Despite what some may attempt to lead you to believe, women don’t need a spouse and children to lead fulfilled lives. In fact, studies have shown that single people are likely to lead more fulfilling lives than those who have chosen to marry.
“The preoccupation with the perils of loneliness can obscure the profound benefits of solitude,” said the study’s lead author Bella DePaulo. “Increasing numbers of people are single because they want to be. Living single allows them to live their best, most authentic, and most meaningful life.”
Here’s how women are living their best single lives:
Cultivate meaningful friendships
As humans, we have a need for relationships and a sense of belonging. While relatives can definitely meet that need, it’s also important to cultivate meaningful friendships with people who share similar interests.
Pursue what interests you
Periods of singleness are an ideal time to explore new interests. If there is something you’ve always wanted to do and have no real reason why you haven’t done so, stop denying yourself and go after what you want.
Take risks
For some people, the act of thrill-seeking brings great joy and fulfillment. According to Psychology Today, “thrill-seekers aren’t motivated by danger. They’re driven to conquer new challenges and soak up every experience life has to offer—and they simply don’t let danger dissuade them.”
Date for fun
Dating is necessary if your end goal is to get married. However, dating does not have to be used as a means to an end. Some people date for the sheer enjoyment of meeting new people and having a great time.
Set and execute goals
Whether personal or professional, Nothing makes you feel content like accomplishing a personal goal that you’ve set for yourself. The beauty of singleness is that it affords you plenty of time to reflect on what you want to accomplish in life and devise a plan on how to execute those goals.
Invest in yourself
Nothing will offer a great return on investment like investing in yourself. Investing in yourself can look very different from person to person. For some, it can mean investing in education or a particular skill set. For others, it can mean investing in your health and wellness.
Do the things that bring you joy
Filling your time with the things that bring you joy is sure to bring happiness and fulfillment to your life. Figuring out what makes you happy may not be as simple as it sounds. It may require some soul searching and journaling to pinpoint those things.
Design the life you want
Vision boards are not just something you do to pass the time. They are a helpful tool for creating a visual representation of the life you want for yourself. Once you have a clear vision, you will be able to slowly work towards bringing your dreams to fruition.
Chase your career goals with fervor
For some women, success at work plays a major role in personal fulfillment. Being single and unattached affords you with the opportunity to chase your career goals with a fervor that may not be possible for those who have to also juggle a spouse and children.
Take care of yourself
Regardless of your relationship status, self-care is a necessity if true happiness is the goal. According to Psych Central, self-care is defined as “any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.” Self-care does not have to look like spa dates and hair appointments. Self-care is also eating right, exercising regularly, resting, or doing the things that make you happy.
