Read This If You Want To Make Living Alone Free Of ¡®Loneliness¡¯

More people are living alone today than any other time in history. In cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune, an astounding 30 per cent or more of all households contain a single occupant.

By international standards, these numbers are evidently low. In Paris, more than half of all households contain single people and in Stockholm, the rate rises up to almost 60 per cent.

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Indians are big on family. It's something we pride ourselves on but sometimes it's absolutely inevitable to move to a new city, away from home.

While most of us would choose to live with flat-mates, a small group of people, who can afford to, choose to live alone. But there are some who don't. Because living alone has the potential to spark anxiety, dread and visions of loneliness. Here are some ways to be able to live alone without feeling lonely.

1. Have work or a hobby.

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In order to feel a lot less lonely, you need to take an interest in things and an interest in life. While work is bound to keep you busy and occupied, you need something wholesome and fulfilling too. So get out there and do stuff. Go watch a movie. Try watching a play. Read books. Travel. Learn how to ride a bike. Your ways to enjoy life can be simple, it always doesn't have to be extravagant. The focus should be to find something that motivates you. Be it running, cooking or swimming.

2. Seek out social contact by working in cafes or a co-working space.

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One of the easiest ways to overcome the solitude that is invariably linked to living alone is by trying to build new connections. This can begin with having conversations with people in safe environments. Think coffee shops, co-working spaces, gym or group fitness workouts. Overcoming loneliness requires real effort. It starts with putting yourself out there.

3. Listen to podcasts.

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This might sound strange but on days you feel really alone, put on a podcast. Hearing noises of people talking in the background has therapeutic benefits for someone who is feeling alone and lonely. Listening to podcasts will enlighten you with so much information that will make you a great talker and someone who can hold real conversations. Oh and the great content will keep you entertained and feeling less lonely.

4. Build a pleasant and attractive place to come back home to.

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Just because you live alone and no one is constantly around you to see how you live, doesn't mean you need to keep your apartment or studio in a nasty, degenerating state. Build a home that you would love coming back home to. Have a corner where you love to unwind. Another space designated for eating. When living alone, home is sacred, treat it and build it that way.

5. Have your friends visit!

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Just because you live alone doesn't mean you have to devoid yourself of people. Invite people over. If friends are visiting to town, let them stay at yours. Yes it's messy and inconvenient but you will develop bonds and not feel lonely.