Embracing The Single Bedroom: A Guide To Independence And Self-Care

Being single and happy is a choice. It is a chance to focus on yourself, your goals, and your growth. It is a time to strengthen your relationship with yourself, to learn how to love yourself, and to figure out what you truly want. It is also an opportunity to hold yourself accountable, to be more spontaneous, and to deepen non-romantic relationships.

Learn to love your own company

Spending time alone can be incredibly rewarding, and it's important to learn to love your own company. Here are some ways to do just that:

Clear Your Mind

Alone time gives you the opportunity to clear your mind of mental chatter and tune into your inner voice and intuition. This can lead to better decision-making and a greater sense of peace and clarity.

Reconnect with Yourself

When you're alone, you can reconnect with your interests and hobbies. Indulge in your creativity and do the things that make you happy, whether it's painting, drawing, cooking, or any other activity that brings you joy.

Find Peace and Relaxation

Alone time can be a gift, as it provides an opportunity to rest and renew away from the stresses and pressures of daily life. It's a chance to focus on yourself and find peace in solitude.

Improve Your Relationships

Ironically, spending time alone can actually improve your relationships with others. You'll value the time spent with others more, and you'll be able to understand and empathize with them better.

Embrace Self-Love

Remember, even if everybody else leaves, you'll always have yourself. So, love yourself first because you're the one constant in your life.

Find Your Quiet Time

Finding quiet time for yourself is essential. It doesn't have to be meditation in an empty room; it can be driving in silence, sitting on a train without your phone, or going for a walk alone.

Focus on Your Own Story

It's easy to get caught up in everyone else's lives on social media. Instead, focus on living your own life and carving your own path. This will help reduce worries about what others are doing.

Do Things Solo

Do something by yourself that you'd usually do with a friend. Go to a movie, a comedy show, a park, or a cafe. After a few minutes, you'll start to enjoy the alone time and feel more comfortable in your own company.

Take advantage of your freedom

Being single comes with its perks, and one of them is the freedom to design your bedroom exactly how you want it. Here are some tips to help you take advantage of your freedom and create a space that's perfect for you:

Communicate your lifestyle

If you're designing your bedroom, consider how you live your life. Do you travel frequently for work? Do you work night shifts or need blackout curtains? Do you like to watch TV in bed? Answering these questions will help dictate the layout and focus on important elements in the room, such as investing in a comfortable mattress or audiovisual equipment.

Don't be selfish

While you may be enjoying your single life, it's essential to think about the future. If you're designing your space for the long term, consider how it can accommodate another person's style and needs. This could include adding more closet space, a full-length mirror, or extra outlets for hair appliances in the bathroom.

Stick with neutral colours

Neutral colours like white, grey, and black can make a room feel more spacious and modern. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider using artwork or accessories instead of painting a bold colour on the walls or choosing bright bedding.

Don't skimp on the mattress

As mentioned earlier, investing in a comfortable mattress is crucial, especially if you travel frequently for work. You deserve a calm and serene bedroom with a cosy bed to come home to after a long day or a tiring trip.

Consider your audiovisual equipment

If you're into gaming or watching movies in bed, consider incorporating audiovisual equipment into your bedroom design. However, be sure to find a way to put them away at bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep.

Display your collections

Use your bedroom to showcase your passions and interests. If you collect vintage guitars, surfboards, or old cameras, find a way to display them proudly. Think about how you can incorporate your hobbies into your bedroom design to make it truly yours.

Remember, your bedroom should be a reflection of your personality and interests. So, have fun with the design process and create a space that makes you feel happy and relaxed!

Have a career change

Changing careers can be a scary and unsettling experience, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help you navigate a career change:

Accept That There Are No Shortcuts

Career changes often take longer than expected. Be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. It may take years of confusion, reflection, exploration, and additional schooling to successfully pivot your career. Remember that overnight successes are rare, and most successful ventures are the result of hard work and dedication over time.

Commit to a Steady March

Consistency and commitment are key to overcoming the challenges of a career change. Embrace the difficulties as part of the journey and keep taking small, steady steps towards your goal.

Take Small Actions

Even imperfect actions can lead to big results. Start by taking small steps towards your new career, such as taking a class or exploring educational opportunities. These small steps can lead to bigger opportunities and help you gain clarity on your new path.

Explore Without Expectation

Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different career options. Give yourself the time and space to dip your toes into different waters without judgment or expectation. You may be surprised by what resonates with you.

Embrace Your Unique Journey

Your unique background and experiences are what make you qualified for your new career path. Don't apologize for or try to hide your non-traditional path. Instead, embrace it and use it to your advantage to stand out in your new industry.

Craft Your New Narrative

Take the time to refine your personal narrative and position yourself as an attractive candidate in your new field. Figure out how to describe yourself and your skills in a way that highlights your strengths and ambitions.

Expand Your Network

Surround yourself with people who align with your desired future, not just your past. Seek out individuals who have already made a similar career change and learn from their experiences. Join communities or networks related to your new field to gain clarity, confidence, and connections.

Define Your Walk-Away Point

Know your limits and what is and is not acceptable in your career and life. Define your walk-away point and be willing to move on when that line is crossed. This can help you gain the courage to take the leap into a new career.

Pursue Energy Instead of Passion

Instead of focusing on "passion," think about what energizes and interests you. Look for ways to do more of the activities that engage and fulfill you. This can help guide you towards a more meaningful and rewarding career path.

Trust Your Instincts

Listen to your gut feeling and follow your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, trust that it isn't. Give yourself the time and space to figure out what truly honors who you are and what you want in your career.

Find your thing

Your bedroom should be a reflection of your personality and interests. If you're designing a single bedroom, it's important to make it feel like your own space. Here are some tips to help you find your style and create a space that you love:

• Be true to yourself: Your bedroom should be a space that makes you happy and comfortable. Don't worry too much about following the latest trends or designing a space that looks good to others. Choose colours, themes, and decorations that resonate with you.
• Incorporate your hobbies and passions: Display items that reflect your interests. For example, if you love music, you could hang a guitar on the wall or display your record collection. If you're into sports, consider framing your favourite jersey or creating a gallery wall of sports memorabilia.
• Add personal touches: Include items that hold sentimental value, such as photos, artwork, or souvenirs from your travels. These items will make your space feel unique and meaningful.
• Experiment with different styles: Don't be afraid to mix and match styles to create a space that feels truly yours. Play around with different colours, patterns, and textures until you find a combination that speaks to you.
• Make a mood board: Collect images, fabric swatches, and other items that inspire you and arrange them on a board. This will help you visualise your style and create a cohesive look for your bedroom.
• Seek inspiration: If you're not sure where to start, look for inspiration online or in magazines. You can also take cues from your favourite hotels or spaces you've visited. Identify what you like about those spaces and how you can incorporate similar elements into your bedroom.
• Don't be afraid to break the rules: There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to designing your space. If you want to paint your walls a bold colour or hang a unique light fixture, go for it! Your bedroom should be a reflection of your individual style.

Remember, your bedroom is your personal sanctuary. Take the time to find your style and create a space that makes you feel happy and relaxed.

Give back to others

When a friend or family member is staying with you, there are several ways to give back to them and make them feel more comfortable in your home.

Firstly, ask them how they are feeling and if there is anything they would like to change about the room. Their preferences may change from day to day, so it is important to check in with them regularly.

You can adjust the temperature, bedding, and lighting to make the room more comfortable for them. For example, you could open a window, use a fan, or get extra pillows. Position their bed so they can see out of the window, and help them adjust the blinds or curtains to avoid glare. Lamps with dimmer switches can also help them control the lighting themselves.

Surround your friend or family member with things that bring them comfort and happy memories, such as photos of loved ones, flowers, cards, or ornaments with special meaning. Try to minimise noise and keep their pets with them if that will bring them comfort.

Finally, respect their privacy. Sometimes, your guest may want to be alone, so try to give them space when they need it.

Frequently asked questions