How to be Your Own Best Friend – 12 Ultimate Ideas
Despite being surrounded by people, sometimes we find solace in ourselves. We try our best to impress people around us but, in the process, we forget – how to be your own best friend. Yes, being friends with yourself can be a rewarding experience that can lead to greater self-acceptance, self-confidence, and overall well-being.
Therefore, we are making this task more straightforward by listing a few tips to get started.
Tips on how to be your own best friend
Here are some tips on how to be your own best friend. It is truly a significant step to fill your life with kindness, compassion, and understanding, just as you would treat a good friend. Here are some tips on how to be your own best friend.
1. Practice self-care
Take time to care for your physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include activities like exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. Think about things that drive you towards positivity. Try and delve deeper and acknowledge your life goals, aspirations, etc.
Besides, treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you would offer a good friend. Be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned, and avoid self-criticism or negative self-talk. Be mindful of the way you speak to and about yourself. At times, compliment yourself for achieving the unachievable.
2. Don’t forget to set boundaries
Just as you would with a friend, set boundaries with yourself, too; it will help protect your time, energy, and well-being. But setting boundaries with yourself includes saying “no” to things that don’t align with your values or goals.
Setting limits will help in saving your time and energy. Besides, it can help you feel more in control of your life and reduce feelings of overwhelm. You must understand you are the owner of your life.
3. Cultivate a positive mindset
Your thoughts and beliefs have a powerful impact on your well-being. Therefore, it’s essential to cultivate a positive mindset. And how will you do? Practice gratitude, focus on the present moment, and challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs.
Besides, create a safe space for yourself. Find ways to meet your own needs in a way that works best for you.
4. Spend time alone
Make time for solitude and introspection. Instead, train yourself to be with yourself. The quality time you spend with yourself may help you acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Start to learn how to have fun with yourself. Instead, jot down activities that you would love to do solo. Sometimes, solitude helps us acknowledge positive things that we wouldn’t be able to do with external interference.
This can be an excellent opportunity to get to know yourself better and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. Enjoying your company can be blissful, especially in this crazy world of social media.
5. Forgive yourself
Try to be understanding and forgiving of your own mistakes and weaknesses. Don’t be hard on yourself. Instead, learn to forgive yourself because we all make mistakes. The way we forgive people around us for their mistakes, it’s essential to learn to forgive yourself for past mistakes or regrets. Besides, there’s no point in dwelling on the past. Instead, focus on the present and take steps to move forward in a positive direction.
Along with this, accept the situation because there are some things you can never change. What’s done is done. Just accept it headstrong and with a smile on your face. Things will become easier.
6. Do not compare yourself with anyone
One of the grave mistakes we make with ourselves is we compare. Every human being is modeled in a unique way. You can never be someone else, nor can others be like you. Your strengths are yours, and your decision is also yours. Your success doesn’t rely on someone else’s life.
Your life goals and decisions are what mold your life. Be happy that you have everything to achieve your life goals. You yourself are enough to reach great heights of success.
7. Be honest with yourself
One of the most important aspects of being your own best friend is being honest with yourself. The same rule applies to you if you hate people lying to you too. Do not lie because it could be a reason for you to dislike yourself. So, start being honest about your feelings, thoughts, behavior, strengths, and weaknesses.
8. Set goals for yourself but achievable ones
Rather than setting goals with good friends, why not set goals with yourself? It could be by changing lifestyle, making small changes, and much more. Setting goals for yourself might help you take control of yourself and set expectations for yourself too. You can also map whether these expectations are getting fulfilled and when you achieve at least one, you will indeed feel proud.
9. Find activities that bring joy to your life
Step up out of that comfort zone and start exploring the world. Change the regular routine and set on a journey to achieve your goals. Remember that foreign trip you always wanted but couldn’t go on because you had no company? You will have your own time to rest and explore the place, and there will be no restrictions.
Not just travel, but you may also cultivate a hobby. Engage in activities that you enjoy and allow you to express your creativity. This can help you feel more fulfilled and connected to your interests and passions. Just as you would make time for a friend, make sure to set aside time for yourself each day. This could include activities you enjoy, such as reading, writing, painting, or simply taking a few minutes to relax and breathe.
10. Listen to yourself
When you have friends, you wish them to listen to and comfort you. In the same way, listen to yourself and that too without any judgments. Value your voice and acknowledge the signal your inner self is giving you.
When you feel something isn’t right, believe it and try to get to the bottom. If your body needs rest, do it. Staying connected with yourself will help you stay mindful and calm because you will finally be acknowledging your needs & desires.
11. Indulge in random acts of kindness
Do you love gifting your good friends on their special day? Watching them happy from the bottom of their hearts is blissful. In the same way, why not do the same for yourself? Surprise yourself by going on a spa date or buying a ticket for your favorite artist’s concert. You have to spare some time for these random acts as you would for a friend.
12. Surround yourself with supportive people
Company matters and they can give away some fantastic life lessons. Yes, you are trying to be friends with yourself but you are going to need some help. Besides, not all can digest the fact of being friends with oneself. Therefore, to fully accept the desire “how to be your own best friend,” you must surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. You can turn to them when you need a listening ear or a helping hand. This could include friends, family, or a therapist or coach.
On a parting note
If you still need clarification about how to be your own best friend, this think piece should answer your query. But you must understand that being your own best friend takes practice. However, with time and patience, you can develop a solid and supportive relationship with yourself.
Treating yourself with kindness, compassion, and understanding can improve your well-being and help you live a happier and more fulfilling life.
“The best part about being alone is that you really don’t have to answer to anybody. You do what you want.”
Justin Timberlake
