Feeling stuck while living alone? Everyone else seems to be moving forward, leaving you to face yourself night after night? Living solo can sometimes be overwhelming, and the loneliness can weigh heavily. It's essential to recognize that romanticizing your life can save you both energy and therapy fees. It's easy to overlook how incredible it is to inhabit a completely new environment.
Here are seven reminders to help you romanticize your life in Beijing and make the most of it.
1. Have a Backup TV Show
In the daily hustle, there's often one TV show that serves as comforting background noise in your apartment. Whether it’s a favorite sitcom from the '90s or a new light-hearted comedy, letting it play as you handle your tasks can be nostalgic. So what if you’ve seen Ross stop Rachel’s plane a dozen times? It’s akin to comfort food that can ease your daily life.
2. Appreciate the Mundane
Many Instagram posts encourage you to cherish the small moments in life. Though you might not take this advice seriously, it could genuinely transform your perspective. Most of our time is spent on mundane tasks we deem boring or insignificant. Remember, every weekday counts. The next time you’re grocery shopping, take your time; explore, read labels, or ask for assistance. Even if you don't buy that dress, trying it on and capturing a photo can help you recognize your beauty.
3. Embrace Main Character Energy
Main character energy isn’t inherent; it is cultivated over time, and now it's your turn to showcase it. When living alone in a foreign country, it can be easy to lose your vibrant personality and feel overlooked. Remind yourself that you control your life, and no one else should dictate your choices. Stop seeking permission, waiting for companionship, or confining yourself to arbitrary limitations. In heroic fashion, embrace your journey and live your life boldly—it’s your story!
4. Dive into Hobbies
Introducing a new hobby is one of the simplest ways to get out of a rut and enhance your Beijing experience. Perfectionism isn’t necessary, nor does it need to be financially rewarding. Engage in activities purely for enjoyment, whether that's ordering an RMB 18 embroidery kit to fix your jeans, exploring coloring apps, or practicing bullet journaling. If photography sparks joy, capture the scenic beauty of your surroundings, or maybe try that three-ingredient cake you saved online. Life is more than collapsing on your bed and endlessly scrolling through Instagram.
5. Create a Relaxing Ambiance
There’s a certain beauty in unwinding and creating an aesthetic evening at home. While it may seem extravagant, organizing a relaxing bath (you can even buy collapsible baths on Taobao!) with candles and ambient lighting can alleviate loneliness. Solitude can be beneficial; you might find that your best thoughts emerge during these moments. Next time, treat yourself to a unique bath with Epsom salts, rose petals, and fragrant scents—this can be incredibly therapeutic and a cost-effective way to add a touch of romance to your life, with candles at IKEA starting at RMB 7.99!
6. Embrace Being a Foreigner
To truly romanticize solitude and enjoy your experience in Beijing, accept that you will always be a foreigner here. Capture the beauty of every corner of the city, as you may never return. Try unfamiliar dishes, make friends who barely speak English, venture to distant parts of the city, or explore quirky art exhibitions. Connect with locals, even if it’s just with a few words in your limited Chinese. Your uniqueness is something to embrace, not shy away from—there’s freedom in being alone, and that’s an exciting aspect!
7. Challenge Your Preconceptions
We often anguish more in our minds than in reality, limiting our happiness with preconceived notions. Acknowledge the rarity of being alone in a foreign city. Understand the immense opportunity this represents—many would envy your situation. We tend to overlook the joys of immersing ourselves in a new culture, learning a different language, trying new cuisines, and living an alternate lifestyle. You can reinvent yourself here; why settle for your old identity? Explore a new persona and discover capabilities that surprise you. Don’t cling to outdated perceptions—you're now a different person in a vibrant city!
So here’s to you, my fellow solitary Beijinger. Here’s to us, making the most of the present while looking forward to a wonderful future! You’ve got this—I believe in you!
Here are seven tips to help you romanticize your solo life in Beijing and make the most of it.