How to Be Single and Happy in Your 30s

Co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: December 15, 2021 References

When you’re not in a relationship, it can feel like everyone you know has partnered up, especially as you hit your 30s. Being single isn’t a bad thing, though—in fact, it comes with a lot of perks! You get to experience freedom at a time in your life when you know what you want. On top of that, you can focus on yourself and pursue the things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for! It’s totally possible to appreciate the single life for what it is.

Here are 10 tips to help you embrace being single in your 30s.

1

Enjoy your freedom.

You can stay out as late as you want without checking in. If you want to take the day off and head to the beach, you can! People who aren’t single have another person’s schedule to worry about, but you can do whatever you want whenever you want. Enjoy it!^{[1]
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- It’s always good to tell at least one person where you’re going, especially if you’re alone. Shoot your mom or a close friend a text before you head out into the woods for the weekend, just to be safe.

2

Appreciate your living space.

It can be as clean or as messy as you want it to be. If you hate dishes stacked in the sink, take it upon yourself to clean them early. Or, if you don’t mind a bit of clutter, leave the house a bit messier. It’s up to you to decide how you decorate and exist in your space.^{[2]
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- Plus, when you’re single, you can probably get a smaller place (and a smaller place means less cleaning for you!).

3

Date yourself.

Treat yourself to dinners and fun adventures. If there’s a new restaurant you’ve been dying to try out, go for it! If you want to see a new movie, head to the theater and do it! You can do anything you want on your own time.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Another benefit to being single is that you don’t have to compromise with anyone. If you don’t want tacos, then you don’t have to get them. If you prefer action movies, you never have to watch a chick flick.

4

Dive into your career.

Focus on propelling yourself forward into new opportunities. You don’t have to be a workaholic, but you can take advantage of the fact that no one’s going to be mad if you get home late. Attend seminars, take extra classes, and work your way up in your field to get fulfillment out of your job.^{[4]
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- If you don’t like the career you’re in now, change it! It’s never too late to go back to school or take some vocational classes to switch your field.

5

Take time to travel.

Spend your money on fun trips and excursions.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist
Expert Interview. 27 October 2021.} If you’ve always wanted to go abroad but you’ve never been, book a flight! You can invite a few friends with you or simply go on your own. When you travel alone, you can do anything whenever you want on your own schedule.^{[6]
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- If heading overseas sounds a little daunting, try taking a road trip instead.

6

Explore a new hobby.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe you could dip your toe into doing roller derby or softball. Or, you could buy a drone and practice flying it around the park. Use your free time to learn a new skill or try something fun that you haven’t had a chance to.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist
Expert Interview. 27 October 2021.}
- Try joining a club or a hobby group to meet other people who share your similar interests.

7

Give back to your community.

Volunteer at an animal shelter or a local hospital. Use your free time to give back to the members in your community who may be less fortunate. Volunteering can help you feel fulfilled and even make you happier in your daily life.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you have the space, you could even foster a pet until they find their forever home.

8

Strengthen your friendships.

You don’t need to be in a relationship to have strong connections. Focus on bonding with the friends you already have and making new friends to feel fulfilled. Go out to dinner, have a fun weekend with friends, and work on fostering strong relationships with people that you love.^{[9]
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- Focusing on your friendships can help distract you from the desire to have a partner. If you hang out with cool people that you love, you’re less likely to feel lonely.
- If you don’t have kids yet but your friends do, see if you can babysit for them. It will be a good way to spend some time with children if you don’t have any of your own.

9

Get some quality sleep.

Studies show that single people sleep better than those in relationships. Invest in a nice, comfy bed with as many or as few pillows as you want. You can lie sideways, diagonal, or even straight down the middle! Take advantage of sleeping on your own by appreciating it while you have it.^{[10]
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- Another perk of being single: you can go to bed whenever you want! No more fighting about going to sleep too early or sleeping in too late.

10

Stay physically active.

It will keep you happier and healthier.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist
Expert Interview. 27 October 2021.} Research shows that single people tend to be in better shape than their married counterparts. Use your free time to hit the gym, go for a jog, or swim some laps. Your body will thank you!^{[12]
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- Try joining a hiking group to get some exercise out in nature.