80 Benefits of Living Alone: Why It Can Be Awesome

After my husband passed away, I didn’t think that I would ever get used to living alone. After all, we were married 26 years and I had gotten used to having someone with me. I was terrified to start my life over on my own.

But now, after a few years of living solo, I can honestly say that there are so many benefits to living alone that make it an awesome experience!

One of the pros of living alone is that it gives you the freedom to do whatever you want without having to worry about someone else’s opinion or schedule.

And honestly, I’m meeting more and more people who are also living solo. It may just be the new norm!

I have come to embrace the independence of living alone and if you’re contemplating this issue, then keep on reading!

What is the Psychology of Living Alone?

Here are some key insights on the psychology of living alone, based on articles from Psychology Today:

1. 3 Secret Strengths of People Who Live Alone: People who live alone can feel contented, resilient, and fulfilled. They often have special skills and preferences that are rarely recognized. They may have favorite activities that are solo pursuits, and while they live alone, they are often connected to other people.
2. Living Alone: Men and Women, Young to Old, Around the World: Living alone varies tremendously from one region of the world to another and across the lifespan. Factors determining whether people will live alone include affordability, availability of suitable housing, being single, and the rise of individualism.
3. The Unsung Joy of Living Alone: As I mentioned earlier, the freedom of living alone give you the chance to “find yourself”. It seems that many people who are living solo feel more authentic when they are alone than when they are with other people. Those who are drawn to solo living for positive reasons are unlikely to feel lonely.
4. How People Who Live Alone Conquered Loneliness: Many people who live alone are not physically or socially isolated. They often redefine family in ways that are more expansive and inclusive. They may flourish in solitude and create strong relationships with friends and family.
5. What Needs to Change Now That So Many People Live Alone: With the rise in people living alone, there is a need for more housing, services, and goods tailored to people who live alone.

These articles provide a comprehensive view of the psychology of living alone, highlighting the strengths, joys, and challenges of this lifestyle.

It’s certainly not say that living alone means living away from family and friends.

Solo dwellers report that they enjoy the independence, freedom, and privacy of living alone. Most, however, also want to know that friends or family are nearby.

sixtyandme.com

For me, these articles and others have helped me to embrace my solo lifestyle and find the many awesome benefits of living alone.

Some Statistics About Living Alone

• The proportion of individuals living by themselves rose from 26.7% in 2010 to 27.6% in 2020.
• The number of adults aged 18 and above who lived alone increased from 33 million in 2011 to 37 million in early 2021, representing 15% of adults in this age group.
• In 2019, 35.7 million Americans were living alone, accounting for 28% of all US households.
• By 2022, the number of households in the United States led by a single person had risen to approximately 37.89 million.
• In 2021, about 4.8% of American men aged 18-20 lived alone.
• The number of Americans aged 50 or older living alone has surged from 15 million in 2000 to nearly 26 million.
  source (census.gov)

List of 80 Reasons Why I Think Living Alone Is Great!

I know that there are pros and cons of living alone, but I’ve grown fond of being in charge of my own remote, so to speak!

Here is my list of 80 things to love about living alone:

1. Complete Freedom: You can do what you want, when you want.
2. Personal Space: Your home is entirely your own.
3. Peace and Quiet: No more noisy roommates or family members. (I love the peace and quiet of living alone!)
4. More Opportunities for Adventure: You decide when and where to go for new trips, new learning experiences, etc.
5. No Sharing: The fridge, the bathroom, the remote control – it’s all yours.
6. Independence: You learn to rely on yourself.
7. Privacy: No need to worry about someone else in your private space.
8. More Time for Yourself: Living alone provides time and space to learn about yourself.
9. No Need to Compromise With Roommates: You don’t have to adjust your lifestyle for someone else.
10. Better Concentration: Fewer distractions make it easier to focus on tasks or hobbies.
11. Freedom to Entertain: Invite who you want over, when you want.
12. Personal Growth: You learn new skills and gain confidence. It gives you the ability to focus on your own goals.
13. Control Over Your Schedule: Live by your own timetable.
14. Less Drama: Fewer people, fewer conflicts.
15. More Room: More space for your belongings.
16. Ability to Decorate Your Own Way: The interior design is entirely up to you. This of course leads to increased creativity.
17. Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company: It’s important to be comfortable being alone.
18. No Judgement: Dance in your underwear if you want to!
19. Responsibility: You learn to take care of your own needs.
20. Better Relationships: Time alone can make you appreciate your relationships more.
21. Freedom to Grow Plants: No one to tell you there’s no room for more plants. You may also find more time for hobbies and interests.
22. No Shared Bills: No more arguing about who owes what. It may even mean more money in your pocket.
23. Cook What You Want: No need to cater to someone else’s dietary preferences.
24. Better Mental Health: Alone time can reduce stress and increase mindfulness.
25. No Queue for the Bathroom: It’s always free when you need it.
26. Your Own Workspace: Set up a home office just the way you like it.
27. No Unwanted Noise: If you want silence, you can have it.
28. Freedom to Roam: Walk around in whatever state of dress you please.
29. No Shared Chores: No more resentment over who’s not pulling their weight.
30. More Storage Space: All the closets and cupboards are yours.
31. Eat Where You Want: Dinner in front of the TV? Why not!
32. Better Sleep: Keep your bedroom as dark, quiet, and cool as you like.
33. No Compromise on Bedtime: Go to bed and wake up when you want.
34. Learn to Rely on Yourself: It’s empowering to take care of everything yourself.
35. No One to Disturb Your TV Binge: Watch your favorite shows uninterrupted.
36. No One to Spoil Your Book Ending: You can read in peace.
37. You Can Be Messy: And no one will complain.
38. You Can Be Tidy: And no one will mess it up.
39. No One to Judge Your Music Taste: Blast your guilty pleasure songs as loud as you like.
40. No Shared Responsibility for Pets: You can have a pet (or not) as you choose.
41. No One to Share Illnesses With: Less chance of catching your roommate’s cold.
42. Your Own Creative Space: Set up a painting studio, a music room, a writing nook…
43. No Awkward Encounters: No bumping into your roommate’s overnight guest in the morning.
44. No One to Interrupt Your Thoughts: Your train of thought can chug along uninterrupted.
45. No One to See You Cry: Have a good cry whenever you need to.
46. No One to Argue With: Less interpersonal conflict.
47. No One to Complain About Your Cooking Smells: Cook whatever you like.
48. No One to Eat Your Leftovers: Your food is safe in the fridge.
49. No One to Wake You Up: No more being jolted awake by someone else’s alarm.
50. No One to Judge Your Clothes: Wear what you like.
51. No One to Make You Feel Self-Conscious: Be as weird as you like.
52. No One to Interrupt Your Singing: Sing in the shower to your heart’s content.
53. No One to Make You Feel Guilty for Relaxing: Take a day off without feeling lazy.
54. No One to Make You Feel Uncomfortable: No more dealing with a roommate’s strange habits.
55. No One to Steal Your Ideas: Your brilliant thoughts are safe.
56. No One to Outshine You: Be the star of your own life.
57. No One to Compare Yourself To: No more feeling inferior to a more successful roommate.
58. No One to Make You Feel Inadequate: Live at your own pace.
59. No One to Pressure You Into Socializing: Be alone when you want to.
60. No One to Make You Feel Lonely: Paradoxically, living with the wrong person can make you feel lonelier. (Been there, done that!)
61. No One to Make You Feel Guilty for Not Cleaning: Clean on your own schedule.
62. No One to Make You Feel Bad About Your Body: Walk around naked if you want to.
63. No One to Make You Feel Unwanted: Your home is your sanctuary.
64. No One to Make You Feel Like a Guest: You’re always at home.
65. No One to Make You Feel Unloved: Learn to love yourself.
66. No One to Make You Feel Ignored: You’re always listening to yourself. In my case, more personal growth!
67. No One to Make You Feel Unappreciated: Appreciate yourself.
68. No One to Make You Feel Unimportant: You’re the most important person in your life. It can foster increased self-confidence.
69. No One to Make You Feel Uninteresting: You’re interesting to yourself.
70. No One to Make You Feel Uninspired: Inspire yourself.
71. No One to Make You Feel Unhappy: Create your own happiness.
72. No One to Hog the Internet: Your Wi-Fi is all yours.
73. No One to Interrupt Your Yoga Session: You can meditate in peace.
74. No One to Make You Feel Rushed: Take your time with everything you do.
75. No One to Judge Your Online Shopping: Buy what you want without prying eyes.
76. No One to Make You Feel Embarrassed: You can be completely yourself.
77. No One to Argue Over the Thermostat With: Set the temperature to your own comfort level.
78. No One to Disturb Your Nap: Take a peaceful nap whenever you want.
79. No One to Judge Your Dance Moves: Dance like nobody’s watching, because nobody is.
80. No One to Make You Feel Anxious: Living alone can mean less stress in your life.

You can probably think of many more reasons why living alone can be awesome. But these 80 benefits should give you a good idea of the potential solo living offers.

Once you master the art and science of living alone, you’ll find yourself thriving in ways you never thought possible. It truly can give you the chance to discover your true self and the opportunities to find your own rhythm.

So what are you waiting for? Live alone and enjoy all that it has to offer!

The Most Important Benefits of Living Alone

What I’ve learned from living alone is that it can be an incredibly enriching experience if done right.

So many people ask me if I’m lonely, but the truth is, living alone can’t be more empowering. You get to spend quality time with yourself, learn to appreciate your own company and create a space that nurtures your soul.

Living solo comes with many benefits that aren’t available when living with someone else. And I never realized that until I experienced it firsthand.

Let me go over some of the most important benefits that I’ve learned from living solo for the first time in my life.

Embrace Your Personal Space

Living alone is a great way to truly embrace your personal space. You have the entire house to yourself, and you can arrange your rooms exactly how you want them. No more compromising on furniture or decor – your home is a reflection of your own tastes.

I know that living solo has given me an incredible opportunity to discover my own likes and dislikes – for the first time in my life!

Alone Time is Essential for Mental Health

Having your own place means you have the luxury of alone time whenever you need it. This is not just a good thing, it’s essential for improved mental health. You can unwind, reflect, and recharge without any outside distractions.

I love the time that I have to just sit and ponder. I can meditate without interruption! It has certainly provided me with a great sense of peace and tranquility.

Experience Independence for the First Time

For many people, young and older, living alone can be a first-time experience of true independence. You’re in total control of your own schedule, your own time, and your own decisions.

It’s a big responsibility, but it can also be one of the best times of your life for personal growth.

But conquering it gives you a great sense of accomplishment, believe me!

Enjoy Your Own Company

Living alone means you get to enjoy your own company. You’re the only person you need to please, and you can spend quality time with your best friend – yourself. This is a great way to build self-confidence and self-love.

Take Control of Your Own Space

Having your own space means you have total control over it. Want to leave the toilet seat up? Go for it. Want to watch your favorite shows all Saturday morning without anyone grabbing the remote control? You can. Your home, your rules.

You are truly in charge of your own remote!

Learn New Skills

Living alone is a great way to learn new life skills. From cooking a nice meal to fixing a leaky faucet, you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn when you’re the only one around to do it.

Boost Your Mental and Physical Health

Living alone can be great for your mental and physical health. You can set up a fitness center in your living room, take an online course in the evening, or simply enjoy a quiet night in without any interruptions.

Plus, you’re in control of your own meals, which can lead to healthier eating habits.

Overcome Feelings of Loneliness

Living alone can help you overcome feelings of loneliness. It might seem counterintuitive, but spending time alone can actually help you appreciate the company of others more.

I love spending time with my friends and I certainly do appreciate them more now that I can re-charge myself during my alone time.

Enjoy the Little Things

Living alone allows you to enjoy the little things in life. Whether it’s the peace and quiet of a Saturday morning, the freedom to play loud music whenever you want, or the joy of not having to share the remote control! There are quite a few advantages of living alone.

Living alone can be a great experience, and it’s a decision that can lead to numerous benefits in the long run.

Don’t get me wrong, I miss my late husband very much and I would love for him to still be here with me, but I know that I have to move on.

Living alone has given me the courage to do so and the resilience to keep growing and learning every day.

So if you’re thinking about living alone, don’t be scared – embrace the opportunity. I promise that it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Some Helpful Books

I found these books to be very helpful for me, hopefully you will too!

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