Just because you like alone time doesn’t mean you’re an anti-social introvert. In fact, it means you prioritize your mental health and personal growth. Spending a few hours each week on your own provides you with the opportunity to self-reflect and unwind from life’s hecticness. This special personal time is an effortless way to recharge and focus your energy inwards so that you can achieve your goals.
Ensuring that you pencil some alone time into your schedule should never be seen as a negative. Solitude is important and will bring you plenty of benefits like increased creativity and mental clarity, along with reduced stress levels. Studies have shown that people who prioritize alone time are highly creative, which can be applied to your professional and personal life.
And “alone time” can look however you want it to — you can melt into the couch with a good book, go for a jog in the fresh air, or have a bubble bath. There are no hard and fast rules about how you should engage in self-care that will make you the best version of yourself. However, choosing an alone time activity should allow some space for self-reflection so that you can reconnect with yourself, understand your desires, and set more meaningful goals. So, if you’re planning on a Netflix marathon, give yourself time for journaling or meditation inbetween episodes.
Alone time can also lead to stronger relationships, especially if you’re always spending time with your significant other, family members, or friends. While you may think this “social” time is filling your cup, constant socialization can also bring stress. They say “distance makes the heart grow fonder”, and we’re positive that a few hours of alone time counts as distance. You’ll notice that you have more patience with others, allowing your relationships to flourish in ways they wouldn’t if you’re always attached at the hip.
Here are some practical tips and strategies for incorporating alone time into a busy schedule:
Learn how to say “no”
If you’re a people pleaser, the word “no” is likely rarely uttered from your mouth. But saying “no” to taking on additional tasks or favors is really a form of self-care, as you’re prioritizing yourself and what YOU need to get accomplished. This doesn’t mean that you can never help anyone out, as you still should. But instead, ensure that you don’t take on so much that you overwhelm your schedule and neglect your own mental well-being.
Take a solo lunch break
Do you have a friend at work or school that always tags along on lunch breaks with you? If so, you’re missing out on some prime alone time! While eating lunch with your teammates is a great way to build culture, it also doesn’t give you a whole lot of time throughout the day to decompress. Instead of having lunch with your coworkers every day, aim to spend one break by yourself so that you can eat your sandwich in peace or go for a walk.
Start an exercise routine
Finding a form of physical activity that you enjoy can work wonders. Discover a pilates channel on YouTube and try to do a 30-minute workout video twice a week. Or, find a gym that has a daycare so you can exercise without your kids bothering you. Regular physical activity has been linked to improved health and immune function, improved energy, and reduced stress, among many other benefits.
Start a journal
Journalling can be really cathartic and an important part of self-discovery. So, enjoy the solitude with nothing but a notebook and pen! While journaling on a daily basis is the goal, even just writing a short entry a few times a week will help you achieve inner peace. Try to touch on what’s currently happening in your life, as well as goal setting and things you’re feeling grateful for.
