Living alone has many good sides: your own rhythms, your own space, your own freedom.

With a few small habits, you can enjoy it with more peace of mind too.

Here are the ones people who live alone mention most often.

Your phone, always within reach

It sounds obvious, but it’s the most important thing.

At night keep it on the bedside table, charging.

During the day take it with you from room to room, even to the bathroom.

If you fall or feel unwell, a phone in your pocket is worth more than anything else.

An “I’m here” every day

A small daily signal to someone who loves you is a light safety net.

It can be a message, a call, or a tap on “I’m okay”.

If you’d like one step more, with a check-in time I’m Okay alerts your loved ones if you don’t check in that day.

A home that doesn’t trip you up

Many accidents at home start with small things.

• Fix down or remove rugs that slip.
• Leave a small light on at night between the bedroom and the bathroom.
• Keep things you use often within easy reach, with no need for a step stool.
• In the bathroom, a non-slip mat and a grab rail can make a real difference.

Important numbers, in plain sight

Write down the numbers that matter on a sheet of paper: the emergency number, your doctor, a neighbour, a relative.

Stick it on the fridge or by the door.

In a moment of stress, a sheet of paper is quicker to read than a contacts list.

A key in good hands

Leave a spare key with someone you trust who lives nearby.

If someone ever needs to get in quickly, nobody will have to force the door.

A friendly neighbour

Knowing your neighbours is one of the oldest forms of safety, and it still works.

Swap numbers, say hello, let each other know when you go away.

If you like, connect on I’m Okay too: a neighbour is often the first person who can get there.

When you go out alone

For a hike, a trip, or just a longer walk than usual, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

I’m Okay has “Back by…”: if you don’t confirm you’re back, your loved ones know, with your last location.

Not just about safety

Living alone doesn’t mean being alone.

Look after your relationships: a long phone call, a coffee with a friend, a group activity.

Staying in touch with others is good for your mood, and for your safety too.

The morning “I’m okay”, after all, is first of all a way of telling someone: I’m thinking of you.