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I do a lot of activities alone. Not because I don’t have any friends or family who love me and share similar interests, but I’ve grown to enjoy my own company and stepping outside of my comfort zone. The first time I took the plunge was when I went to the Apollo Theatre in Victoria, London, to watch the iconic Wicked The Musical alone for my 21st birthday. I hated it and silently cried throughout the interval, watching people converse with their loved ones. But it taught me several lessons and I have since stopped thinking twice about going anywhere alone. Now, you’d happily find me at the cinema, gig, concert, restaurant, on a solo travel trip and yes, even the theatre, alone. For those thinking about it, but still need convincing, here are some of the reasons why you should try doing activities alone this summer. Increased independence and confidence Apart from learning to appreciate the peace that comes from silence, you could also start learning a new skill or invest in a talent, such as playing an instrument or knitting. “Trying out activities alone can boost your independence and confidence,” said Natalie Viglione, a life, business and spiritual coach who runs Team Gu and the Disrupt Now Program, which helps people and their businesses. “It’s an opportunity to rely on your own judgment and decision-making skills, which can make you feel empowered and more self-assured.” You learn more about yourself It may be easier to coast through life, but taking the time to be self-reflective to learn more about who you are – your likes, dislikes, values and how you are in uncomfortable situations – will provide you with great insight, direction and depth. You might discover new things and experience personal growth along the way too. “The lessons are endless, because the opportunities are too,” said Radha Vyas, CEO and co-founder of group adventure travel company Flash Pack. “Outside of the safety net of your friends and family, you are more open to meeting others, making new friends and creating new connections. The fear of loneliness dissipates almost immediately. Taking on new adventures and experiencing new things [like] solo travelling is life-affirming, and also brings with it a triumphant sense of achievement.” Making new friends Making new friends as an adult isn’t straightforward. But doing activities alone will provide you with countless opportunities to meet people who have similar interests as you. Using solo travelling as an example, Vyas said: “People often feel nervous to travel alone for fear they will be lonely or feel isolated. I’ve travelled solo a lot and have met others at every stage of my journey. “In fact, it’s often hard to have time alone. I think that’s the beauty of travelling solo – you are more open to meeting others and, as a result, wonderful and interesting new friendships form.” Reduced stress and improved mental health There’s a difference between doing activities alone and being lonely. For Lowri-Dowthwaite Walsh, a senior lecturer in psychological interventions at University of Central Lancashire, some people may be more reluctant to spend time alone, because we are often told that we should be with other people. “We are social creatures and tend to crave companionship. We are also aware of negative messages and stereotypes around solitude,” said Walsh. “Some people feel a sense of loneliness when they are alone and may not spend a great deal of time in their own company. Introverted individuals may be more used to being alone than extroverts.” But Walsh goes on to explain that throughout the centuries many philosophers, artists, poets and spiritual leaders have advocated for solitude. “Spending time alone enables you to get to know yourself better. Being alone with one’s thoughts and feelings deepens the relationship with oneself. It also allows for more spiritual and philosophical reflection. Being alone in nature has also been shown to improve wellbeing.” Walsh recommends journaling as a good reflective activity that can be done alone with plenty of time and space. Going for a walk in nature, doing some crafting or painting are also valuable ways to spend time by yourself. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to make your summer tan last longer Why do I get sick when I go on holiday? As Katie Boulter takes Wimbledon by storm, we look at her best on-court fashion so far

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Jenson Button won the Formula One world title on this day in 2009 after a fifth-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix. A combination of brilliant driving and dramatic incidents saw the Brawn GP driver elevated into fifth spot at Interlagos, while rivals Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello finished fourth and eighth, respectively. That left Button with a 15-point cushion over Vettel, with Barrichello two points further back with just one race remaining. He became the 10th British driver to win the top prize in motor racing, inheriting the crown from compatriot Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 champion. The 29-year-old Button may not have wrapped it up in the way he would have liked, having won six of the first seven races of the season, but his Brawn team also claimed the constructors’ title just over 10 months after they appeared to be on the scrapheap when Honda pulled out of the sport. The tears and the champagne flowed at the end of 71 laps, with Button’s father John admitting he and his son “cried like babies” when theyembraced each other after the race. “You don’t win the world championship and feel relief, you feel ecstatic,” Jenson Button said. “All the memories, good and bad, go through your mind, not just from this year, but previous years in the sport, especially this year. “I had such a great start to the season and then the last few races were pretty stressful for me because the pace was there, but we struggled a few times. “This team has done staggeringly well and what we’ve achieved this season after the winter we’ve had is exceptional, and I don’t think there has been a season like it in Formula One. “It’s great to be sat here as world champion and I personally think I thoroughly deserve it. I’ve been the best over 16 races and that’s what world titles are all about.” Button completed the 2009 season with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix two weeks later, finishing 11 points clear of Vettel. He moved to McLaren the following season and was runner-up to Vettel in the 2011 title race. He retired from F1 in 2017. Read More FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen Angry Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and storms out of interview Max Verstappen fastest in Qatar practice as he closes in on world championship

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What’s new in hair color right now? We’re so glad you asked. There’s a whole spectrum of shade options, which is both exciting and overwhelming when you’re planning your next appointment. To help, we asked some of our favorite colorists to break down the exact tones and styles they’re excited about for summer — like a surprisingly low-maintenance platinum-adjacent blonde, or a tone of gold that reads as almost pearlescent.

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