myself.

As much as I would love to travel alone, I understand it's a far-fetched fantasy of mine. I’ll definitely do it someday, but for now a solo trip might have to remain more local. Doing things alone, and appreciating it, doesn’t have to mean flying across the globe and sitting in a romantic Parisian Cafe. Enjoying your own company can be, and usually is, found the most mundane tasks of everyday life. Maybe I'm just somebody that likes to romanticise too much, but even taking a walk with your headphones and favourite scarf means connecting with yourself and your thoughts. Throughout life, you spend the most time with yourself: there’s no reason why you shouldn’t learn to love your own company.

I think the key to enjoying alone time really lies in one’s mindset. Instead of that lonesome, dreary walk to campus, think of some quality time to listen to your favourite music, get some fresh air, and take some time for self reflection. Doing things by yourself doesn’t have to be boring; it can be treated as some quality time to take a break, step back from socialising, and doing things the way you want to. Embracing time alone can be really uplifting, and most importantly, quietly beautiful. 

What I've said, at this point, might seem obvious - being on your own, having time to yourself, and relaxing. But I really do think there lies some beauty in being able to enjoy your own company, being lost in your own thoughts. There’s often a tendency to confuse alone time with loneliness, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Learning to revel in solitude is incredibly valuable, and has so many benefits to your health. By taking some time alone, in an incredibly socially charged university life, you take a much needed break from the noise and influence of others. Creating a space to be alone, in your own thoughts, may be daunting, but is a really important factor in learning to find comfort in your own body.

Despite everything I've come to mention, it goes without saying that I also really value time spent with my friends and family. I think it's just as - if not more - important to spend time with others around you and socialise. However, I do think there is a certain, strange amount of beauty in not just spending time by yourself, but also enjoying it. The key is to start small, in the mundane activities, then maybe, just maybe, it’s time to book that solo trip!