Spend time alone

But we don’t have to actually go anywhere to have this experience. We can treat ourselves to a vacation every day by finding a small, protected space to gain some mental stillness, perspective, and reflection. One of the best ways to do this is with a daily practice of solitude. Solitude isn’t about being lonely, it’s the positive, intentional practice of being by yourself. The ability to enjoy your own company is essential for happiness.

What does solitude give us that’s so valuable? Whether we’re getting it on a sun-lounger on vacation or a yoga mat on our kitchen floor, one of its great gifts is reflection. Solitude enables us to calmly and mindfully survey our life and, in doing so, strengthen our Core Happiness by building our sense of contentment and control and moving us back into alignment. It helps us get in touch with our innermost feelings, to process our anxieties, and offers the possibility of a fresh perspective. We become more in tune with ourselves and, in turn, with the world around us.