If you don't have friends for some reason (eg school, work, where you live, or a new lifestyle change), you may be thinking of ways to feel happy. Of course you can be happy! Social relationships do make life more fulfilling, but to enjoy a happy life, you don't have to need friendship. Learn how to be happy without friends by building self-love, keeping your schedule full of positive activities, and strengthening relationships with the other people in your life.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Feeling Happy With Yourself
Step 1. Realize that you are valuable
Sometimes, people rely on friends for validation of their self-esteem. You may feel, “Sarah admires me. I must be an awesome person” or “At least I got invited to all the parties.” In reality, you should be able to feel happy with yourself, regardless of the friends you have and how many friends you have. Learn to validate yourself instead of needing someone else to do it.
- For example, if you've always relied on friends to help you make big decisions, try making your own decisions by weighing the pros and cons.
- If you feel that being needed by friends can make you important, find other ways you can still feel like an important person, such as saying positive affirmations or joining volunteer activities.
Step 2. Start taking care of yourself
Make a list of self-care activities that allow you to pamper yourself. Add these activities to your daily schedule. Regular self-care can make you feel emotionally healthy so you don't have to depend on others to feel happy and satisfied with yourself.
- Try self-massage, do yoga regularly, keep a journal, or walk your dog.
- You can also write down all the things you like about yourself and read them regularly.
Step 3. Support physical health and mental well-being
Show love for yourself by building a healthier lifestyle. Look for ways you can support your health and mental well-being more effectively, such as improving your diet, exercising more often, fighting stress, or getting enough sleep each night.
- Start a healthier diet by increasing your intake of vegetables, reducing the consumption of processed and low-nutrient foods, and drinking lots of water.
- Start an exercise routine according to your lifestyle, such as taking your dog for a walk around the house, walking or running in a city park, or enjoying a sport game.
- Relieve stress by trying relaxing activities, such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Improving your physical health and mental well-being is something you need to do for yourself as it can help you lead a more fulfilling life.
Step 4. Remember the things you deserve to be grateful for
You may feel down because you don't have friends or often get stuck in negative thought patterns. Gratitude is a great practice so you can focus on the positive things in life, and not on the things that feel "wrong". You will feel happier and more satisfied with your life.
Begin the practice of gratitude by noting three things that are going well or worth being grateful for every day. You can jot these things down in a journal or download a special app through your phone's app store
Method 2 of 3: Keeping yourself busy
Step 1. Learn to enjoy “lonely” moments
If you don't enjoy spending time alone, it will be harder for you to be happy without friends. Make a commitment to start loving moments of solitude by trying fun activities.
- For example, if you find it boring to spend time alone, make a list of fun activities you can do on your own. These activities might include going to concerts, watching consecutive television shows, making homemade projects, scrapbooking, gardening, reading a book you've always wanted to finish, and exploring new areas of your city.
- Whenever you're alone, take the time to try the activities on the list. Over time, you can enjoy moments of solitude.
Step 2. Do what you love
The secret to a happy and fulfilling life is to make the most of each day to do what you love. Use it every day to pursue your passions and interests. Think of ways to include these activities in your schedule or daily life.
For example, if you enjoy playing the piano, you could join a band or volunteer to be a pianist at a church. If you enjoy writing, try finishing your first short story or novel
Step 3. Challenge yourself
Some people tend to stay away from difficult things, but challenges actually help us to grow and enjoy life. Evaluate your life and find small ways to challenge yourself.
For example, if you've been following the same exercise routine for a year, enjoy the new atmosphere by taking a new exercise class or trying a different exercise routine
Step 4. Motivate yourself with great goals
Having goals that need to be pursued is an important aspect of living a fulfilling life. Goals give you direction in life and encourage you to keep moving forward. Plus, once you achieve your goals, you'll feel more successful and confident in yourself.
- Think of a goal or goal that you have forgotten about in the past. Set small (but still purposeful) goals related to those goals, and start working towards them today.
- For example, maybe you want to save up so you can travel the world. Determine the amount of money needed and make a plan to save for a certain period of time. Use your spare time to figure out the most affordable way to travel the world.
Step 5. Keep learning
Get busy and live life acting like a “novice” in everything you do. Sign up for a new class or read a book that allows you to learn new things or even challenge old mindsets.
For example, you could explore different religious principles, learn a new language, find a part-time job in an interesting industry, or listen to music or read books of a different genre
Method 3 of 3: Building Another Relationship
Step 1. Have fun with your brother or sister
If you have brothers and/or sisters, you have potential best friends. They've known you their whole life and probably understand you far more than you think. Get in touch and try to strengthen your relationship with them.
For example, if you have sisters who live in another city to attend school, agree on a regular schedule to contact each other via Skype. If your sibling still lives near where you live (or maybe still lives with you), try a new tradition, such as having dinner together on Sundays
Step 2. Spend time with your parents
If you don't have friends, you can still have healthy relationships with other people in your life, especially your parents. Even though these relationships are not equal, you can still pursue the same hobbies, share your emotions, and spend quality time with them.
- Get to know your mom and/or dad better and try to find common ground. Ask questions like “What is your favorite television show?” or “Would you like to watch a sports game with me this weekend?”
- Spend some time together by trying activities like washing the car or sharing a meal.
Step 3. Join a club or organization
Even if you don't have friends, that doesn't mean you have to shut yourself off from the world. You can still socialize. Show a real effort to stay connected with others who share the same interests by becoming a member of a particular club or organization.
For example, if you are a creative person, try joining an art club at school, or a church choir if you enjoy singing
Step 4. Help the local community
Volunteer activities are the right place to serve and build new social relationships with people around where you live. You don't have to build friendships with them, but at least spending time with them keeps you from feeling lonely.
