Your home is your refuge. It should be a place where you feel safe and comfortable. If you live with other people and don’t feel this way, it’s a key indicator that the time has come to get your own place. You may just have a strong desire for more peace and quiet or sense that you’ve outgrown your current environment. Maybe sharing your body wash with someone was always fine, but now it bothers you. If it seems that everything everyone in the house is doing annoys you, that could be a sign that it’s time to go as well. Spare them your unwarranted wrath, and spare yourself the unnecessary agony. You could also be perfectly content with your housemates but are just ready to cultivate more independence. Give yourself some time to sit with the decision if your situation allows. No need to be hasty if you’re in healthy surroundings. If you want to test the waters just a little bit, stay in a hotel room or an Airbnb apartment by yourself for a few days to see how you like the solitude. However, there are also many benefits of living alone: For your morning routine, McCoy recommends starting the day with something other than checking the notifications on your phone. “This can be a 10- to 15-minute activity such as meditation, prayer, stretching, or a yoga flow.” Once you’re up and running, she says it’s good to eat breakfast and put clothes on even if you’re not leaving the house. “Getting dressed can also boost your mood and help create a positive headspace to tackle the day.” As far as your nighttime ritual, it should help you maintain some structure and prepare for a good night’s sleep. McCoy likes aromatherapy for its soothing effects. You could also journal or even practice a nightly skin care routine. “Replace that time with other activities such as reading, listening to a podcast, or doing something for yourself,” McCoy recommends. “This gets you out of your head and into the present moment, which is learning to be comfortable on your own.” Just because you no longer live with roommates or loved ones doesn’t mean you should detach from them. “Although we want to be comfortable with our solitude, it is still healthy to connect with your support system,” McCoy points out. “Stay connected with people who bring you joy and support you. This includes family and friends.”
