Mental Health: Is It Better To Live Alone?

When it comes to our day-to-day lives, plenty of people struggle with what is expected of them. So much of our lives are dictated by what we do for other people or because of other people. We live in our parent’s house until we can safely make it out on our own. Even when we can’t get by, we find roommates or significant others to help split the costs. Looking back on our way of life, is it better for our overall development if we take time to live by ourselves at least once in our life?

Having lived with my parents, with roommates, or with family for most of my 38 years, this is the first time I’ve stepped out on my own. One of the largest possible boosts to my overall daily routine has helped me develop my mental health. Without shifting the blame on anyone but myself, I’ve found time to focus on the things I needed to do for myself, only this time it is without any excuses.

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Take the daily routine of cleaning. Having my own personal space there’s more room to spread out, but there’s also more to clean. There’s no denying your made the mess, you have to develop the routine to clean it. No one is sneaking in and leaving the hall light on, you did it yourself. Dinner doesn’t make itself, you have to get up and do it. To be fair, you might be doing these things living with other people too, but living alone keeps you laser-focused on it.

As someone who is always thinking of the next five things I have to accomplish, you either force yourself to slow down and focus on the moment or live like a slob. Living with people, for the most part, I’ve always kept as little as possible in the common area. The majority of my belongs have always been throw about or my disorganization took over their space as well.

So how does this all affect mental health? Simple. One of the biggest parts is forcing myself to slow down and focus on each task individually. Sure I take breaks from unpacking, cleaning, or cooking to find the downtime, but I no longer have four tasks going at once.

The second part of it is all my things are my own. Other than things people have gifted me over the years, the furniture, the appliances, the dishes, and the utensils are all mine. There’s almost a sort of pride that goes along with setting up your space, the way you want, and with your stuff.

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Whether you do it as a young adult or in your later years, take time to live alone. It helps you develop who you are. Your character comes to life when you’re the one responsible for all the faults and mistakes as well as the pride you keep in your space. Your rules, your way, your little victories. Living alone might not fix all of your mental health-related issues, but it will slow your down and teach you to focus on yourself without worrying about getting in anyone else’s way. Developing good daily habits will increase your overall mental health.