How to Enjoy Your Own Company

by Asma Gaba

Hanging out with friends is fun, especially in the summer where

the three months are fair game for adventures and lazy days. As

enjoyable being with a group of people can be, I cherish my alone

time greatly. Typically, being with people can leave me beyond

exhausted. Enjoying my own company is something that I

learned over time, and I’d love for other people to find out how to

enjoy theirs!

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1. Long walks. My favorite time to go for a walk is in the

evening- there’s something about the sun that’s just about to set

that gives me a sense of comfort. Walks are cathartic; it’s the

best way to clear your mind and reflect on what’s important. Find

a local hiking trail and take plenty of pictures! The views that

you’ll witness and the feeling of liberation will be worth the walk.

2. Cafés. Café hunting is an all-time favorite hobby of mine. I’m

a coffee fanatic, always wanting to try new blends and flavors

from different coffee houses. As much as I love Starbucks,

smaller and local cafés seem to always have a cooler ambiance,

not to mention unique (and delicious!) coffee flavors. Google to

see if there are any coffee shops by your area! Chances are you’ll

find your new favorite spot. Tip: Bring a book.

3. Read. I know that reading isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to

do, but you should give it a try. I truly believe that there’s a story

out there for everyone, whether it be a book that will captivate

you from beginning to end or one that you will identify with

wholeheartedly- it’s there. My favorite summer reads are: Since

You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson, To All the Boys I’ve Loved

Before by Jenny Han, When We Collided by Emery Lord, and The

Haters by Jesse Andrews.

4. Write. Even if you’re not a skilled writer, or don’t particularly

care to be one, keeping a journal is worth it. If you take the time

to write only a few sentences per day, by the end of the year

you’ll have a whole lot of entries to read! Spending just a few

minutes a day to write my thoughts down is something I look

forward to. It’s underrated, but it’s nice to be alone with just a

pen and notebook.

5. Music. Last but not least, music! So much of our lives revolve

around music- in fact, young adults spend most of their day

listening to it! I’m certainly guilty; I have earbuds in my ears

nearly 24/7. While our usual music is comforting and familiar,

discovering new music gives us a sense of exhilaration. I’m

constantly taking up YouTube’s suggestions for music, and I’ve

discovered new favorites that way! Currently “Oh No!” by Marina

and the Diamonds and “Thousand Eyes” by Of Monsters and Men

are on repeat for me.

Going out with friends is fun, but I’d highly recommend taking the

time to be by yourself, too!