Ever since I was a young child, I have always been told how extroverted I am. When given the option, I always choose to be surrounded by people rather than spend time on my own. When I am alone I can’t help but find myself overthinking. Am I good enough? Do my friends hate me? Am I going to be successful? These are all thoughts that go through my head when I am alone.

With the current quarantine situation, I have been forced to push myself to be okay on my own. I am sure there are many people out there who also find themselves in this situation when they are alone. In order to try and help others who experience these same feelings, I have created ten exercises you can do when you are feeling stressed about being on your own:

• Know that it is okay to facetime and call your friends and family whenever you need.
• Journal. This allows you to get these thoughts on paper so that they are not floating around in your head.
• Take a shower. Whenever I feel overwhelmed with my own thoughts, a shower helps me regroup.
• Find a hobby that you can do on your own. For me, I have picked up drawing!
• Try a new recipe and spoil yourself with a yummy dessert!
• Go on a walk. The sunshine and breeze always make me feel better.
• Meditate. This is a calming experience that works best when you are alone anyway!
• Put together fun outfits in your closet. Give yourself a fashion show and practice your inner model walk.
• SING! We all get stage fright but when you are alone it is the perfect time to pretend you’re Beyoncé!
• Take time to realize what you love about yourself.

We often seek validation from others, but I believe that doing these things have made me appreciate myself so much. I have become my own biggest cheerleader and more independent than I ever thought I could be. This time can be scary but I believe that making the most of it can result in extreme self-growth and self-love.